There’s something incredibly special about homemade strawberry jam. It’s the kind of treat that brings back memories of sunny days, fresh-picked strawberries, and family kitchens filled with the sweet aroma of fruit simmering on the stove. This easy-to-make jam is bursting with the natural sweetness of strawberries and the perfect balance of tangy and sugary goodness. Whether spread on toast, dolloped on yogurt, or swirled into desserts, homemade strawberry jam brings a homemade touch to everything it accompanies.
Making strawberry jam at home is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients: ripe strawberries, sugar, and pectin. The process starts by mashing the fresh strawberries, releasing their sweet juices, and cooking them down with sugar until the mixture thickens into a spreadable jam. The natural pectin found in strawberries combines with added pectin to create that perfect, gel-like consistency that’s not too runny but still spreadable.
The beauty of homemade strawberry jam lies in its versatility. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, adding more or less sugar depending on how sweet the strawberries are. If you prefer a bit of zest, a squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright note to the jam, balancing out the sweetness. For those who enjoy a chunkier jam, you can leave some strawberry pieces intact, or if you prefer a smoother spread, simply mash them until they’re fully pureed.
What makes this strawberry jam even more special is its ability to be enjoyed year-round. While strawberries are in season during the summer months, you can make a big batch and preserve it for later. By canning the jam properly, it can be stored in jars for months, allowing you to enjoy the taste of summer long after the season ends.
Homemade strawberry jam is the kind of treat that takes any breakfast or snack to the next level. Whether you’re making it as a gift, for your family, or just for yourself, it’s sure to be a hit. Spread it on toast, top off your favorite desserts, or simply enjoy it by the spoonful—this sweet and tangy jam is pure bliss in a jar.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries hulled and mashed
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Combine the mashed strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to jars and store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Yum! I used frozen strawberries instead of fresh and it still worked!
That’s awesome! I never thought frozen would be just as good. Gonna try it now!
Frozen? Is that even safe? Fresh is way better if you ask me.
This jam is pretty close to what my grandma made, except she never used lemon juice. Does it make that big of a difference?
Didn’t thicken for me. Maybe I did something wrong??
I had the same issue! Mine never thickened either. I think it might need more cooking time.
Maybe your strawberries were too watery? Try using firmer ones next time!
Strawberries are berries, right? This is wrong! #confused
Actually, strawberries are considered aggregate fruits, not true berries. The term ‘berry’ can be confusing! 🍓
Yeah, I thought they were berries too! But I just call them delicious! 😋
Where’s the pectin? I thought jam needed it to set. These recipes are misleading.
I’m not a baking person, but this was easy! I feel so accomplished. Thanks for sharing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Easy? Really? I tried this and it turned into a sticky mess… 🤔
That’s awesome! I’m so glad you found it easy. Baking can be intimidating, but it can also be fun! 🍓
I was skeptical about the lemon juice, but it really balanced the sweetness! Can’t believe how easy this was.
Tasted a bit too sweet for my liking. I might try less sugar next time.
Simple recipe for that classic jam, just as grandma made it with her strawberries. 🙂
Delicious! Better than store-bought!
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon? Asking for a friend.
Yummy, tho I made it with blue berries. Still good!
Blueberries, huh? That’s interesting! I’ve never tried it like that, but at least you found a way to make it work! 👍
I found the recipe a bit too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time?
This jam is absolutely delicious! I can’t believe how easy it was to make. 😍
I totally agree! This jam is the best I’ve ever made. Thanks for sharing! 😊
Really? I tried it and it turned out too runny. What did I do wrong? 🤔
Yum! 🤤 I used frozen strawberries and it still turned out great. Will definitely make again!
Frozen strawberries? That’s kinda weird, but if it worked, good for you!
Sounds delicious! I might try it with another fruit.
Absolutely delicious! I made this for my toast and it’s a hit. Simple and quick.
I found this recipe a bit too sweet for my taste. Could use less sugar.
Instructions were confusing. What does ‘hulled’ mean?
Strawberry jam is too sticky for my liking. Never tasted good to me.
I used to think that too! But you could try adding less sugar next time. Might help with the stickiness!
This jam turned out amazing! So sweet and fresh, just like summer.
Easy to follow, but I added a hint of vanilla. Amazing result! ⭐️
Yum! I made it with my kids and they loved it. 😊
Strawberries are boring! Just use any fruit instead. I don’t get the hype.
I mean, any fruit could work, but strawberries are classic for a reason. Don’t knock it till you try it!
I think strawberries give it a unique flavor that other fruits just can’t match! Jam wouldn’t be the same without them.
Just finished making it! So good, and I didn’t even need jars, just put in an old peanut butter container. 🤪
Made this for my family, and they loved it! Instant hit at breakfast!
I thought lemon juice was for baking only. So confused!
Quick and easy! My kids helped mash the strawberries and they loved it.
This jam is a total waste of strawberries. I followed the recipe and it just didn’t flavor right.
I think you might’ve not cooked it long enough. Jam needs to be thick! Try adding more sugar next time too.
Don’t forget to use fresh strawberries! Frozen ones don’t work the same.
Me and my kids had fun making this! Slathered it on everything 😍👍
Can u use frozen strawberries? I have a lot in the freezer and don’t want to waste them!
This jam is so sweet and delicious! I can’t stop eating it!
This is a scam recipe! You need more than just sugar and fruit to make jam!
Sooo good!!! 🙂
This jam is the best! So easy to make and tastes amazing on toast.
It’s good but isn’t it a bit too sweet? I prefere less sugar in mine.
I totally agree! This jam is sooo good on pancakes too! 😋
Why lemon juice?? I just skip it altogether. Works fine without it!
This is nothing like my grandma’s jam. She used pectin, which makes it thicker!
I had high hopes for this recipe, but my jam turned out too runny. What did I do wrong?
Wasn’t sure about using lemon juice. My jam didn’t taste as good as expected. 🙁
I think lemon juice gives it a nice balance! Maybe you added too much sugar? Just a thought!
I dunno, I never liked lemon in my jam. Just use sugar & fruit bro!
I love this recipe! Took me back to my grandma’s kitchen. Thanks!
Too much sugar for my taste. I will try less next time.
Sooo yummy! Best jam ever. Made 3 jars. They won’t last long!