30 Minute Strawberry Jam Recipe – No Canning Required!

If you want to make strawberry jam but don’t know where to begin or you don’t have a lot of time then you will love this easy 30 minute Strawberry Jam Recipe! It is a super simple recipe and one that even a novice cook can master.

Although there are many recipes that require jam to be canned using the water bath method, this recipe is different. In fact, if you can boil water you can make your own homemade jam.

Every year when the berries begin to ripe, I make jam using a variety of methods and ingredients. However, I don’t always have the time to go through the canning process so that the filled jars can be shelf-stable for a year.

And other times, I have a small batch of strawberries that I want to process, but the thought of gathering all of the canning equipment required, honestly seems like way too much effort.

And that is when I turn to this easy to make recipe! I can have the jam prepared and ready to store in only 30 minutes!

30 Minute Strawberry Jam

What makes this recipe come together so quick and easy is the use of a food processor. The food processor allows you to break down the strawberries into small chunks in a fraction of the time that it would take to dice them with a knife.

Start by simply washing, drying and coring the strawberries. Then place them in your food processor and pulse just until the strawberries are finely diced.

You don’t want to puree the strawberries. However, you want them in small enough pieces that they will break down quickly to make jam.

Just like when making Strawberry Shortcake, you will macerate the strawberries by adding sugar to the berries. Once the sugar is added the strawberries will continue to break down and form a liquid base.

Then all that is left to do is stir in the Pectin so that the strawberry jam becomes thick and gel-like. It really is that simple!

Then place the jam in containers and store it in the refrigerator for immediate use. Or for long term storage place the jam in the freezer.

How To Freeze The Jam

This 30 minute strawberry jam can be frozen in any freezer safe container. However, be cautious if you are using glass canning jars for freezing.

Although most half pint jars that you purchase are designated as being freezer safe, not all jars are created equal. In fact, most standard canning jars that you use for canning salsa, spaghetti sauce and tomato sauce should not be placed in the freezer.

Therefore it is best to research the type of jar that you are using before filling them and placing them in the freezer. Each newly purchased box of jars will explain the safe and approved use for that specific jar.

However, if you are like me and have had the same jars for years, there is a general guideline that you can use to determine if they are safe to store in the freezer. Only freeze in mason jars that do not have a tapered neck.

The reason is because the contents will expand upward in the jar during freezing and the jar is then at risk to crack or break. Instead, choose wide mouth pint, half-pint, or jelly jars.

However, if you are simply unsure you don’t have to risk ruining your batch of strawberry jam by freezing in glass jars. You can also freeze the jam in plastic containers.

However, no matter what container you decide to use be sure to leave 1/2 inch of head space at the top of the container. As the jam freezes, it will expand.

Therefore, if there is not enough empty space left at the top of the container it will likely crack or break.

Low Sugar Option

As we all know, traditional strawberry jam contains a lot of sugar. However, if you are using fresh picked berries you can use less sugar as the natural sugar content in the berries will be much higher than if you purchased strawberries at the grocery store.

In order to determine how much sugar to use it is best to taste a strawberry. If they are super sweet and juicy, decrease the amount of sugar that you use.

Then make a small batch of this 30 minute strawberry jam to determine if the amount of sweetness is to your liking. However, if you are looking for a more definitive low-sugar option there is another alternative.

Sure-Jell pectin also comes in a Low or No Sugar Light version as well. Simply decrease the sugar in half if you use a box of Low or No Sugar pectin.

And if you do not want to use white sugar or pectin at all, check out our Strawberry Honey Jam recipe. Although the recipe includes canning instructions, the jam can also be frozen instead of canned.

Want to add a little twist to your strawberry jam? Both Strawberry Rhubarb and Strawberry Vanilla Jam are both easy to make and provide a unique flavor to traditional strawberry jam.

30 Minute Strawberry Jam Recipe

*Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to keep reading for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 qt. fully ripe strawberries, washed and stems removed
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 box Sure-Jell Fruit Pectin (1.75 ounces)

How To Make 30 Minute Strawberry Jam

In a food processor add strawberries and pulse just a few times, until strawberries are well diced, but not totally mashed. Measure exactly 2 cups of processed strawberries into a large bowl.

Slowly add the sugar, one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a small saucepan, add water and the contents of the pectin package and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently. Once the mixture begins to boil, stir for 1 minute and then remove from heat and mix it into the strawberry mixture.

Stir constantly until sugar is well dissolved.

Fill half pint or freezer containers with jam and leave 1/2” of head-space at the top. Cover with lids and allow to stand at room temperature until cool.

Then store in the refrigerator for immediate use. Or place in the freezer for long term use. The strawberry jam will remain good in the freezer for up to 6 months.

To thaw frozen jam, place it in the refrigerator overnight.

Enjoy!

Mary and Jim

Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.

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