Make the easiest beginner friendly Strawberry Freezer Jam with this low sugar recipe. Includes tips for perfect results, how to fix runny jam and free printable strawberry jam labels for a boutique look!
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Strawberry freezer jam is the perfect recipe for beginners who want to preserve summer sweetness without the hassle of canning. This low sugar recipe is easy, fresh and fruity with only a few ingredients and steps. Whether you’re making for your family or giving as a gift I’ve got you covered with foolproof tips to ensure success and free printable strawberry jam labels to give your homemade jam a boutique look!
My strawberry freezer jam recipe doesn’t require special equipment or years of experience—it’s a beginner recipe that anyone can make with a little help. I’ve tested this recipe to make sure it’s as easy and foolproof as possible. Here are my top tips:
- Choose the Right Pectin: Low sugar pectin like Ball Real Fruit Pectin or Sure-Jell’s low sugar version is key to getting a gel like texture with less sugar. And check the expiration date.
- Boost the Pectin: If low sugar pectin isn’t available, adding a splash of citric acid or a squeeze of lemon juice will help the pectin work even with reduced sugar.
- Set and Forget: Let the jam sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set fully before freezing. This step is crucial for the perfect consistency.
- Even the best canners get runny jam—it’s a common problem and I’m here to help if it happens to you. Whether it’s adjusting the pectin or reboiling I’ve got practical solutions to fix runny jam so you can enjoy the fruits 😜 of your labor.
Why you’ll Love this Freezer Jam Recipe
- Quick and Simple – A 20-minute recipe, using 3 basic ingredients!
- Versatile – Keep a few jars in the freezer to add fresh strawberry flavor to buttered toast, scones, biscuits, and even ice cream whenever desired!
- Guilt-Free Recipe – Our recipe uses less sugar as a typical freezer jam.
- Strawberry Season – This is the perfect way to preserve sweet seasonal strawberries!
Easy Freezer Jam Ingredients
- Strawberries – Juicy and fresh strawberries work best for homemade jam. Just be sure to remove the stems! I would avoid substituting this key ingredient with frozen strawberries to prevent overly runny results. Freshly picked local strawberries are also great!
- Sugar – I like to use all-natural cane sugar for most of my recipes, but I opted for white granulated sugar in this homemade strawberry freezer jam. Keep in mind that other strawberry jam recipes call for four cups, while this version requires less sugar. I wouldn’t recommend using a sugar substitute because of how the sugar crystals react with the pectin.
- Fruit Pectin – I used Ball real fruit pectin (low-sugar) to produce the signature gel-like texture of jam. If you have the option, choose low-sugar pectin that will react better with the lack of sugar in the recipe. Citric acid or a dash of lemon juice also helps the pectin function when you can’t find the low-sugar product at your grocery store. Sure Jell is another good one.
Recommended Equipment
- I love these Weck Jars, I use them when I’m gifting. Make up a batch of Orange scones and deliver them to a friend with a beautiful jar of freezer jam! Standard Ball Jelly jars work well too!
- A Food Processor makes quick work out of mashing the strawberries.
- Ladling into the jars using a food funnel makes clean-up easier.
How to Make Strawberry Freezer Jam
- First, crush the ripe strawberries! If you have a food processor handy, dump the fresh berries into the container and pulse them a few times, leaving some chunks of fruit.
- Otherwise, place the strawberries in a large bowl and use a potato masher to mash them up. When mashed, the two quarts of berries should produce around five cups of strawberries.
3. Next, whisk together sugar and the box of pectin in a separate bowl. Then, add the crushed strawberries to the sugar mixture and continuously stir for at least three minutes, 4-5 minutes if using all-natural cane sugar. Remember to scrape the bottom to get all the ingredients!
4. Using a ladle, scoop the strawberry mixture into freezer-safe containers (glass jars or plastic containers), fit with a tight-fitting lid, and place the storage containers in the freezer. Easy, right? This method is so much more manageable than a traditional jam recipe!
