Sure, Jell Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe

When I was a kid, I always got excited during the strawberry season. Big baskets full of sweet, red strawberries meant we would make something tasty in the kitchen. One of my favorite things was making jam.

I have tried different ways to make strawberry jam, but freezer jam is the easiest. It tastes fresh and you do not need any special tools or canning jars. Just a few simple steps and it is ready.

This Sure‑Jell strawberry freezer jam is the one I always use. It has fruit pectin, which helps the jam set nicely. You just crush the berries, mix in sugar, stir in the pectin, and put it in the freezer. In less than an hour, you will have homemade jam to enjoy on toast, pancakes, or yogurt. I will show you how to make this easy sure jell strawberry freezer jam recipe.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy: You do not need a canner or any special equipment for this sure jell strawberry freezer jam recipe. The jam sets with pectin, not heat. This makes it perfect for beginners.
• Fresh taste: Since you do not cook the strawberries, the jam keeps its bright color and sweet, fresh flavor.
• Small batch size: One sure jell strawberry freezer jam recipe makes about six small jars. It is just enough to enjoy without taking up too much space in your freezer.
• Choose your sweetness: You can use regular Sure‑Jell for full sugar or the low‑sugar version if you want something lighter.
• Stores well: The jam lasts up to a year in the freezer. Once opened, it stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 weeks.

What is a Sure, Jell Strawberry Freezer Jam?

Sure Jell strawberry freezer jam is a simple, no-cook jam made with crushed strawberries, sugar, and fruit pectin. Unlike regular jam, you do not need to cook the fruit or use a canning bath. That makes it much easier and faster to make at home.

Freezer jam keeps its fresh strawberry taste because the fruit is not boiled. You just mash the berries, stir in sugar, and mix in a pectin mixture that helps it thicken.

Sure Jell is the name of the pectin brand used in this sure jell freezer jam recipe. It comes in two kinds. The yellow box is for low-sugar or no-sugar jam, and the pink box is for regular full-sugar jam.

You do not need any special tools. All you need is a saucepan, a big bowl, and some clean jars or containers. This method is beginner-friendly and perfect for anyone who wants a quick way to enjoy homemade jam.

Why I love this recipe

I love this sure jell freezer jam recipe because it feels like a summer tradition. It brings back memories of picking strawberries with my grandmother and helping her mash them in the kitchen. Now, as a busy adult, I enjoy how easy and fast it is. There is no long cooking time or need for special canning tools. I can make fresh-tasting jam in less than an hour.

I also like that Sure Jell gives me options. When my kids were younger, I used the full-sugar version to help the jam set firm. Now, I usually go with the low-sugar option. It still thickens well and the strawberry flavor comes through even more. This makes it a good choice if you want less sugar in your food.

Another reason I keep making this recipe is because it makes a great gift. A small jar of homemade jam with a ribbon always makes people happy. It feels special because it was made with care and summer berries. It is a simple and sweet way to share something homemade with family and friends.

Sure, Jell Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe

Recipe by Lutfan

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: ToppingsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

96

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

42

kcal

This homemade strawberry freezer jam bursts with the flavor of fresh berries and takes just minutes to make. No canning required—just mix, set, and freeze!

Ingredients for Strawberry Freezer Jam

• Fresh strawberries – 4 cups crushed (about 2 pounds whole)

• Granulated sugar – 3 cups

• Sure‑Jell pectin (yellow box) – 1 packet

• Water – 1 cup

• Clean jars or freezer containers – Six 8-ounce jars or similar containers with lids

How to make the best Sure Jell strawberry freezer jam?

• Step 1: Get the jars ready Wash your jars or containers with hot, soapy water. Rinse them well and let them air dry. You do not need to sterilize them since the jam goes in the freezer, but they must be clean.
• Step 2: Crush the strawberries Remove the green tops from the strawberries and place them in a big bowl. Use a potato masher or fork to mash them until you get 4 cups of crushed berries. Try to leave some little pieces for texture. Do not use a blender because it can make the jam too runny.
• Step 3: Mix sugar and pectin In a saucepan, add the sugar and the full packet of Sure Jell pectin. Stir them together until they are well mixed. This helps keep the pectin from clumping.
• Step 4: Boil the pectin mix Pour 1 cup of water into the saucepan and stir. Put the pan over medium-high heat. Keep stirring as it heats up. When the mixture comes to a full rolling boil that doesn’t stop when stirred, set a timer and boil it for exactly 1 minute. This step activates the pectin.
• Step 5: Combine with strawberries Take the saucepan off the heat and pour the hot pectin mix over your crushed strawberries. Stir quickly and keep stirring for a few minutes. Make sure all the sugar dissolves and the mixture feels smooth.
• Step 6: Fill the jars Spoon the jam into your jars or containers. Leave about half an inch of space at the top so the jam can expand when frozen. Wipe the jar edges clean and close them with the lids.
• Step 7: Let the jam set Leave the filled jars on the counter at room temperature for 24 hours. This gives the jam time to thicken. Do not refrigerate or freeze them yet.
• Step 8: Freeze or refrigerate After the jam has set, move the jars to the freezer. They will stay good for up to one year. If you want to use one right away, place it in the fridge. Once opened, it will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 weeks.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Pick the right pectin: Always use the right type of Sure Jell for this sure jell strawberry jam recipe. Powdered and liquid pectin are not the same. Also, the yellow box (less sugar) and pink box (original) need different sugar amounts. If you switch without adjusting, your jam may not set properly.
• Measure carefully Jam needs the right balance to set. In this sure jell strawberry jam recipe, always use proper measuring cups for the fruit and sugar. Too much fruit or too little sugar can make the jam runny or not set at all.
• Stir until sugar dissolves Freezer jam can feel grainy if the sugar is not fully dissolved. After mixing in the hot pectin, stir very well. Make sure you don’t feel any sugar crystals. Some people warm the fruit and sugar in the microwave for a few seconds to help dissolve the sugar. Just don’t cook it.
• Boil pectin for one minute only Use a timer and boil the pectin and water mix for exactly one minute. Less than that and the jam may not set. More than that and it could turn soft or watery.
• Do not blend the fruit Mash the strawberries with a fork or masher. This gives the jam texture and helps it set better. Using a blender or food processor can make the jam too smooth and watery.
• Do not double the batch Stick to one batch at a time. If you need more jam, make a second batch separately. Doubling can mess up the way the pectin works.

