No-Cook Freezer Jam Recipe

This No-Cook Freezer Jam is a quick and simple recipe, which is made with fresh strawberries and fruit pectin. It’s a straightforward recipe for preserving fresh fruit flavor, ready in about 30 minutes plus setting time.

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No-Cook Freezer Jam Ingredients

2 cups crushed strawberries
4 cups sugar
1 box (1 3/4-ounce) SURE-JELL Premium Fruit Pectin
3/4 cup water

How To Make No-Cook Freezer Jam

Prep the fruit: In a large bowl, crush the strawberries using a potato masher. Add the exact amount of sugar to the crushed berries and stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the pectin: In a small saucepan, stir the pectin and water together. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Continue to boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring the entire time.
Combine and set: Pour the hot pectin mixture over the berry and sugar mixture. Stir constantly for 3 minutes, or until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Store the jam: Immediately ladle the jam into clean containers, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top. Cover the jars with lids and let them stand at room temperature for 24 hours to set.

Recipe Tips

Why use this specific type of pectin? This recipe is designed for a “no-cook freezer jam” pectin. It’s formulated to set the fruit without the long boiling process required for traditional canned jams.
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes. For the best results, let the frozen strawberries thaw completely, then crush them with their juices before measuring and proceeding with the recipe.
How do I know the jam is set? This type of jam has a softer set than traditional cooked jam. After standing at room temperature for 24 hours, it should have a thick, gel-like consistency. It will firm up more once it’s chilled in the refrigerator.
Can I reduce the sugar? It is not recommended to reduce the sugar in this specific recipe. The sugar-to-fruit-to-pectin ratio is a precise chemical reaction. Reducing the sugar will likely result in a jam that does not set properly.

What To Serve With Freezer Jam

This fresh-tasting jam is a perfect sweet spread for many breakfast items and desserts.

On hot, buttered toast, biscuits, or English muffins
Served with warm scones and clotted cream
Swirled into plain yogurt or oatmeal
As a topping for ice cream or cheesecake

How To Store Freezer Jam

Refrigerate: Store the set jam in the refrigerator for immediate use. It will keep for up to 3 weeks.
Freeze: For longer storage, this jam freezes beautifully. Store the sealed jars in the freezer for up to one year. Thaw a jar in the refrigerator before using.

Freezer Jam Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 60 kcal
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 0g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Is this jam safe for traditional canning?

No, this is a freezer jam recipe and is not intended for the high heat of a water bath canner. It must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to stay preserved.

Why is my freezer jam runny?

This can happen for a few reasons: the sugar-to-fruit ratio was incorrect, the pectin and water mixture was not boiled for the full minute, or the final mixture was not stirred for the full 3 minutes. Precise measurements and timing are key for this recipe.

Can I use a different fruit?

Yes, you can use this same method with other crushed berries like raspberries or blackberries. Just be sure to use the exact measurements of crushed fruit and sugar called for in the pectin package insert for that specific fruit.

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