Strawberry Freezer Jam

Strawberry Freezer Jam is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every spoonful. This easy recipe showcases the sweet flavor of fresh strawberries, making it perfect for toast, desserts, or as a topping for your favorite dishes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a homemade jam that stands out for its freshness and vibrant color. Whether you’re preparing for a picnic, holiday gathering, or simply want to savor the taste of strawberries year-round, this freezer jam is an excellent choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 15 minutes of prep time, allowing you to whip up delicious strawberry jam in no time.
• Fresh Flavor: Using fresh strawberries means your jam will burst with natural sweetness and vibrant taste.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on desserts, or using as a filling for pastries.
• Long-lasting: Freeze your jam for up to a year without losing quality, ensuring you can enjoy summer flavors all year round.
• No Canning Required: This freezer jam avoids the complexities of traditional canning methods, making it accessible to everyone.

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Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Strawberry Freezer Jam, gather all necessary tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will help ensure success in creating this delightful treat.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Jelly jars: Sturdy containers are essential for storing your jam properly while keeping it fresh.
• Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows ample room to mix ingredients without spills.
• Saucepan: Necessary for boiling the pectin mixture; it helps ensure even heating and prevents burning.

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 and strawberries thoroughly.
2. Remove stems from strawberries to prepare them for crushing.

Step 2: Crush the Strawberries

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

Step 3: Mix with Sugar

1. Add 4 cups of sugar to the bowl with crushed strawberries.
2. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Boil Pectin Mixture

1. In a saucepan, stir together 1.75 oz of fruit pectin with 3/4 cup water.
2. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
3. Let the mixture boil for 1 minute before removing it from heat.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

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

Step 6: Jar Your Jam

1. Fill jelly jars immediately, leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top of each jar.
2. Secure with lids and let set at room temperature for 24 hours before freezing.

Now you have homemade Strawberry Freezer Jam that’s ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Strawberry Freezer Jam

Strawberry freezer jam is a delightful treat that can elevate many dishes. Its sweet and fruity flavor pairs well with various foods, making it a versatile addition to your pantry. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious jam.

On Toast or Bagels

• Classic Breakfast: Spread strawberry freezer jam on toasted bread or bagels for a simple yet satisfying breakfast option.
• With Cream Cheese: Pair the jam with cream cheese on bagels for an extra creamy texture and flavor.

In Yogurt Parfaits

• Layered Delight: Add strawberry freezer jam to yogurt parfaits, layering with granola and fresh strawberries for a refreshing snack.
• Healthy Treat: Mix your favorite yogurt with the jam for a quick, delicious dessert packed with flavor.

As a Dessert Topping

• Ice Cream: Drizzle strawberry freezer jam over vanilla ice cream for an easy and indulgent dessert.
• Pancakes or Waffles: Use the jam as a topping for pancakes or waffles, adding a fruity twist to your breakfast.

In Smoothies

• Flavor Boost: Blend strawberry freezer jam into smoothies for added sweetness and fruitiness.
• Berry Blast: Combine it with bananas and spinach for a healthy smoothie full of flavor.

How to Perfect Strawberry Freezer Jam

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

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Always choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Overripe berries may affect the texture and taste of your jam.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision is key. Make sure you measure both sugar and pectin accurately for optimal results.
• Let Sugar Dissolve Completely: Stir the mixture well until the sugar fully dissolves before adding the pectin. This helps achieve that perfect consistency.
• Follow Cooking Time Exactly: Boil the pectin mixture for exactly one minute as specified in the instructions to ensure proper thickening.
• Leave Space in Jars: When filling jelly jars, remember to leave 1/2 inch of space at the top. This allows room for expansion during freezing.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Freezer Jam

Strawberry freezer jam complements various side dishes beautifully. Here are some excellent pairings that enhance its delightful flavors.

1. Cheese Platter: Create a cheese board featuring soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese alongside strawberry freezer jam for a sweet-salty contrast.
2. Salad with Feta: Toss mixed greens with feta cheese and walnuts, then drizzle with a vinaigrette mixed with strawberry freezer jam for added sweetness.
3. Savory Biscuits: Serve warm biscuits or scones with butter and strawberry freezer jam as an irresistible side dish during brunch.
4. Grilled Chicken Salad: Toss grilled chicken strips in a salad topped with strawberry dressing made from mixing vinaigrette and your jam.
5. French Toast Bake: Incorporate strawberry freezer jam into French toast casserole recipes for an added burst of flavor throughout the dish.
6. Fruit Salad: Enhance fresh fruit salads by adding dollops of strawberry freezer jam, which will elevate their natural sweetness even more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry freezer jam can be simple, but avoiding common pitfalls is crucial for the best results.

• measurement errors: Using incorrect amounts of strawberries or sugar can affect the consistency. Always measure accurately.
• neglecting to stir: Failing to stir your mixture properly can lead to uneven texture. Stir continuously as instructed.
• skipping pectin instructions: Not following the pectin directions can result in a runny jam. Ensure you boil it as directed.
• ignoring storage tips: Improper storage can spoil your jam. Store in airtight containers and freeze promptly.
• using old fruit: Using overripe or spoiled strawberries affects flavor. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your jam in airtight containers.
• It can last up to three weeks in the refrigerator after thawing.

Freezing Strawberry Freezer Jam

• Leave 1/2 inch of space at the top of jars for expansion during freezing.
• The jam will maintain its best quality for up to one year in the freezer.

Reheating Strawberry Freezer Jam

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place jam in an oven-safe dish, cover, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in short intervals (about 30 seconds) until warm.
• Stovetop: Gently heat over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making strawberry freezer jam.

What is Strawberry Freezer Jam?

Strawberry freezer jam is a sweet preserve made from fresh strawberries, sugar, and pectin that you store in the freezer.

How long does Strawberry Freezer Jam last?

Properly stored strawberry freezer jam can last up to one year in the freezer and about three weeks once thawed and refrigerated.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries; just ensure they are thawed and well-drained before crushing them.

What if my Strawberry Freezer Jam is too runny?

If your jam is too runny, it may need more pectin or cooking time. You can reheat it with additional pectin according to package instructions.

How do I customize my Strawberry Freezer Jam?

You can add lemon juice, other fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or even spices like cinnamon for unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

This easy strawberry freezer jam recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various fruits and spices to fit your taste. Give it a try and enjoy spreading this delightful treat on toast or using it in desserts!