Freezer Jam Tips for Low Sugar Recipes
- A meat chopper will also work if you don’t have a food processor or potato masher. It’s also easier when the berries are at room temperature.
- Cut the stems off using a paring knife. The process is made more simple when you use a strawberry huller. I highly recommend one of these convenient tools if you often chop up strawberries.
- This jam is slightly less gel-like because there’s only a little sugar. Add up to four cups of sugar if you prefer a thicker consistency and aren’t worried about the extra calories.
- The jam won’t set fully right away, hence the instructions to allow it to sit on the counter for 24 hours.
- If jam starts separating (fruit floating to the top), give the freezer jam a quick stir, reseal, and then return to the counter until 24 hours is up.
- Mason jars work great for storing homemade jam! Just be sure to leave about an inch of space in the container so it allows for expansion as it freezes.
- Check the expiration date on your pectin and make sure it’s fresh.
- If your sugar is not dissolving, allow the jam mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes, then stir again well.
- Try and use a low-sugar or no-sugar pectin, this is made especially for low sugar jams.
How to Fix Runny Freezer Jam
Several readers have had issues with their jam setting up; remember that even the most experienced jam makers can experience runny jam. Make sure your pectin has not expired.
I consulted with a friend, who I consider a jam and canning expert, and she gave me this website as her troubleshooting guide. Below are several of her ways and a few others I’ve researched.
- First, remember that pectin can take 24-48 hours to set up, so wait before trying any of the below methods. It can take that long for the pectin to do its work.
- Don’t remake more than 4 cups (8 pints) at a time.
- Place jam in a low, wide pan (more surface area) and, over low heat, bring to a boil. Allow to boil down, but be careful not to over-boil it, simmer 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
- If it still doesn’t thicken, whisk ¼ cup sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon powdered pectin for every 4 cups of jam. Pour the jam into a low, wide pan and add the sugar and pectin combo. Stir regularly while simmering until the sugar and pectin are dissolved and the mixture has thickened, then pour into jars.
- Or try stirring 2 tablespoons of chia seeds into the jam mixture; the chia seeds will absorb the moisture naturally without adding sugar. If you don’t like the look of the seeds, give it a whir in a blender. Allow it to set up overnight, and you get chia seeds’ added health bonus.
- Or stir in 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed in 2-3 teaspoons of water, and pour the slurry into the simmering jam mixture, stirring constantly; it should thicken up considerably. It may have a cloudier appearance after using cornstarch, but this is another way without adding more sugar.
For best results, allow freezer jam to sit on the counter in airtight containers for 24-48 hours to set more fully before freezing. Then, place jars in the fridge or freezer.
Once the jam starts setting, you may notice the fruit floating to the top and some separation of fruit and jelly. While this is normal, stir the jam quickly using a spoon or knife, and the fruit should stay suspended.
Troubleshooting Freezer Jam
How to fix grainy low-sugar strawberry freezer jam
- Even though freezer jam is quick and easy, you want to ensure your sugar is all dissolved; if not, as it sets, it can cause graininess.
- To avoid grainy freezer jam, stir it well; it should deepen in color as the sugar dissolves. If necessary, allow it to sit on the counter for a few minutes, then keep on stirring.
- Get the kids or grandkids involved! Let them stir, stir and stir some more!
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Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe Variations
- Swap Out the Fruit: Feel free to trade strawberries for your favorite fresh fruit to make blueberry, blackberry, or even raspberry freezer jam!
There’s no shortage of delicious strawberry recipes here! Check out my Healthy Strawberry Bread, Strawberry Shortcake Cookie Recipe, Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars, and more by entering “strawberry” into my site’s search bar!
Freezer Jam Storage
How to Freeze Jam: Store your freshly made jam in an airtight container in the freezer. It will last for up to 12 months!
Thaw and Serve: When ready to enjoy this deliciousness, thaw the freezer jars overnight in the fridge, then keep them refrigerated. Once thawed, give it a good stir before serving.
