Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe with no pectin
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Who’s ready to make an easy Strawberry Jam with all those sweet delicious strawberries in season right now? You’re in luck, this simple No Pectin Strawberry Jam Recipe is made with only strawberries, sugar, and a bit of lemon. Couldn’t be easier!
The Best Homemade Strawberry Jam Recipe
Have you ever wondered how to make Strawberry Jam? It’s surprisingly easy. I have an amazing small batch strawberry jam recipe to share with you today. I make this jam every year after we visit our local strawberry farm.
The beauty of this simple homemade strawberry jam recipe is in the use of fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar instead of pectin to make the strawberry jam set.
Why this Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients – All you need is strawberries, sugar, lemon juice! The sugar and lemon juice work together with the natural pectin already found in strawberries and lemon to make the strawberry jam set. (Lemon juice also helps prevent the growth of bacteria.)
- Fast – Takes only about 20 minutes!
- Tastes amazing – The flavor of homemade jam just doesn’t compare to store-bought!
Didn’t the strawberry jam turn out gorgeous!? I’m not kidding when I say this jam recipe is easy. And only takes about 20 minutes to cook!
Ingredients in this Small Batch Strawberry Jam Recipe
Want to give this recipe a shot? To make the Strawberry Jam, you need 3 ingredients. (Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full printable recipe card.)
- Strawberries | Fresh or frozen berries work for this recipe, hulls removed. If you use frozen, thaw them first, or you will need to allow for extra cooking time since you will be cooking from frozen
- Sugar | Granulated sugar.
- Lemon juice | Fresh is best, but bottled works too.
That’s it! No pectin, no water, no extras. Making jam is super simple. All it takes is a bit of time stirring your pot on the stove.
Instructions to Make Strawberry Jam
- In a heavy bottom saucepan, mix strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Stir over med-low heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Increase heat to med-high and bring mixture to a full rolling boil.
- Reduce heat to medium, stirring frequently, mashing the strawberries as you stir. Continue to simmer, until the jam is thickened and bubbles completely cover the surface of the jam. (about 10 minutes.)
- Transfer jam to a jar and let cool to room temperature.
- Seal jars and store them in the refrigerator.
FAQ’s
I’ve gotten a few questions and comments about this recipe over the years. I’ve tried to get them answered all in one place for you today, feel free to leave a comment if you have a question I have not answered. Also, be sure to check the comment section- tons of good info there!
How To Know When Jam Is Done
The simplest way is to use a thermometer to check the temperature. You will want the jam to reach 220°F. 220°F is the heat point at which the sugar bonds with the pectin and forms a gel. Keep in mind, it can take 24-48 hours for the jam to fully set up. So if your jam is still on the thinner side, don’t worry. Know that as it sits in the fridge it can set up more. (more info below on what to do if your jam never sets up.)
Another method to test if the jam is ready is the “plate in the freezer” method. (Remove jam from heat while conducting the test.) Place a small plate in the freezer when you begin cooking your strawberry jam. When you’re ready to test to see if the jam will set, remove the plate from the freezer and place a quarter size amount of the jam in the center of the plate. Place the plate back in the freezer for one minute. After a minute, run your finger through the jam on the plate. If it wrinkles and is gel-like, the jam is ready. If the jam “fills in” the line you made with your finger, you should cook the jam for another few minutes.
Can I Double this Homemade Jam Recipe?
Yes, you can double this Strawberry Jam recipe. Keep in mind you will need to cook the jam for longer if you increase the ingredients. (see tips above on how to know if your jam is done.
Can I make this recipe Sugar Free?
If using artificial sugar, you can help your jam gel by adding 2.5 tablespoons of chia seeds at the end of the cooking time.
Can I Freeze Strawberry Jam?
Yes, you can! The even better news is that you can freeze it right in the jar. Just make certain that you leave some space at the top as it will expand a tiny bit when freezing. This way, you can make several jars in batches and just pull one from the freezer to unthaw when you’re running low.
