Did you know that more than 70% of home canners prefer freezer jam over traditional canned jam because it’s faster, fresher, and foolproof? If you’ve ever wondered how to capture the sweet taste of strawberries at their peak without complicated canning equipment, a Sure Jell strawberry freezer jam recipe is the answer. This simple method locks in flavor and color while giving you a spreadable jam that tastes like summer in every bite.
Sure-Jell is a trusted brand of fruit pectin that helps strawberries thicken into jam without lengthy boiling. Unlike cooked jams, freezer jam requires no hot water bath or sterilizing jars, making it perfect for beginners and busy families. All you need are fresh (or thawed frozen) strawberries, sugar, water, and a box of Sure-Jell. In less than an hour, you’ll have jars of homemade jam ready for the freezer, with a shelf life of up to a year.
At EasyumRecipes, we’ve tested dozens of jam variations to find the ones that consistently deliver taste, texture, and reliability. What makes this recipe stand out is its balance: it’s sweet but not overpowering, thick yet spreadable, and packed with natural strawberry flavor. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, layering it in cakes, or spooning it over ice cream, this jam is versatile enough for everyday meals and special treats alike.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know: the role of Sure-Jell, the exact ingredients and tools required, a step-by-step guide with troubleshooting tips, freezer storage advice, and even creative variations like strawberry-basil or strawberry-ginger.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Makes Sure-Jell Strawberry Freezer Jam Special
The Role of Sure-Jell in Jam Making
Jam making can be intimidating, especially when recipes call for long boiling times or pressure canners. That’s where Sure-Jell steps in. Sure-Jell is a fruit pectin derived from natural sources that helps your jam set perfectly every time. In freezer jam, it binds with sugar and fruit acids to form a smooth, spreadable texture.
Unlike cooked jams, freezer jam keeps its bright strawberry flavor and vibrant color, since the fruit isn’t overcooked. This makes it taste closer to fresh-picked berries. Sure-Jell provides consistency, making it nearly impossible to end up with a runny or overly stiff batch. For another fun strawberry recipe, check out our clean, fluffy strawberry jello, or try a sugar-free jello treat.
Flavor and Freshness Benefits
The main appeal of a Sure-Jell strawberry freezer jam recipe is freshness. Because the berries are barely heated, the result is sweet but natural, with the same aroma as ripe fruit in the garden. You can make the recipe with fresh or frozen strawberries, though fresh gives the most vibrant flavor.
PrintSure Jell Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe: Easy, Fresh & Foolproof
“Sure Jell strawberry freezer jam recipe made easy! A fresh, sweet, and foolproof homemade jam with just 4 ingredients in 9 simple steps.”
- Prep Time: “PT30M”
- Cook Time: “PT5M”
- Total Time: “PT35M”
- Yield: “6 cups (about 5-6 half-pint jars)”
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch
- Cuisine: “American”
Ingredients
“4 cups crushed fresh strawberries (about 2 quarts whole berries)”,
“7 cups granulated sugar”,
“1 box Sure-Jell fruit pectin”,
“1 cup water”
Instructions
1-“Wash and hull fresh strawberries, then crush until you have 4 cups.”
2-“Combine crushed strawberries with 7 cups sugar in a large bowl. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes.”
3-“Combine crushed strawberries with 7 cups sugar in a large bowl. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes.”
4-“In a saucepan, mix 1 box Sure-Jell pectin with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then boil for 1 minute.”
5-“Pour hot pectin mixture into strawberries. Stir for 3 minutes until sugar dissolves completely.”
6-“Ladle jam into freezer-safe jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace for expansion.”
7-“Let jars stand at room temperature for 24 hours before freezing. Store frozen up to 12 months or refrigerated up to 3 weeks.”
Nutrition
- Calories: “50 calories per tablespoon”
- Sugar: “12g”
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: “13g”
- Protein: “0g”
Ingredients and Essential Equipment
Ingredient Breakdown
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh strawberries | 4 cups (crushed) | Wash, hull, and lightly mash. Frozen berries may be used if thawed. |
| Granulated sugar | 7 cups | Essential for thickening and preservation. Use low-sugar Sure-Jell if preferred. |
| Sure-Jell fruit pectin | 1 box | Choose regular or low-sugar version. |
| Water | 1 cup | Used to dissolve pectin before combining with fruit. |
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl : to combine strawberries and sugar.
- Saucepan : for dissolving the pectin in water.
- Potato masher or food processor : to crush strawberries to desired texture.
- Wooden spoon or spatula : for stirring.
- Measuring cups and spoons : accuracy matters for pectin recipes.
- Ladle and funnel : to neatly transfer jam into containers.
- Freezer-safe jars or plastic containers: leave ½ inch headspace for expansion.
If you enjoy creamy desserts, you might also like our cottage cheese chocolate mousse or guilt-free protein brownies.
Step-by-Step Sure Jell Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
Preparing the Strawberries
- Wash and hull: Rinse 2 quarts of fresh strawberries, remove stems and hulls.
- Crush the fruit: Mash with a potato masher until you have 4 cups of crushed berries.
- Combine with sugar: Stir in 7 cups of sugar and let sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cooking and Combining with Sure-Jell
- Prepare the pectin: In a small saucepan, mix 1 box of Sure-Jell pectin with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
- Boil briefly: Once boiling, cook for 1 full minute, stirring nonstop to avoid clumps.