Refrigerate: Strawberry freezer jam lasts 3 – 6 weeks in the refrigerator. I tuck mine in the back of the fridge, where it is coldest, for good measure.
Strawberry Freezer Jam FAQs
There are endless ways to use your low-sugar freezer jam. For example, you can add it to Greek yogurt, mix it into a bowl of vanilla ice cream, smear it on crispy toast, spread it on warm biscuits, make a classic PB&J sandwich, or apply it to fluffy waffles!
Add one more tablespoon of pectin to the freezer jam, stirring it in well. Remember that pectin takes between 24-48 hours to fully set-up.
Jelly, jam, and preserves follow similar recipes and often taste alike. However, they are certainly not the same thing. It’s easy to get them confused with one another because of how close in texture and taste they can be.
Jam contains mashed fruit, and jelly is made with juice. Preserves are much like jam, except they often have whole pieces or large chunks of the fruit, unlike the smooth texture of jam.
There are two pints in every quart of strawberries, about 1.5 pounds.
1 quart = 1 ½ pounds (approximate)
4 cups whole strawberries = 1 quart
1 quart = 2 pints
1 quart = about 24 large strawberries or 48 medium strawberries
I’ve always used fresh strawberries, but yes, typically, you can substitute frozen berries for fresh ones in most recipes.
I recommend thawing the strawberries first, draining any additional liquid, or laying them on paper towels. In theory, pulsing them in the food processor will do short work of thawing them, but they might contain too much liquid.
Free Strawberry Jam Labels
You are going to love these 2-inch freezer strawberry jam labels! Three designs. Print them out on quality paper, use a 2-inch punch or hand cut them, then use a glue stick to affix them to the jar or the top of the lid. Or print onto Avery 2-inch round labels.
Simply click the image below for the free printable strawberry jam labels.
If you love making homemade hostess gifts or neighbor gifts like this, then try my Strawberry Sugar Scrub, Strawberry Lip Scrub, and my Lemon Antibacterial Hand Scrub.
More ways to use strawberries
For more fruity good fresh recipes like this one, try a few of these fruit recipes; like Strawberry Refresher, make homemade strawberry syrup, or make this easy Strawberry Crunch Pound cake!
What to serve with Strawberry Freezer Jam
- Replace the raspberry jam on these Raspberry Thumbprint Cheesecake Cookies.
- Drizzle over this Lemon Ricotta Cake (oh so good!)
- Serve alongside this easy Rhubarb Dump cake for a strawberry rhubarb flare.
- Drizzle a little on top of these Strawberry Cheesecake Phyllo Cups!
Remember that pectin can take 24-48 hours to set up fully, see the troubleshooting guide if your jam is still runny after 48 hours.
I hope you loved this low sugar strawberry freezer jam — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
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Ingredients
- 2 quarts strawberries cleaned, patted dry, stems removed (2 quarts equals about 3 pounds)
- 2 cups granulated sugar I used all-natural cane sugar, regular white sugar may also be used
- 6 tablespoons low-sugar fruit pectin I used Ball low-sugar fruit pectin, but also try Sure Jell low sugar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together sugar and fruit pectin2 cups granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons low-sugar fruit pectin
- In a food processor, pulse strawberries a few times. You want some chunks. Or in a large bowl using a potato masher, mash strawberries, leaving some chunks.2 quarts strawberries
- Add 5 cups crushed strawberries (2 quarts should yield just about 5 cups) to a large bowl, sprinkle the sugar and fruit pectin over the mashed strawberries.
- Stir the strawberry jam mixture really well for 3 whole minutes. Make sure you are scraping the bottom.
- Spoon into containers or jars, cover and seal, then set on the counter for 24 hours. As the jelly starts to set, if there is separation (the fruit begins to float to the top), give it a quick stir, and the fruit should stay suspended.
