Description

This Homemade Strawberry Jam is simplicity at its finest—just three ingredients and no pectin required. Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this jam is perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into yogurt, or gifting to loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds fresh strawberries (about 8 cups hulled and quartered)
1½ cups granulated sugar (can reduce to 1 cup for a less sweet version)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)

Substitutions:

Frozen strawberries can be used if fresh aren’t available (thaw and drain).
Coconut sugar can replace granulated sugar for a deeper flavor profile.
Lime juice works as an alternative to lemon juice.

Instructions

Prepare Your Strawberries: Rinse strawberries under cool water and pat dry. Remove hulls and quarter large berries (halve smaller ones). For a smoother jam, roughly mash about half the berries with a potato masher before cooking.
Combine and Macerate: Place strawberries in a large, heavy-bottomed pot and pour the sugar over them. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out juices.
Add Lemon Juice and Begin Cooking: Add lemon juice and stir to combine. Place over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Use a wide, shallow pot for better evaporation.
Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 30-40 minutes, allowing the natural sugars to concentrate and the mixture to thicken.
Test for Doneness: After about 30 minutes, place a small plate in the freezer for 2 minutes. Drop a teaspoon of jam onto the cold plate, wait 30 seconds, then push with your finger. If it wrinkles slightly and holds its shape, it’s ready. If not, continue simmering and test again in 5-minute intervals.
Jar and Store: Once done, ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath for longer shelf life.

Notes

For best results, use a mix of ripe and slightly underripe strawberries—their natural pectin helps achieve a better set. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially as the jam thickens. Avoid overcooking, as it can make the jam too stiff.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
Category: Preserves
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 40
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: homemade strawberry jam, no pectin jam, easy jam recipe, three ingredient jam