Strawberry Freezer Jam

Easy strawberry freezer jam is the perfect sweet treat to enjoy throughout the year. This delightful jam captures the essence of fresh strawberries, making it ideal for spreading on toast, adding to desserts, or even giving as a thoughtful gift. With its simple preparation and no cooking required, Strawberry Freezer Jam is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delightful jam in no time.
• Fresh Flavor: The use of fresh strawberries ensures that each jar bursts with authentic fruit flavor.
• No Cooking Required: Skip the stove! This recipe allows you to make jam without any cooking, preserving the strawberries’ natural sweetness.
• Long Shelf Life: Store your jam in the freezer for up to a year, ensuring you have a tasty treat on hand whenever you need it.
• Perfect for Gifting: Homemade strawberry freezer jam makes an excellent gift for friends and family, showcasing your culinary skills.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your strawberry freezer jam, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Jelly jars
• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups
• Spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Jelly jars: These are essential for storing your jam and keeping it fresh during freezing.
• Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl is important to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Saucepan: Used for boiling the pectin mixture; ensures proper consistency in your jam.

Ingredients

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

For the Strawberry Mixture

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (crushed)
• 4 cups sugar

For the Pectin Mixture

• 1.74 oz Sure Jell fruit pectin

How to Make Strawberry Freezer Jam

Step 1: Clean Your Ingredients

1. Clean jelly jars and strawberries thoroughly.
2. Remove stems from strawberries.

Step 2: Prepare Strawberries

1. Blend or crush strawberries to create your desired consistency.
2. Measure two cups of crushed strawberries and place them in a large bowl.

Step 3: Combine Sugar and Strawberries

1. To the large bowl, add 4 cups of sugar (ensure you use the exact amount).
2. Let stand for 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Cook the Pectin Mixture

1. Stir 1.75 oz package of fruit pectin with 3/4 cup water in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
3. Boil for 1 minute while continuing to stir.
4. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Mix Pectin with Strawberries

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

Step 6: Jar Your Jam

1. Fill jelly jars immediately, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
2. Cover with lids and let set at room temperature for 24 hours.
3. Freeze for up to one year.

Enjoy your homemade strawberry freezer jam on toast, pancakes, or even as a topping for desserts!

How to Serve Strawberry Freezer Jam

Strawberry freezer jam is a delightful spread that adds a burst of flavor to various dishes. Here are some creative ways to enjoy your homemade jam.

On Toast or Bread

• Toasted Sourdough – Slather on warm, toasted sourdough for a delicious breakfast treat.
• Whole Wheat Bread – Spread on whole wheat bread for a healthier option that still tastes great.

With Dairy Products

• Yogurt Parfait – Layer strawberry jam with yogurt and granola for a refreshing parfait.
• Cheese Plate – Pair with soft cheeses like cream cheese or mascarpone for an elegant snack.

In Desserts

• Ice Cream Topping – Drizzle over vanilla ice cream for a fruity and sweet dessert.
• Pancakes or Waffles – Use as a topping for pancakes or waffles instead of syrup for added sweetness.

As a Glaze

• Chicken Glaze – Brush over grilled chicken for a sweet and tangy glaze during cooking.
• Fruit Salad Dressing – Mix with citrus juice to create a light dressing for fruit salads.

How to Perfect Strawberry Freezer Jam

To ensure your strawberry freezer jam turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use ripe strawberries – Ripe strawberries have the best flavor and sweetness, which enhances your jam.
• Measure accurately – Exact measurements of sugar and pectin are crucial for the desired consistency and taste.
• Allow proper resting time – Letting the mixture sit is essential for the sugar to dissolve fully before adding pectin.
• Stir consistently – Stirring while boiling prevents the pectin from clumping, ensuring an even texture in your jam.
• Store correctly – Make sure jars are sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Freezer Jam

Strawberry freezer jam pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Greek Yogurt – A creamy and tangy base that complements the sweetness of the jam beautifully.
2. Oatmeal – Stir in some strawberry jam into your morning oatmeal for added flavor and sweetness.
3. Granola Bars – Create homemade granola bars with a layer of strawberry jam for extra taste.
4. Rice Cakes – Spread strawberry freezer jam on rice cakes for a crunchy snack that’s light yet satisfying.
5. Peanut Butter Sandwiches – Add a layer of strawberry jam to peanut butter sandwiches for a classic twist.
6. Cheese Biscuits – Serve warm cheese biscuits with strawberry jam as an appetizer or snack option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry freezer jam is easy, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the outcome.

• Using the wrong amount of sugar: Sugar plays a crucial role in preserving the jam and balancing flavors. Always measure accurately to ensure success.
• Not letting the mixture sit: After combining strawberries and sugar, let them rest for 10 minutes. This allows juices to develop and enhances the flavor.
• Skipping boiling the pectin: Boiling the pectin is essential for proper gelling. Don’t skip this step; it ensures your jam sets correctly.
• Overfilling jars: Leave at least 1/2 inch of space at the top of each jar to allow for expansion during freezing. This prevents messy spills.
• Not stirring long enough: Stirring the mixture for at least three minutes after adding pectin is vital for ensuring everything blends well and thickens properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in clean, airtight containers.
• Consume within 3 weeks for optimal flavor and freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Freezer Jam

• Use freezer-safe jars or containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Best used within 1 year for best taste, but can last longer if stored properly.

Reheating Strawberry Freezer Jam

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place sealed jars in a baking dish filled with water. Heat until warm but do not boil.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container. Heat in short intervals (15-20 seconds), stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed. Do not boil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making strawberry freezer jam.

What is Strawberry Freezer Jam?

Strawberry freezer jam is a no-cook method of preserving strawberries into a sweet spread that can be frozen for later use.

Can I use other fruits for freezer jam?

Yes! Raspberry, blueberry, or peach can also be used with similar techniques and measurements.

How long does Strawberry Freezer Jam last?

When frozen properly, strawberry freezer jam can last up to a year. Once opened, store it in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Why is my Strawberry Freezer Jam runny?

A runny texture may result from not using enough sugar or pectin. Ensure you follow measurements closely for best results.

Final Thoughts

This easy strawberry freezer jam recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy fresh strawberries all year round. It’s versatile; feel free to customize it by adding other fruits or spices. Once you’ve tried this method, you’ll likely want to experiment with different flavors!