Homemade Strawberry Jam Recipe (No Pectin)
You can shop the ingredients from this recipe as part of a paid partnership with Target.
I’m not quite ready to accept that summer is ending. Normally, around this time of year, I’m simmering my homemade cinnamon spice potpourri, sipping coffee with pumpkin cream, and happily unpacking all the chairs and skewers for upcoming family bonfires.
I’ve been outside A LOT this summer and loved every minute, so maybe that’s why I’m milking summer for all it’s worth.
Today, I froze pounds of local strawberries to enjoy until next summer. This batch of strawberries was SUPER sweet, so I’ve got all kinds of ideas for them.
Yep, I plan on enjoying strawberry brownies and Ma’s fresh strawberry cake in the dead of winter while dreaming about summer again. Who have I turned into?!
For now, though, I’m enjoying all the recipes where fresh strawberries shine, starting with an easy homemade strawberry jam recipe!
There is just something about homemade jam
Have you ever made strawberry jam before?
There is something magical about simmering glistening ruby red strawberries and turning them into a delicious jam. The sweet fragrance floats through the house and sends my taste buds into a frenzy. I can barely wait until it firms up before I’m slathering it on everything.
I started making this easy classic jam recipe years ago, and it’s still a favorite. It simply works, it’s quick, and it makes a small batch. Not to mention, from-scratch jam makes a great gift.
Once you make homemade jam, it’s hard to go back to the store-bought version.
Just 3 Simple Ingredients
You’ll love that this easy strawberry jam recipe only requires three simple ingredients: strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice!
You’ll also love that you can add these ingredients directly to your Target cart right here from this recipe post!
I’ve teamed up with Target, and now every recipe on my site features a Target shop button in the recipe card.
Pretty darn cool, huh?!
How to Use The Target Shop Button
1. Scroll down to the recipe card on any recipe that you want to shop and click the pink “Shop Ingredients” button below the ingredients list.
2. Once you enter your zip code and select your Target store, the strawberry jam ingredients are automatically added to your cart! Check off any ingredients that you already have at home.
3. Click the pink “Check out at Target” button when you’re done. This takes you to your Target account, where you can choose delivery or order pickup. Done!
Why I LOVE this homemade jam recipe
- Small batch strawberry jam– This homemade jam recipe makes about 2 cups of jam. It’s the perfect size to get your fresh jam fix without making huge batches. Plus, it’s super easy!
- No extra pectin– You may wonder if strawberry jam is better with or without pectin. Strawberries are naturally low in pectin, so some people prefer to add additional pectin to jams and jellies. However, I actually prefer homemade jam without extra pectin. They are a bit softer in texture, making it more versatile.
- No canning required- Put away your jar lifter and water bath canner; no canning is required for this recipe.
- Fresh strawberry flavor- Only natural strawberry flavor shines through.
- Natural ingredients- No artificial flavors, colors, or high fructose corn syrup in this homemade jam recipe!
Picking the BEST strawberries
Summertime is the perfect time to make strawberry jam. The best strawberries for jam are fresh-picked strawberries, if possible.
If you can’t get fresh-picked strawberries, select strawberries that are firm, sweet, and free of any bruises since bruised strawberries could cause your jam to spoil quickly.
Since this recipe does not include any additional pectin, we’re relying on the natural pectin in the strawberries to create a firm jam.
Slightly underripe strawberries contain the most pectin, so it’s a good idea to choose a variety of ripe and slightly underripe strawberries.
How to Tell When Strawberry Jam Is Ready
To achieve a strawberry jam that will firm up correctly, you want to ensure you cook it long enough. How do you know when your strawberry mixture has cooked long enough?
There are two ways to check.
Thermometer- I like to use this method. Once your thermometer reads 220F., your jam is ready.
Plate test- If you do not have a thermometer, you can do the plate test. Before making your jam, chill a ceramic plate in the fridge or freezer. When you are ready to test the jam, place a small amount of the hot jam onto the chilled plate. If the jam holds its shape without running, it’s ready. If it’s runny, continue to cook for a bit longer, testing again until you achieve a firm jam.
Tips For Making From-Scratch Strawberry Jam
Use ripe strawberries- Local, fresh-picked strawberries were practically made for this homemade jam recipe. Choose strawberries that are firm, sweet, and free of any bruises. A mixture of ripe and slightly underripe is perfect.