- Add to strawberries: Pour the hot pectin mixture into the strawberry-sugar mixture. Stir continuously for 3 minutes until sugar is fully dissolved. The mixture should look glossy and slightly thickened.
- Fill containers: Ladle the jam into clean, freezer-safe jars or plastic containers, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top for expansion.
- Set at room temperature: Let the filled jars sit on the counter for 24 hours. This gives the jam time to thicken.
- Freeze or refrigerate: Store jars in the freezer for up to 12 months. Once thawed, refrigerate and use within 3 weeks for best flavor.
Try spooning this jam over banana bread pudding or enjoy it with Greek yogurt brownies.
Storage, Freezing, and Shelf Life
Freezer Storage Guidelines
One of the best features of freezer jam is how long it lasts without losing flavor. Unlike cooked jams, freezer jam stays bright and fresh-tasting because it isn’t exposed to long heat processing.
Freezer storage: Properly sealed in freezer-safe containers, strawberry freezer jam keeps for up to 12 months.
Refrigerator storage (after thawing): Once you move a jar from the freezer to the fridge, plan to use it within 3 weeks for best taste and texture.
Headspace tip: Always leave about ½ inch of space at the top of your containers. Jam expands slightly as it freezes.
If you make several jars at once, store most in the freezer and keep one thawed in the refrigerator for immediate use.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Jam too runny: Caused by low sugar or undercooked pectin. Re-make with fresh pectin, or use as a dessert sauce.
- Too sweet: Use low-sugar Sure-Jell next time.
- CloudEven with a reliable product like Sure-Jell, a few issues can pop up. Here’s how to fix them:
- Jam didn’t set properly (too runny)
- Possible causes: not enough sugar, undercooked pectin, or doubled recipe.
- Fix: Re-make using a fresh batch of pectin, or use it as a strawberry sauce for pancakes and desserts.
- Jam is too sweet
- Sure-Jell classic requires a high sugar-to-fruit ratio. To reduce sweetness, use Sure-Jell for Less or No Sugar Needed Recipes on your next batch.
- Jam turned cloudy or crystallized
- Usually from undissolved sugar. Be sure to stir for the full 3 minutes after adding pectin.
- Freezer burn or off-flavor
- Ensure containers are airtight. Label and date jars to rotate stock properly.
- Pro tip: Never store freezer jam at room temperature; unlike canned jam, it doesn’t have the shelf stability to stay safe outside of the freezer or refrigerator.
- In short: store freezer jam correctly, and you’ll enjoy fresh, flavorful strawberry jam all year long without waste.y or crystallized jam: From undissolved sugar. Stir fully for 3 minutes.
- Freezer burn: Use airtight jars and rotate stock.
For more flavor storage ideas, try our protein shake recipes or pair jam with breakfast cookies.
Creative Variations and Serving Ideas
Flavor Pairings Beyond Classic Strawberry
The traditional Sure-Jell strawberry freezer jam recipe is beloved for its sweet, vibrant flavor. But with a little creativity, you can take it to the next level:
- Strawberry-Basil Jam : Fresh basil leaves add a herbal, slightly peppery note that balances the sweetness.
- Strawberry-Mint Jam : Refreshing mint pairs beautifully with ripe berries, making it perfect for summer desserts.
- Strawberry-Ginger Jam : A touch of grated ginger adds warmth and a gentle spice kick.
- Strawberry-Lemon Jam: A splash of lemon juice enhances freshness and makes the flavor pop.
Each variation follows the same steps as the classic recipe. Simply add your chosen ingredient to the strawberry mixture or during the pectin boiling stage.
How to Serve and Enjoy
- Spread on toast, biscuits, croissants, or waffles.
- Drizzle over cheesecake, pound cake, or ice cream.
- Spoon into yogurt bowls.
- Serve with brie, goat cheese, or cream cheese.
- Use as a cake filling.
For safe freezing and preserving, visit the USDA National Center for Home Food Preservation .
FAQs About Sure Jell Strawberry Freezer Jam
Can I use Sure-Jell for freezer jam?
Yes, Sure-Jell is ideal for freezer jam. It contains fruit pectin, which helps strawberries set into a smooth, spreadable texture without traditional canning. Freezer jam keeps its fresh strawberry flavor and color, making it easier and tastier to prepare at home.
How much water do I add to Sure-Jell for freezer jam?
You need 1 cup of water to dissolve a standard box of Sure-Jell fruit pectin. Boil for one minute while stirring, then combine with the strawberry and sugar mixture. This step activates the pectin, ensuring your jam thickens properly.
How to use Sure-Jell to make jam?
To make jam with Sure-Jell, crush fresh strawberries, combine with sugar, then add boiled Sure-Jell pectin and water. Stir until sugar dissolves, ladle into jars, and let set for 24 hours. Freeze or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Are frozen strawberries good for jam-making?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well if thawed and drained before crushing. Fresh berries deliver the most vibrant flavor, but frozen strawberries are a convenient alternative. They let you make strawberry freezer jam all year without waiting for berry season.
Conclusion
Making a Sure Jell strawberry freezer jam recipe is one of the easiest ways to enjoy strawberries all year. With just four ingredients and simple steps, you get jam that tastes like summer. Experiment with flavors, store it safely, and share jars with friends and family!
