Go Back
Homemade strawberry jam in a small 4-ounce glass mason jar on a rustic wooden table, with a spoon lifting thick glossy jam. Fresh strawberries, mint leaves, and buttered toast topped with strawberry jam sit nearby in warm natural light.
Jana Rae

Easy Strawberry Jam Without Pectin

Easy Strawberry Jam Without Pectin is a simple small batch homemade jam recipe made with frozen strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. This easy one-jar recipe is perfect for beginners and small kitchens.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1 4 oz (jelly jar)
Course: condiment
Cuisine: American
Calories: 25
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Optional:
  • Tiny splash vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Place frozen strawberries into a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
  2. As the strawberries thaw, gently mash them using a fork, potato masher, or wooden spoon.
  3. Cook strawberries for about 5–7 minutes until softened and juicy.
  4. Add sugar and lemon juice. Stir well.
  5. Allow mixture to simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring often.
  6. As the jam cooks, it will slowly thicken.
  7. The jam is ready when it coats the spoon lightly and slowly comes back together when a spoon is dragged across the bottom of the pan.
  8. Remove from heat.
  9. Pour hot jam carefully into a clean 4 oz mason jelly jar.
  10. Allow jam to cool completely.
  11. Seal with lid and refrigerate.

Notes

This recipe is not shelf stable and should be stored in the refrigerator.
 
Use within about 2 weeks.
 
The jam thickens more as it cools.
 
For thicker jam, simmer a few extra minutes.
 
A tiny splash of vanilla gives the jam a cozy homemade flavor.
 
If you prefer smoother jam, blend briefly with an immersion blender before cooling.