Once you make this homemade freezer jam you will NEVER GO BACK. I'm telling you, the fresh berry sweetness is unparalleled to any store bought jarred jam. Not to mention strawberry freezer jam does not contain the amount of preservatives and dyes store bought may contain.
Since there are a couple of different ways to make easy, jam in the freezer. I'm showing you my favorite way to make it!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Homemade jam is a great way to preserve the fresh flavor of summer berries!
- Better than storebought any day!
- Freezer jam is the easiest way to make no-cook jam at home.
- An easy recipe anyone can make!
Ingredients
I love how easy and simple this homemade strawberry jam is to make. You don't have to cook or pressure cook anything. All you need are three simple ingredients.
- Strawberries: We're using strawberries but this recipe works great with any kind of berry.
- Pectin: Pectin is a must have for no-cook jam. It is what makes it thicken. There's more info about this ingredient next!
- Sugar: Simple granulated sugar is all you need.
MONEY SAVING TIP: I like to make a huge batch of homemade jam when the berries are in season and very inexpensive. Look for about $1 a pound, maybe even less! When berries are at that price grab several pounds and make enough to last you through the summer and winter months.
What is Pectin?
Pectin is naturally present in ripe fruits and vegetables but it's also sold as a natural water-soluble substance that can be used to thicken jam without needing to cook it.
You can find it in most large grocery stores year round while other places, such as Target, only carry it during the summer or fall months when canning in popular.
You can usually find the pectin by the canning jars and products. This is not always in the baking isle but sometimes it can be. I usually have to ask an associate for where the canning products are! ha ha
There are two popular pectins for you to choose from when making this freezer jam recipe. Let me tell you the pros between each so you can decide what you want to buy.
#1 Ball RealFruit Instant Pectin: This is my go to pectin and here's why!
- It definitely brings more bang for your buck. If you are doing large batches I would grab this pectin.
- Ball instant pectin uses less sugar than sure jell.
- This instant pectin is a little less thick because it uses sugar and the thickener is slightly different.
- Using this brand of pectin, you can double or triple the recipe.
#2 Sure Jell Pectin
- This pectin must be cooked with some water before adding it to the crushed fruit.
- It uses a lot more sugar than other pectins (which also helps thicken the jam more.
- The best thing about this brand, it produces a more thicker, jelly like texture jam than other pectins.
- One box yields about 5 cups of jam using two cups of fresh fruit and four cups of sugar per box. It's great if you are making a small batch of jam but you can't double the recipe.
How to Make the Best No-Cook Jam
Once you've got all your ingredients gathered, here's the highlights of how to make homemade strawberry freezer jam.
- Wash your berries throughly and remove the green tops.
- Use a blender to crush the berries.
PRO TIP: You can also use a food processor or a hand held crusher. If you like chunks of berries in your jam just pulse to your desired consistency.
- Follow the directions on the box on preparing the pectin. Once it's mixed, dump your crushed berries in the bowl and stir.
PRO TIP: For each pectin you will want to follow the directions on the box when making the jam. This is important as different brands use different amounts of sugar and berries.
- Place the jam in airtight containers after it has rested the appropriate amount of time at room temp.
How to Store Freezer Jam
Once you've got the jam mixed, here are tips for storing it and using it!
- Use a funnel when ladling the jam into jars. It really cuts back on the mess!
- Use glass jars rather than plastic! Its more sustainable, easier to clean, and no chemicals leach out into the jam.
- Leave about an inch at the top for the jam to expand.
- NEVER run your frozen glass jar under hot water to defrost. Place in fridge or on the counter and let it defrost naturally.
- Make a nice label if giving a gift or if making for yourself be sure to date it so you know how long it will keep.
- Store your no-cook jam in the freezer for up to a year or in the fridge for two weeks.
Ideas for Using Homemade Jam
There are endless ways to use it but here are some of my favorites!
- It's the best with these dinner rolls. Every Sunday and Thanksgiving holiday this is what we eat and it's the best comfort food in the world.
- Give a jar as a gift to friends and family with some homemade french bread. You'll make a lot of friends doing that :)
- Swap out the syrup on your favorite stack of blender pancakes with some fresh strawberry jam.
- Spread it on pbj's or your breakfast toast.
- Add it to a bowl of vanilla berry chia seed ice cream!
- Serve it with nutella...or ...ya know...eat it by the spoonful.
Expert Tips
- Check the box of pectin for the amount of fresh berries and sugar you need. Each brand is a bit different.
- Allow the jam to set before storing. The amount of time varies by brand of pectin so check the box.
- Make sure to wash the berries very well before making into jam. I like to cover them with water in a large bowl and let them sit for a few minutes. Then repeat this at least once to ensure they're clean.
- Make freezer jam with any fresh, in-season berry!
- Buy berries on sale especially in the summer for a fresher, yet also more budget-friendly jam.
FAQs
If you using sure jell you CANNOT double the recipe. It will not thicken the same. If you are using Ball real fruit you can triple the batch, but don't exceed 6 cups of fruit per batch.
With freezer jam there's no need to cook the fruit! It will taste fresher and have a brighter color than cooked jams.
Yes as long as it's freezer-friendly! Mason jars work great to freeze!
Strawberry Freezer Jam
Ingredients
- Fresh Berries when on sale
- Instant Pectin
- Sugar
Instructions
- Puree fruit in blender to desired consistency
- In separate bowl mix sugar and pectin
- Add puree fruit to dry ingredients. Stir for 2 minutes.
- Ladle jam into jars and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Freeze. When using a jar keep refrigerated.
Notes
Nutrition
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Princess says
Can the jam be used right away? Or does it need to be frozen first before using it?
Kadee says
Yes, it can be used after it thickens. You don't have to freeze it before use.
Alli says
I make this every year thanks to you guys. Our pbj's and morning toast is forever changed.
Barb says
How much pectin do I add to 5 cups mashed strawberries and 2 cups of sugar?
Kadee says
We recommend following the quantities listed on the box of the brand of pectin you purchase. They all vary a little.
Heather says
I used ball pectin and my freezer jam is still quite runny after 24 hours. Is there something I can do to fix it?
Desarae says
Freezer Jam is more runny than store bought jam. You can mix more pectin in with a small amount of preserves and then stir it into your batch. But if you followed the pectin proportions exactly it is probably correct in its consistency.
Dennis says
Can you substitute honey instead of sugar in the Ball instant freezer jam recipe?
Desarae says
I would look up a specific recipe using honey in jam. Sugar acts as a preservative for the jam allowing it to stay stable.
Emily says
I just made some to serve with aebleskivers at a church gathering tonight. My grandma always served them with strawberry freezer jam, so I can’t wait to have some! Thanks for the recipe. I didn’t know it was so easy.
Emily Kemp says
I never knew you didn't have to cook jam, this sounds so easy!
Jen says
I always thought it was more complicated! Pinned so i can make it later! Thanks!