Homemade Strawberry Jam is a sweet, fruity preserve made by gently cooking down fresh strawberries into a rich, spreadable consistency. Often called a natural fruit spread or DIY berry jam, this simple and wholesome recipe captures the vibrant flavor of ripe strawberries without the need for artificial additives.
It's perfect for slathering on toast, spooning over pancakes, or swirling into yogurt. Making this easy strawberry preserve at home lets you control the sweetness and texture while enjoying the seasonal freshness of the fruit. Ideal for those who love homemade breakfast spreads or are looking for a simple jam recipe without pectin, this classic pantry staple is both delicious and rewarding to make.
Homemade Strawberry Jam
I adore strawberries and i love jam. So when they are put together it is a win win situation. Strawberry jams are so versatile, because you can make them and have them handy. They can be added to milkshakes, tarts or even when you bake pies or jam bars. I love homemade jam a lot because you know what goes into it, plus it is preservatives free.
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About Strawberry Jam Recipe
Homemade Strawberry Jam is a timeless fruit preserve that brings out the pure essence of ripe strawberries, making it a kitchen favorite for those who love creating from scratch. One summer, I had a basket of overripe strawberries and decided to turn them into jam, what began as an experiment became a cherished family favorite. This no-preservative fruit jam is perfect for gifting, storing, or enjoying with baked goods.
Whether you're into easy jam recipes, small-batch canning, or natural strawberry spreads, this method offers a satisfying way to enjoy berries year-round. The slow-cooked process enhances both flavor and texture, giving you a rich, spoonable delight every time.
Similar Recipes
Orange Jam
Apple Jam
Pineapple Jam
Tomato Jam
Why this recipe work?
Simple Ingredients, Pure Flavor: With just strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice, the natural sweetness and tartness of the fruit shine through without any artificial additives.
Perfect Texture Every Time: Slow cooking breaks down the berries and thickens the mixture naturally, giving the jam a luscious, spreadable consistency without the need for pectin.
Why I love this recipe - Making this jam fills my kitchen with the sweet aroma of fresh strawberries, and every spoonful reminds me of warm, sunny days. With just three ingredients and no fancy equipment, I can create something that tastes better than any store-bought version. I love having jars of it tucked away in the fridge, ready to brighten up breakfast or dessert anytime with zero effort.
Balanced Sweetness: The ratio of sugar to fruit is just right, sweet enough to preserve the jam and enhance flavor without overpowering the fresh strawberry taste.
Naturally Long-Lasting: When stored properly, this jam keeps well in the fridge or pantry, making it a great make-ahead option for breakfasts, baking, or gifting.
Ingredients
Strawberries: The star of the recipe, strawberries bring natural sweetness, vibrant color, and that classic fruity flavor that defines the jam.
Sugar: Sugar helps preserve the jam and enhances the natural taste of the strawberries, giving the jam its glossy texture and longer shelf life.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a touch of brightness and acidity, balancing the sweetness while also helping the jam set properly without added pectin.
Hacks
1)Skim the Foam: While boiling, skim off any foam that forms on top. This helps improve texture and shelf life.
2)Infuse with Herbs or Spices: Add flavor with a cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, or basil leaves during cooking.Remove before jarring for a gourmet touch.
3)Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can make your jam too thick or caramelized.Once it passes the wrinkle test (plate test), turn off the heat immediately.
4)Add a Pinch of Salt: Just a tiny pinch enhances the natural sweetness and balances flavors.
5)Jam Not Setting? Use It Anyway: Runny jam? Call it strawberry sauce. Great over pancakes, yogurt, ice cream, or cheesecake.
Strawberry Jam (Step by Step Pictures)
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| Take some ripe juicy berries.. |
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| Remove the stalks and wash well |
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| Chop them roughly and take it in a pan |
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| Add in sugar |
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| mix well |
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| cover and leave it for 2 hours or put it in fridge overnight |
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| Meanwhile put a plate in the freezer |
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| Use a stainless plate if you can |
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| Look at the water that the strawberries leached out |
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| Now put it on heat and boil it for 10 mins or so |
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| You will see it getting thicker |
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| look how thick and jammy it is |
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| Take the plate out of freezer, spoon some of the juices over the plate |
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| leave it for 30 sec or so |
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| you will be able to see the jam consistency |
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| Now let the jam cool a little, as it cools it will get even more thicker |
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| squeeze in some lemon juice |
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| I love the chunky jam a lot |
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| enjoy |
Expert tips
Use Fully Ripe Strawberries: For the best flavor and natural sweetness, choose strawberries that are ripe, bright red, and fragrant. Avoid underripe or overripe berries.
Macerate for Maximum Flavor: Letting the strawberries sit with sugar for a couple of hours (or overnight) draws out their juices and intensifies the flavor.
Stir Often While Cooking: To prevent the jam from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan, stir regularly especially once it starts to thicken.
Use a Wide Pan: A wide, heavy-bottomed pan helps the mixture cook down evenly and speeds up the thickening process.
Test the Consistency: Use the chilled plate test, drop a bit of hot jam on a cold plate, wait a few seconds, and push it with your finger. If it wrinkles, it’s done.