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Serving Strawberry Freezer Jam

This sweet and fruity jam goes well with so many things. Here are some of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy it.

• Spread it on toast or biscuits: Add a big spoonful to warm toast, English muffins, scones, or biscuits. The jam melts into the bread and makes your breakfast taste homemade and cozy.
• Mix it into yogurt or oatmeal: Stir some jam into plain yogurt or warm oatmeal. It adds just the right amount of sweetness and a fresh strawberry flavor. You can also sprinkle some granola on top for crunch.
• Use it as a pancake or waffle topping: Warm the jam for a few seconds in the microwave, then pour it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast. It tastes amazing with a little whipped cream.
• Add it to desserts: Use the jam as filling for thumbprint cookies, between cake layers, or swirled into cheesecake. It also tastes great over vanilla ice cream. The bright red color looks beautiful in any dessert.
• Pair it with cheese or meats: Try the jam on a cheese board with soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese. It also goes well with sharp Cheddar. You can even brush it onto grilled chicken or roasted pork for a sweet glaze.

Storage Suggestions 

• Freezing: After letting the jam sit at room temperature for 24 hours, place the jars in the freezer. They will stay good for up to a year. I like to stand them upright in a freezer bin so they do not tip over. If you are short on space, you can pour the jam into zip-top freezer bags. Lay the bags flat to freeze, then stack them to save room.
• Thawing: To thaw the jam, move a jar from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it sit overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature. A quick change in temperature can cause moisture to build up inside the jar, which may lead to watery jam.
• Refrigeration: Once you open a jar, store it in the fridge and use it within three to four weeks. Jams made with more sugar usually last a bit longer than low-sugar ones. Always use a clean spoon to take out the jam. This helps keep it safe and fresh.

Any storage tips to remember?

• Leave space at the top: Always leave about half an inch of empty space in each jar. This space gives the jam room to expand as it freezes. Without it, the jar might crack.
• Store in a cold, dark place: Freezer jam keeps best when it stays cold and out of the light. In the freezer, this is easy. In the fridge, try to keep the jar on a middle shelf where the temperature is steady, not in the door where it can change quickly.
• Check before using: Before serving, look at the jam and give it a quick sniff. If you see mold, smell anything sour or yeasty, or notice too much liquid separating, it is best to throw it out.

Topping Ideas

Strawberry freezer jam is already tasty, but you can make it even better with these simple topping ideas:

• Fresh fruit: Add sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries on top of your toast or yogurt. This adds color, texture, and extra sweetness.
• Nuts and seeds: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, chia seeds, or flaxseeds over jam on oatmeal or smoothie bowls. It gives a nice crunch and some healthy fats.
• Whipped cream or mascarpone: A spoonful of whipped cream or smooth mascarpone makes jam on pancakes or scones feel extra special.
• Herbs and spices: Mix in a little chopped basil or mint for a fresh twist. A small pinch of cinnamon or a few vanilla bean specks can also add warm flavor.
• Citrus zest: Grate a little lemon or orange zest on top of your jam-covered toast or cake. It adds brightness and a pop of citrus aroma.

The Nutritional Benefits

• Packed with Vitamin C and Antioxidants: Strawberries are naturally low in calories and full of nutrients. Just one cup gives you more vitamin C than an orange and a good amount of fiber. The bright red color comes from plant compounds called anthocyanins, which may help support heart and brain health.

• Small Amounts of Fiber from Pectin: The pectin used to set the jam is a type of soluble fiber. It can help with digestion and may slow how your body absorbs sugar. While the jam has sugar, using the low-sugar pectin option helps reduce it while still giving you that fresh berry flavor.

FAQs

Amira Rahman

I’m a sweet chef who loves creating irresistible cakes, pastries, and sweet treats. When I’m not baking, you’ll find me experimenting with new flavors, enjoying a good cup of coffee, and sharing my passion for desserts with the world.