How Do You Can Strawberry Jam For Pantry Storage:
This recipe is perfect for water bath canning. I have the Ball Home Canning kit. It contains everything you need for water bath canning. How to can your strawberry jam:
- Wash jars and lids (I use the sterilize function on my dishwasher. Use whatever size jar you like. (I prefer the 8 oz jars for this recipe.)
- Spoon the strawberry jam to the jar, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Use a skinny spatula to help remove air pockets.
- Wipe down jar rims and add the lids. Seal to fingertip tightness. (Screw the lid on till you feel resistance. Too loose, jar won’t seal, too tight air won’t release properly.)
- Process for 5 minutes in the boiling water bath. Turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the water for another 5 minutes.
- Remove jars and let cool 12 to 24 hours. Check the seal by removing the band and pressing the center of each lid. If you are able to indent the lid, your jam did not seal properly. Store in a cool dry location for 1 for best quality, but maybe good for up to 2 years. Be sure to test your jar for spoilage before using it.
Keep in mind, higher altitudes affect boiling and you will need to process the jam differently. (I believe I read boiling points are lower at high altitudes.)
How Long Does Homemade Strawberry Jam Last In The Fridge?
For best results use the opened jar of jam within 10 to 14 days. Sealed and unopened, your homemade should keep in the fridge between 1 to 3 months. In the freezer, it should last about a year.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries To Make Jam?
Yes, you will most likely need to increase the cooking time as frozen strawberries tend to be more watery (and they are frozen rather than room temp.) You can also use a thermometer to help determine when your jam is done. (When the jam reaches 220 F, it should be ready.)
Can I Use This Strawberry Jam Recipe With Other Fruits?
The cooking process of this jam will work fine with other fruits, but you will need to take into consideration the sweetness level of whatever fruit you are using. If it’s not very sweet fruit, you may need to increase the amount of sweetener that you’re adding during the cooking process. Check out my Blueberry Jam Recipe and my Peach Jam Recipe.
Why Didn’t My Strawberry Jam Set Up? (And How To Fix It)
There can be varying reasons as to why your jam didn’t’ set up properly.
- Your Strawberry Jam most likely needed to cook longer or there is a small chance that the strawberries didn’t have enough natural sugar for the jam to set. It’s a combination of cooking time, sugar, and lemon that makes this recipe gel. (Lemon acts as a natural pectin in this recipe.)
- If you followed the directions and it didn’t set up properly, let the strawberry jam sit overnight in the fridge. If that step still doesn’t get it to stiffen up and set, you can try re-cooking it for a bit longer and either 1. adding in a bit of pectin or 2. adding a bit more sugar and lemon (not much, just give it a taste test.) For best results though, I recommend using a thermometer and making sure your strawberry mixture reaches 220 degrees F.
- Another method to test if the jam is ready, is the “plate in the freezer” method. (Remove jam from heat while conducting the test.)
Place a small plate in the freezer when you begin cooking the jam. When you are ready to test to see if the jam will set, remove the plate from the freezer and place a quarter size amount of the jam in the center of the plate. Place plate back in the freezer for about a minute. Run your finger through the jam on the plate. if it wrinkles and is jell-like the jam is ready. If the jam “fills in” the line you made with your finger, you should cook the jam for another few minutes.
Simple Ideas to Use Strawberry Jam
In no time at all, you can have a sweet and simple strawberry jam that you’ll want to put on everything. My mind can probably go on forever when thinking of ways to use homemade strawberry jam but some of my favorites are:
- crusty bread with cream cheese
- on top of pancakes or waffles with whipped cream
- over plain or vanilla yogurt
- drizzled over ice cream or cheesecake
- a filler for homemade muffins or cupcakes
- DIY Christmas or hostess gift
My entire family thinks this strawberry jam is the best thing ever. I also have a great peach jam and easy blueberry jam recipe, if you want to try making jam using different fruit.
Pin this recipe for later
More Fresh Strawberry Recipes For All Those Strawberries:
- Easy Strawberry Trifle with Pound cake
- Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Bites
- Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
- Strawberry Mini Pies
Tried this Strawberry Jam Recipe?