- After 24 hours, place jars of jam in the freezer or refrigerator; be sure to leave about an inch of space in the jars for your freezer jam so it allows for expansion while it freezes.
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Notes
- Store frozen jam in well-sealed containers in the freezer for up to 6-12 months. Leave about an inch of head space to allow for expansion when freezing. I have frozen in glass containers for years and only had something break if I overfilled it.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and refrigerate the freezer jam for 3-6 weeks. I tuck mine in the back of the refrigerator, where it is coldest.
- Instead of a food processor, use a potato masher or a meat masher (like what you’d use to break up ground beef); it works well.
- Clean and de-stem strawberries using a paring knife or using a strawberry huller.
- This is a lower-sugar version. Because of that, the jam is a little less gel-like. Add more sugar, up to 4 cups, if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Fresh-picked strawberries are ideal, but store-bought will work fine. I’ve never used frozen strawberries, but typically you can swap frozen for regular berries in cooking and baking. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them first, draining as much of the liquid as possible
- First, remember that pectin can take 24-48 hours to set up, so wait before trying any of the below methods. It can take that long for the pectin to do its work.
- Don’t remake more than 4 cups (8 pints) at a time.
- Place jam in a low, wide pan (more surface area) and, over low heat, bring to a boil. Allow to boil down, but be careful not to over-boil it, simmer 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
- If it still doesn’t thicken, whisk ¼ cup sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon powdered pectin for every 4 cups of jam. Pour the jam into a low, wide pan and add the sugar and pectin combo. Stir regularly while simmering until the sugar and pectin are dissolved and the mixture has thickened, then pour into jars.
- Or try stirring 2 tablespoons of chia seeds into the jam mixture; the chia seeds will absorb the moisture naturally without adding sugar. If you don’t like the look of the seeds, give it a whir in a blender. Allow it to set up overnight, and you get chia seeds’ added health bonus.
- Or stir in 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed in 2-3 teaspoons of water, and pour the slurry into the simmering jam mixture, stirring constantly; it should thicken up considerably. It may have a cloudier appearance after using cornstarch, but this is another way without adding more sugar.
Nutrition
Laura Hilton
Recipe is awesome. Bummed because I can’t access the Jam Labels though.
Hi Laura, so sorry there was an error in the original link, fixed now and I emailed you the labels! So glad you loved it!
Darla Grimm
Cannot find free label download
Sorry about that Darla, it’s towards the end of the post, there’s images of the labels and the button immediately follows. I emailed it to you too!
Brea
Will be trying this with my fresh strawberries this year 🙂
What brand is the small jar in the first picture? I love the shape, cute for gifting
I know, it’s so cute! It’s actually a yogurt jar I had saved!! Weck jars are probably closest to it!!
Andy
I did not use a low sugar pectin, I didn’t see that was a requirement when buying per the ingredient list. It’s only been a couple of hours but seems pretty runny so I’m crossing my fingers. I really don’t want to add any more sugar! The flavor is awesome and on point though when I canned it :)!
So sorry about that Andy, I think it will still be really good as it firms up. I’ll make that clarification on the recipe card.
Sangeetha
This strawberry freezer jam recipe looks amazing and is so easy to make! I love that it’s low in sugar and doesn’t require any cooking. It’s the perfect way to use up a surplus of fresh strawberries and have delicious jam on hand all year round.
It really is!! Thanks!
Anjali
I had no idea it was so easy to make jam at home!! This tasted way better than the jam I usually buy at the grocery store – I’m going to be going with the homemade version so much more often from now on!
Yay!
Lily
This no-cook strawberry jam recipe can be a great resource for anyone who wants to make homemade jam but doesn’t want to go through the process of cooking and canning. Love that it’s low sugar too!
Yes!!
NANCY
wow this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe looks so delicious! pinned for later
Hope you love it!
veenaazmanov
Thanks for all the detailing. Strawberry is my favorite seasonal fruit too. Very informative and a must try recipe.
Thanks!