I make this strawberry freezer jam recipe every year with fresh-picked berries from the garden. It’s simple to put together and keeps that just-picked flavor long after strawberry season ends. If you’ve never canned, this is the best homemade jam recipe to start with!
Table of Contents
A Simple Taste of Summer Recipe
I love how simple this recipe is. There’s no canning equipment or long process to worry about, just a few ingredients and a bit of stirring. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to make homemade jam without the fuss. The flavor stays bright and fresh, like the berries were picked that morning.
Every year when the strawberries start to ripen in my dad’s garden, I know it’s time to make this strawberry freezer jam recipe. The berries come in fast, and there’s no way to eat them all before they soften. Turning them into jam feels like saving a little piece of summer to enjoy later, long after the vines have stopped producing.
The hardest part is waiting the 24 hours before you can tuck the jars into the freezer. Once they’re ready, I always keep one in the fridge for spreading on toast or spooning over mini scones. The rest go into the freezer, lined up like little jars of sunshine waiting for a cold morning.
It’s the kind of recipe that fits right in beside homemade uncrustables or a loaf of fresh bread, always ready to make an ordinary day feel a little more homey.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Fresh strawberries: The star of the recipe and where all the flavor comes from. I like to use fully ripe berries that are red all the way through for the best taste and color. If you don’t have a garden, check your local farmer’s market for the freshest ones.
- Sugar: Helps the jam set and keeps it sweet and bright. It also acts as a natural preservative so the jam lasts longer in the freezer. Make sure to measure it exactly – too little and the jam won’t thicken properly.
- Sure Jell fruit pectin: This is what makes the jam firm up just right. I’ve tried other brands, but Sure Jell gives the most reliable results every time. You’ll find it in the canning section of most grocery stores.
How to Make Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
Preparation
Clean and dry your jelly jars so they’re ready to fill later. Rinse the strawberries under cool water and remove the stems. Measure out all ingredients before starting to make the process smooth and quick.
Step 1 – Crush the Strawberries
Place the cleaned strawberries in a large bowl. Use a potato masher or blender to crush them until you reach your preferred consistency — smooth or slightly chunky both work well. Use a blender for a smoother jam. Measure exactly two cups of crushed strawberries and return them to the bowl.
Step 2 – Mix with Sugar
Add the sugar to the crushed strawberries and stir until combined. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the sugar begin to dissolve and draw out the natural juices from the berries.
Step 3 – Prepare the Pectin
In a small saucepan, combine the fruit pectin with water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Let it boil for 1 minute while continuing to stir, then remove from heat.
Step 4 – Combine Strawberry Mixture and Pectin
Immediately pour the hot pectin mixture into the bowl with the strawberries and sugar. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes, or until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
Step 5 – Fill the Jars
Ladle the jam into the prepared jars, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean and secure the lids tightly. Let the jars sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set before freezing.
Step 6 – Store and Enjoy
After the jam has set, move the jars to the freezer. The jam will keep for up to one year. When ready to use, thaw a jar in the refrigerator and enjoy the fresh strawberry flavor anytime.
Lynette’s Tip
When it comes to jelly jars, you have a few options. The 8-ounce glass jars work well for storing, while the smaller 4-ounce jars make nice gifts. You can also purchase plastic freezer jam jars, but I prefer the glass.
More Strawberry Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Cups fresh strawberries crushed
- 4 Cups sugar
- 1.74 oz Sure Jell fruit pectin
- 3/4 Cup water
Instructions
- Prep Jars: Wash and dry the jelly jars and strawberries. Remove the stems from the strawberries.
- Crush Strawberries: Blend or crush the strawberries to your desired consistency. Measure exactly 2 cups of crushed strawberries into a large bowl.
- Add Sugar: Stir in sugar, making sure to use the exact amount. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Boil Pectin: In a saucepan, combine the fruit pectin and water. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Combine Mixture: Immediately pour the hot pectin into the strawberry mixture. Stir for 3 minutes, or until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to thicken.
- Fill Jars: Pour the jam into prepared jars, leaving ½ inch of space at the top. Secure with lids.
- Set And Freeze: Let the jars sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set. Store in the freezer for up to 1 year.
Notes
Variations
- Use Less Sugar: Try the low-sugar version of Sure Jell if you prefer a less sweet jam. The flavor of the strawberries will shine through even more.
- Add a Hint of Citrus: Stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice before filling the jars. It brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t in season. Let them thaw completely and drain any excess liquid before crushing and measuring.
No, the strawberries stay uncooked in this recipe. That’s what keeps the flavor fresh and bright, just like ripe berries from the garden.
Both glass and plastic freezer-safe jars work well. I like using 8-ounce glass jars for everyday use and smaller 4-ounce jars for gifts.
That resting time allows the pectin to set and the jam to thicken. Once it’s firm, it’s ready to move to the freezer for long-term storage.
If it’s still runny after 24 hours, give it a little more time. Sometimes it just needs an extra day to fully set.
You can, but results may vary slightly. I’ve found that Sure Jell gives the most consistent texture and flavor for this recipe.
Can I can this after it’s all done? If I let it cool and set up can it still be canned?
Hi! This is a freezer jam recipe so it can only be made and then stored in the freezer.
I will never buy surejell again. The wrong recipe came up.after paying $6.50 for a quart of strawberries and almost $4.00 for surejell. I ended up with slop
Don’t throw it out! If your jam didn’t set you can still freeze it to use on top of ice cream. That being said, using sure jell requires exact measuring and attention to detail with the directions to find success. I hope you’ll give it another try!
How long does it need to be in the freezer before it’s set and can be eaten?
It should set before you freeze it. You can place directly in the refrigerator to enjoy your first jar. The additional jars need to be frozen.
Not a single one of my canning jars sealed. Can I freeze them like this or do I need to try to seal them? Do I need to just gift them immediately so they won’t go bad?
This is a freezer recipe which means the jars will not seal. The jam is meant to be stored in the freezer. Freeze all your jars and then store them in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy.
Not a single one of my canning jars sealed. Can I freeze them like this or do I need to try to seal them?
Would it be possible to exchange the sugar for sugar substitute, say Splendid, and still get the same results?
You will need to use a sugar substitute specific recipe if you choose to use Splenda. This recipe only works with granulated sugar.
Going to try this sounds sounds delicious
Can I use regular leakproof lids instead of canning lids? How long does it keep in fridge?
Hi!! I’m looking forward to trying this with my homegrown strawberries this year! However, my strawberry patch is still small (2nd year gardener), so I might not have enough all at once… do you think I could freeze them while fresh, then do this when I have enough frozen?
Absolutely
Best jam I’ve ever tasted!