Let the strawberries and sugar sit before heating- This causes them to release their juices. Having a bit of juice in the pan before turning on the heat helps to prevent burning the strawberries.
Thoroughly clean and dry the jar– Make sure your jars are squeaky clean. This prevents mold from growing in the jam and helps it last longer.
Be patient- Be patient when making strawberry jam and enjoy the process. Stir frequently and constantly monitor the heat to prevent burning.
Seal tightly- Be sure to keep your jam seal tightly in the fridge to prevent mold from growing.
How to Make The BEST Strawberry Jam Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- Fresh Strawberries– The strawberries provide natural pectin to allow the jam to set. (I like to use a mixture of ripe and slightly unripened strawberries.)
- Granulated Sugar– Sugar is used to sweeten the jam and act as a preservative and thickener.
- Lemon Juice– Lemon juice helps activate the pectin, balances out the sweetness, and acts as a preservative.
INSTRUCTIONS (detailed recipe at the bottom of post)
- Sterilize your mason jar (s) in boiling water and dry completely. Set aside. (You’ll need a jar large enough to hold roughly two cups.)
- Hull and remove the tops from the strawberries and dice the strawberries up. (See note about blending.)
- Place strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar in a large pot or deep saucepan.
- Stir to coat strawberries in sugar.
- Let strawberries sit for about 10-15 minutes until they begin to release their juices.
- Turn the heat to medium-low and stir with a rubber spatula until the sugar has melted completely. (Be sure to scrape any sugar off the sides of the pot and spatula. (All the sugar must be dissolved to prevent the finished jam from crystalizing.)
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes while stirring frequently and mashing the strawberries with a potato masher as they soften.
- Bring mixture to a full rolling boil, and boil until the mixture reaches 220 F. Stir constantly to prevent the mixture from burning.
- Remove from heat. (Skim off any foam from the top of the jam if desired.)
- Pour into the prepared jar, leaving about 1/4 inch space at the top.
- Place the lid on immediately and allow to cool until room temperature.
- Refrigerate until firm and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Common questions
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can. Allow them to thaw before proceeding with the recipe.
Why add lemon juice when making strawberry jam? If you’re wondering if you can skip the lemon juice, the answer is no. The lemon juice helps activate the pectin, which helps this jam to firm up. It also acts as a preservative. Don’t worry; the lemon juice won’t make the strawberry jam sour and will actually help balance out the sweetness.
Can I add lemon zest? Yes, you sure can!
Add some twists!
- Mix it up! Use different berries to create raspberry or blackberry jam. Or make a mixed berry jam!
- Try adding herbs like basil, lavender, or different flavorings or citrus zests.
- Add spice! Hints of cinnamon or cardamon can add a different level to jam.
- Make it boozy! A splash of champagne or bourbon would be excellent for unique jam gifts.
How to use Strawberry Jam
- Spread on biscuits, muffins, toasts, or bagels
- Use as an ice cream topping over vanilla ice cream or strawberry ice cream.
- Spoon on top of waffles or pancakes
- Swirl into your favorite yogurt
- Make epic peanut butter and jam sandwiches
- Spread on top of cheesecake
- Mix with vinegar and oil to make a sweet and tangy strawberry salad dressing!
Happy Jam-Making!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Strawberry Jam Recipe (No Pectin)
Ingredients
- 1 lb Fresh Strawberries, washed
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Sterilize your mason jar (s) in boiling water and dry completely. Set aside. (You'll need a jar large enough to hold roughly two cups.)
- Remove the tops from the strawberries and dice the strawberries up. (See note about blending.)1 lb Fresh Strawberries, washed
- Place strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar in a large pot or deep saucepan.1¼ cups granulated sugar, 1-2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- Stir to coat strawberries in sugar.
- Let strawberries sit for about 10-15 minutes until they begin to release their juices.
- Turn the heat to medium-low and stir with a rubber spatula until the sugar has melted completely. (Be sure to scrape any sugar off the sides of the pot and spatula. (All the sugar must be dissolved to prevent the finished jam from crystalizing.)
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes while stirring frequently and mashing the strawberries with a potato masher as they soften.
- Bring mixture to a full rolling boil, and boil until the mixture reaches 220 F. Stir constantly to prevent the mixture from burning.
- Remove from heat. (Skim off any foam from the top of the jam if desired.)
- Pour into the prepared jar, leaving about 1/4 inch space at the top.
- Place the lid on immediately and allow to cool until room temperature.
- Refrigerate until firm and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