Print
Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe with no pectin
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: about 1 3/4 cups 1x
- Category: jams and jellies
- Method: stovetop
Description
An Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe with no pectin!
Ingredients
- 16 oz strawberries, hulled and coarsely chopped
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- In a heavy bottom saucepan, mix strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Stir over med-low heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Increase heat to med-high and bring mixture to a rolling boil.
- Stir frequently mashing the strawberries as you stir, continuing to boil, until jam is thickened and bubbles completely cover the surface of the jam. (about 10 minutes.)
- Transfer jam to a jar and let cool to room temperature.
- Seal jars and store in refrigerator for about 10 days (or freeze)
Notes
Makes about 1 3/4 cups
Additional tips: If you have a candy thermometer when the jam reaches 220 F, it’s ready.
If you want a less chunky jam, you can process fruit in a food processor before cooking or use an immersion blender while fruit cooks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbs
- Calories: 27
- Sugar: 66
- Sodium: 0
- Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
Keywords: strawberry jam recipe, strawberry preserves, how to make strawberry jam, strawberry jam no pectin
Enjoy! What are some of your favorite uses for jam?
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I tried several small batch strawberry jam recipes before settling on this one as my go-to recipe. It is easy and delicious.
★★★★★
Looking forward to trying this recipe! Wondering…can I use less sugar or is the full amount needed to make the jam set? My family usually prefers our jams a little less sweet. Thanks!
You could ty a little less. You might have to cook it longer. Be sure to use a thermometer or do the freezer plate test.
She has every covered everything I wounder about. I love it! I wonder about the water bath. I’m old school so everything is canning. I’m going to try something different.
so good!
★★★★★
Awesome taste great and so easy to make. I love it, thanks for the posting
★★★★★
Such a quick straightforward recipe. It was my first time making jam and I’m glad I found your recipe. This will be my go to now on and I no longer need to have store bought jam 😊
Delicious! I used strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries to equal the 16 oz. My strawberries were really ripe so only used 1/4 sugar.
This will be my go to recipe from now on…thank you!
★★★★★
How long will the jam last in the fridge?
about 2 weeks.
Love this recipie! I do not like super sweet jam this is just the perfect amount of sweetness to compliment the in season berries!
★★★★★
Produced a lot less jam than expected but it is delicious & fast!
It was my first time making jam so I might have boiled it for too long.
★★★★★
can you replace the strawberries for apricots instead?
I haven’t tried it yet, but I think it would work. I love apricot jam!
Delicious! My go-to recipe for homemade jam. It’s so simple and straightforward that I’ve used it on other fruit to make unique fruit jams that you can’t find in the store. Thanks so much for sharing!
★★★★★
My first time making jam. This recipe is super easy and delicious. I am hooked. Now to try it with raspberries.
★★★★★
Can you use frozen strawberries to
yes
I tried it and it is delicious. Lovely strawberry jam recipe. Will make it again.
★★★★★
Can you can this jam?
Yes, the instructions are in the post under “How Do You Can Strawberry Jam For Pantry Storage”.
Delicious and so easy thank you
★★★★★
This recipe is perfect! Not too sweet either. It’s now my go to strawberry jam recipe. Thank you!
★★★★★
Can I use lemon juice or fresh lemon’s? I really would like to try this because it looks yummy.
Thank you,
Andrea
You can use either, although I always recommend fresh over bottled if you have it!
Can I substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar?
I’ve not tried it, but I don’t see why not.
Super fast, super easy to make, super delicious! Thanks
★★★★★
If I’m making this to put into a recipe (strawberry oatmeal bars) do I need to let it cool completely? Is this more of a loose jam? Thank you.
It should firm up once cool. I have not tried it, but I would think it would be ok to use the jams on the bars before cooling. After the bars cool, I would think it would firm back up, like a regular jam.
It did turn out well. Quite delicious, actually. Thank you.
