Strawberry Freezer Jam

Easy strawberry freezer jam is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every spoonful. This quick and simple recipe allows you to enjoy the fresh taste of strawberries year-round. Perfect for spreading on toast, topping desserts, or enjoying straight from the jar, Strawberry Freezer Jam is versatile and easy to make. With its vibrant color and sweet flavor, it’s sure to impress at any gathering or simply brighten your breakfast routine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This jam can be made in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
• No Cooking Required: Unlike traditional canning methods, this recipe requires no extensive cooking or fussing over a stove.
• Fresh Flavor: The use of fresh strawberries ensures that every bite bursts with natural sweetness and flavor.
• Long Shelf Life: Store in the freezer for up to a year, allowing you to enjoy strawberry jam long after the season has ended.
• Versatile Uses: Perfect as a topping for pancakes, ice cream, or yogurt—this jam can enhance a variety of dishes.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your ingredients and tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Having everything ready ensures you won’t miss a step while making your delicious Strawberry Freezer Jam.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Jelly jars
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Saucepan
• Blender or potato masher

Importance of Each Tool

• Jelly jars: These containers are key for storing your jam safely in the freezer while preserving freshness.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all ingredients without spills.
• Blender or potato masher: This tool helps achieve the desired consistency for your strawberries quickly.

Ingredients

Easy strawberry freezer jam using fresh strawberries, sugar, and pectin.

For the Jam

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (crushed)
• 4 cups sugar
• 1.74 oz Sure Jell fruit pectin

How to Make Strawberry Freezer Jam

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Clean jelly jars thoroughly along with strawberries. Remove stems from strawberries before proceeding.
2. Blend or crush strawberries until you reach your desired consistency. Measure two cups of crushed strawberries and place them in a large bowl.

Step 2: Combine Sugar with Strawberries

1. In the large bowl with crushed strawberries, add 4 cups of sugar (make sure to use the exact amount).
2. Allow this mixture to stand for 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Prepare the Pectin Mixture

1. In a saucepan, stir together 1.75 oz package of fruit pectin with 3/4 cup water.
2. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for one minute while continuing to stir.
3. Remove from heat once done.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

1. Immediately add the boiled pectin to the strawberry-sugar mixture.
2. Stir vigorously for about 3 minutes or until all sugar is dissolved and the mixture thickens.

Step 5: Jar Your Jam

1. Fill jelly jars immediately, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top for expansion.
2. Cover jars with lids and let them set at room temperature for about 24 hours before transferring them to the freezer.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Freezer Jam, perfect for all occasions!

How to Serve Strawberry Freezer Jam

Strawberry freezer jam is a delightful treat that can enhance many dishes. Its sweet and fruity flavor makes it versatile for various serving options.

On Toast or Bread

• Spread a generous layer of strawberry freezer jam on warm toast or fresh bread for a quick breakfast or snack.

With Yogurt

• Swirl some strawberry jam into your favorite yogurt for a refreshing and fruity twist that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

As a Topping for Pancakes or Waffles

• Drizzle strawberry freezer jam over pancakes or waffles instead of syrup for a vibrant splash of flavor.

In Smoothies

• Add a spoonful of strawberry jam to smoothies for natural sweetness and a boost of berry flavor, making your drink even more delicious.

Accompaniment to Cheese Plates

• Serve strawberry freezer jam alongside cheeses on a cheese board; the sweetness pairs beautifully with sharp cheeses like cheddar or brie.

In Baking Recipes

• Incorporate strawberry jam into baked goods such as muffins or cakes for added moisture and berry goodness.

How to Perfect Strawberry Freezer Jam

Creating the best strawberry freezer jam requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your jam turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose ripe strawberries: Use fresh, fully ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Overripe or underripe berries can affect the taste and texture.

• Measure accurately: Ensure you measure the sugar and pectin precisely. The right ratios are crucial for achieving the perfect consistency.

• Stir well: Mix the ingredients thoroughly after adding pectin. Proper stirring helps dissolve sugar completely, resulting in a smoother jam.

• Use clean jars: Always clean your jars properly before filling them. This prevents contamination and helps preserve your jam longer.

• Leave space in jars: Fill jars but leave about 1/2 inch at the top. This allows room for expansion during freezing without overflow.

• Store correctly: After setting at room temperature, store your jam in the freezer immediately to maintain freshness for up to one year.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Freezer Jam

Strawberry freezer jam pairs well with numerous side dishes that complement its sweet flavor. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cream Cheese Spread: A creamy spread that works wonderfully with crackers or bagels, enhancing the sweet-tart flavor of the jam.

2. Savory Biscuits: Flaky biscuits make an excellent base for pairing with strawberry jam, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

3. Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars can be elevated by spreading some strawberry freezer jam on top before slicing them into pieces.

4. Fruit Salad: A bowl of mixed fruit can be dressed up with a dollop of strawberry jam, adding sweetness and cohesion among different fruits.

5. Oatmeal: Stirring in a spoonful of strawberry freezer jam into warm oatmeal creates a deliciously sweet breakfast option.

6. Pita Chips with Hummus: Pair crunchy pita chips dipped in hummus with a side of strawberry jam for an unexpected but tasty combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making strawberry freezer jam, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final product. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Using the wrong amount of sugar: Sugar is crucial for texture and sweetness. Stick to the exact measurement to achieve the best results.
• Not letting the mixture sit: Allowing the strawberries and sugar to rest is essential for proper flavor infusion. Make sure to wait the recommended time.
• Skipping the pectin boiling step: Boiling pectin activates its gelling properties. Don’t miss this step or your jam may not set properly.
• Overfilling jars: Leaving insufficient space at the top can lead to overflow during freezing. Always leave a 1/2 inch gap in jars.
• Ignoring storage guidelines: Proper storage helps maintain flavor and quality. Follow freezing and refrigeration instructions carefully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store opened jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
• Use airtight containers to keep jams fresh.

Freezing Strawberry Freezer Jam

• Freeze jars without lids for optimal results, then add lids once frozen.
• Enjoy within one year for best flavor and quality.

Reheating Strawberry Freezer Jam

• Oven: Place jar in a warm oven (around 200°F) for gentle heating.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strawberry Freezer Jam?

Strawberry freezer jam is a quick and easy method for preserving strawberries without cooking them, resulting in a fresh taste.

How long does homemade strawberry freezer jam last?

When stored properly, homemade strawberry freezer jam can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or be frozen for up to one year.

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for different flavors.

Is it necessary to use pectin?

Pectin helps achieve the right consistency in freezer jam. While you can try without it, using pectin ensures better results.

How do I know if my jam has set properly?

The jam should thicken after sitting at room temperature for 24 hours. If it’s still runny, consider adding more pectin next time.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Freezer Jam recipe is not only simple but also versatile, allowing you to enjoy fresh strawberry flavors year-round. Feel free to customize it by mixing in other fruits or adjusting sweetness levels. Try making your own batch today!