Don’t Add Lemon Juice Too Early: Add lemon juice only after turning off the heat. This preserves its bright flavor and ensures the jam sets properly.
Sterilize Jars Properly: Always store jam in clean, sterilized jars to avoid spoilage and ensure longer shelf life.
Variations
Homemade Papaya Jam Recipe: This tropical jam is smooth, vibrant, and naturally sweet. Made with ripe papayas, it’s rich in flavor and perfect as a spread or dessert topping.
Fig Jam Recipe: Fig jam is thick, luscious, and packed with natural sweetness and texture from the fig seeds. It pairs beautifully with toast, cheese platters, or baked goods.
Pineapple Jam Recipe: Tangy, sweet, and bright yellow, pineapple jam is bursting with tropical flavor. It’s a refreshing change from regular jams and goes well with pancakes and sandwiches.
Mango Jam Recipe: A summer favorite, mango jam captures the essence of ripe mangoes in every spoon. It's fragrant, smooth, and perfect for spreading on warm toast or parathas.
Plum Jam Recipe: Made from juicy plums, this jam has a rich color and a sweet-tart taste. It’s ideal for adding a burst of flavor to scones or yogurt bowls.
Apple Jam Recipe: With the subtle sweetness of apples and a hint of cinnamon or lemon, apple jam is comforting and versatile. It makes a great filling for pastries and pies too.
Tomato Jam Recipe: This savory-sweet jam made with ripe tomatoes, spices, and sugar is bold and unique. It's excellent as a spread or condiment for sandwiches and burgers.
Homemade Chilli Jam Recipe: Spicy, sweet, and sticky, chilli jam adds a kick to anything it touches. Great as a dip, spread, or glaze for grilled dishes.
Orange Jam Recipe: Citrusy and slightly bitter with a hint of sweetness, orange jam (or marmalade) is zesty and bright, delicious on toast or stirred into tea.
FAQ
1)Do I need to use pectin for this jam?
No, this recipe doesn’t require added pectin. Strawberries naturally contain some pectin, and the lemon juice helps the jam set without it.
2)How do I know when the jam is ready?
Use the cold plate test, drop a spoonful of hot jam onto a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed, it's done. If not, cook for a few more minutes and test again.
3)Can I adjust the sugar amount?
Yes, but sugar helps preserve the jam and gives it its texture. If reducing sugar, be aware the jam may be softer and won’t last as long.
4)How long can I store homemade strawberry jam?
If stored in a sterilized jar and refrigerated, it lasts up to 3 weeks. For longer shelf life, follow proper canning procedures.
5)Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw them completely and drain any excess water before cooking. The flavor may vary slightly, but it still works well.
6)Why is my jam runny?
It may need more cooking time. Keep simmering and use the plate test to check for the right consistency before cooling.
7)Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but be sure to use a wide pan and stir frequently. Larger batches take longer to thicken evenly.
8)Can I make this recipe without lemon juice?
Lemon juice helps with flavor, preservation, and setting. If you skip it, the jam may be too sweet and might not set properly.
More Jam Recipes
📖 Recipe Card
Homemade Strawberry Jam Recipe
Equipment
- Cooking pot
Ingredients
- 4 cups Strawberries Chopped finely
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Put a stainless steel plate in the freezer. Wash strawberries well in water. Remove the stalk and chop them roughly. Now measure the strawberries and add it to a sauce pan.
- Add in sugar and mix well. Cover with a plate and leave it sit for 2 hours, you can put this in fridge overnight too. Lots of water will come from strawberry this way.
- Now put the sauce pan on heat and keep mixing. Bring this to a boil and simmer for 10 mins. The jam will be thick now.
- Now take the plate out and drop a spoonful of juice in it. It will get thick and be like jam consistency. If it is still watery you can put it back on stove and cook for few more mins.
- At this point you can turn off the heat and let the jam cool a little, add lemon juice and mix well. As the jam cools it will get thick.
- Now put this in canning jar or regular sterilized jar and put in fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
If you have any questions not covered in this post and if you need help, leave me a comment or mail me @[email protected] and I’ll help as soon as I can.
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meera kabadi
Aarthi I wanted to know which oven do you use for baking
ria
Wonderful aarthi.....I have become your fangirl <3
Btw what is the shell life of this jam?
Catherine
Strawberry jam certainly is a welcome treat. xo Catherine
Aarthi
@riaU can keep it for more than 2 months in fridge.
Aarthi
@meera kabadicheck this out
https://www.yummytummyaarthi.com/2014/03/meet-my-ovens-ovens-which-i-use-best.html
Deepika Chandar
Can this be made sugar-free? My husband is diabetic and I would love to make this jam at home sans the sugar!
Aarthi
@Deepika Chandaru can use the sugar free which u use to make this
Ambika
Hi arthi
I love to give this home made jam to my 1year kid.. But what alternative I can use for sugar
Aarthi
@AmbikaIt is best to add sugar, you can add kalkandu too
Unknown
hi Aarthi...lovely jam...waiting to make it...but if i need to store in aglass jar how do i sterilise the jars please...could you guide me on it. thanks
Divyajaikumar
Lovely recipe made it today and it was a great hit.
Ruchi
This turned out delicious. Thank you Aarthi
Jim
Nice and healthy strawberry jam recipe. wow!