Absolutely delicious and easy to make. A ? please, can I use frozen strawberries and/or blueberries “for your blueberry jam, another wonderful recipe of yours” during Winter months as no access to Summer bounty in upstate?
Thank you so much.
★★★★★
Definitely, you may need to increase the cooking time just a bit.
Used in the layers for my son’s birthday cake and and on toast, was super tasty!
★★★★★
This was such an easy jam recipe. I really like the fact that no pectin added was required. It turned out perfect and was delicious! Thank you for sharing.😊
★★★★★
I substituted about 1/4 rhubarb. Was delish! Added a little tartness.
★★★★★
can you just store it in a cool place
★★★★★
Personally, I would store it in the fridge. I would be too afraid of any bacteria that might grow if not in the fridge.
Made this jam the other day doubled the recipe using strawberries and blackberries and it turned out great,very quick and easy to make.
★★★★★
I’ve been making jam like this for years. So easy and delicious!
★★★★★
I was thinking It was not necessary to refrigerate it but to seal and shell does it have to be refrigerated in order to use this recipe ??
I am not 100% sure what you are asking, but once you have made this recipe, you will want to store it in the refrigerator.
Can I substitute some of the sugar for honey?
★★★★★
Is this true even if I’ve canned them and sealed the jars in a water bath canner?
I am not sure what the original asker was asking, but if you have processed the jam for canning properly (via pressure or water bath), the jars can be stored in a cool, dry place for a year. Be sure to check for spoilage before using.
Info from the CDC:
How to tell if your home-canned goods are spoiled:
“The container is leaking, bulging, or swollen;
the container looks damaged, cracked, or abnormal;
the container spurts liquid or foam when opened; or,
the food is discolored, moldy, or smells bad.”
Super easy and didn’t take long at all!
★★★★★
Best recipe I have tried for homemade jam! I will be making this recipe from here on out.
★★★★★
It says no pectin but it says pectin in 2 different spots on the questions
This recipe has no pectin in it.
Can this jam be put in small plastic containers instead of glass jars?
Sure, plastic works for storing in the fridge or freezer.
I grew up making jam with my Grandma. This small batch recipe gave similar results in a fraction of the time! This is a keeper!
★★★★★
Perfect and delicious!!! Added a bit of lemon zest too. We will surely be making this again!
★★★★★
Can I use lemon juice from a jar?
sure!
I was skeptical but I tried it and was IMPRESSED! Love that it is natural, without the pectin. Not too much sugar either. Tastes fresh. Will make again. Thank You
★★★★★
My first time making jam. Was so simple and the results are fantastic!! Tastes so good!!! 😋
★★★★★
I am so glad I went with this recipe for my first every attempt at jam… my kids and I picked some strawberries from a nearby patch and I wanted to put them to good use. My picky husband and kids loooooovveddd it and were so impressed. Great simple recipe!!
My first time jam making what a fab recipe, I will never buy Jam again. Even converted hubby to blueberries. I did use 184g jam sugar instead of granulated, and it was amazing. I would recommend anyone to try it, it was so therapeutic too. The possibilities are endless
★★★★★
This was my first attempt at making jam. This recipe was quick & easy. My jam came out delicious!! Thanks for sharing it!!
★★★★★
Fantastic, simple recipe. This is the best-tasting jam I have had in a while! Thank you!
★★★★★
This was great and easy!! I used what i had in house .16 oz frozen strawberries and 2 hand fulls of fresh blueberries!! Served with scones and english clotted cream for my friends from England..
★★★★★
I made this recipe first time making jam it came out fantastic friends and family loved it on a side note I made blueberry basically using same instructions only had little blueberries one cup of blueberries 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice a pinch of cinnamon it was awesome same results as a strawberry jam thank you again sincerely Rebecca Kellogg
★★★★★
Can we use thawed frozen strawberries to make this??
yes, you may need to increase the cooking time since the thawed strawberries are potentially more watery. (either use a thermometer or the freezer plate method to determine if your jam is ready.)
How long would this remain good if put in the freezer?
About 6 months at least.