If you’re looking for a delightful way to capture the bright, sweet essence of summer all year round, this Simple Strawberry Jam with Just 3 Ingredients Recipe is a must-try. It’s amazing how just fresh strawberries, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice can come together to create a luscious, spreadable treat bursting with vibrant color and natural sweetness. Whether you’re a jam-making novice or a seasoned canner, this recipe’s simplicity doesn’t skimp on flavor, offering a fresh homemade alternative to store-bought jams that feels both comforting and celebratory.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These three ingredients are the heart and soul of this jam. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance between sweetness, tartness, and texture.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Sugar: Acts not only as a sweetener but also helps the jam thicken and preserve.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity, enhancing the strawberry flavor and aiding in preservation.
How to Make Simple Strawberry Jam with Just 3 Ingredients Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by rinsing your strawberries thoroughly under cold water, then remove the green stems. Cut them into halves or quarters depending on their size, so the fruit breaks down evenly during cooking, giving your jam that perfect chunky texture.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Pot
Place the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice directly into a large saucepan. Stir them gently to coat the fruit with sugar, then let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the strawberries release their juices, creating a natural syrup base for your jam.
Step 3: Cook the Jam
Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the mixture thickens—this happens as the liquid evaporates and the natural pectin in strawberries activates, all without adding any extra pectin.
Step 4: Test for Doneness
To check if your jam is set, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. Let it cool for a minute, then run your finger through it. If it wrinkles and doesn’t flood back, your jam is ready. If it’s still too runny, cook a few minutes longer and test again.
Step 5: Jar Your Jam
Once thickened, remove from heat and carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars. Leave a little space at the top, seal tightly, and let it cool to room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. It’s that simple!
How to Serve Simple Strawberry Jam with Just 3 Ingredients Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped mint or basil over your jam-topped toast for an herbaceous twist that brightens every bite. A tiny dollop of whipped cream or a few slivers of toasted almonds can add texture and richness too.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs beautifully with warm, buttered scones, fluffy pancakes, or even as a topping to vanilla ice cream. It’s also fantastic swirled into plain yogurt or spread over soft cheeses like brie for an elegant snack or appetizer.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not use this jam as a filling for thumbprint cookies or sandwich it between layers of sponge cake for an instant upgrade? You can also swirl it into oatmeal or overnight oats for a fruity surprise in your breakfast bowl or drizzle it over a bowl of fresh fruit for added sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover jam in sterilized jars with tight-fitting lids. Refrigerated, it will stay fresh for up to three weeks, ready whenever you crave a spoonful of sunshine on toast or pancakes.
Freezing
If you want to keep your jam longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer the cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Frozen jam can last for several months and thaws quickly when you need it.
Reheating
To bring out the best texture before serving chilled jam, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave. This softens the jam, making it easier to spread, especially if it’s been stored in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones aren’t available, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid to avoid a runny jam.
Do I need to add pectin for this jam to set?
Nope! The natural pectin in strawberries and the sugar are enough to create a lovely set when cooked properly, making this Simple Strawberry Jam with Just 3 Ingredients Recipe wonderfully straightforward.
How long does strawberry jam last once opened?
Once opened, keep your jam refrigerated and try to use it within three weeks for the best flavor and safety.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely. If you prefer less sugar, you can reduce it slightly, but keep in mind that sugar also helps preserving the jam and affects the texture.
Is it necessary to sterilize jars for this jam?
While sterilizing jars helps extend shelf life and prevent spoilage, if you’re storing the jam in the refrigerator or freezer, regular clean jars will work just fine.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade jam doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming, and this Simple Strawberry Jam with Just 3 Ingredients Recipe proves it beautifully. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create something that tastes like a sweet, fresh hug in a jar. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without that homemade touch on your morning toast or favorite desserts.
PrintSimple Strawberry Jam with Just 3 Ingredients Recipe
This simple and delicious strawberry jam recipe requires just three ingredients and no pectin. Made with fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for spreading on toast, adding to desserts, or gifting to friends.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 1 to 1.5 cups of strawberry jam
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Fresh Strawberries
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash the fresh strawberries thoroughly and remove the stems. Cut the strawberries into halves or quarters depending on their size to ensure even cooking and easier mashing.
- Cook the Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. As the mixture heats, the strawberries will release their juices and the sugar will dissolve.
- Mash and Simmer: Use a potato masher or fork to gently crush the strawberries as they cook. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Continue stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Simmer until the jam thickens and reaches the desired consistency; this can take approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Test the Jam: To test if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful onto a chilled plate. If it gels and wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it is done. If not, continue to simmer for a few more minutes and test again.
- Cool and Store: Remove the jam from heat and let it cool slightly. Pour into sterilized jars, seal, and refrigerate. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- Ensure your jars are properly sterilized to extend the shelf life of your jam.
- You can adjust the sugar quantity depending on the sweetness of your strawberries and your personal preference.
- Lemon juice not only adds flavor but also helps in preservation and setting the jam.
- This recipe does not require pectin; the natural pectin in strawberries together with lemon juice helps the jam to set.
- If you prefer a smoother jam, you can blend the mixture briefly before cooking.
