Certo Strawberry Freezer Jam
This strawberry freezer jam recipe only takes 30 minutes to make & is packed with strawberry flavor. It's so easy to make and delicious, you'll never go back to store-bought jam!
Servings: 5 cups
Calories: 70kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
Strawberry Freezer Jam
- 2 cups mashed strawberries - about 1 qt. ripe, whole strawberries 460g
- 4 cups granulated sugar 800g
- 1 pouch Certo liquid Fruit Pectin 3 fl oz.
- 2 Tbsp bottled lemon juice 30g
Instructions
Certo Strawberry Freezer Jam
- Begin by washing and drying the containers or jars you plan to store the jam in. Set aside.
- Rinse your berries and either dry them gently with a towel or place them in a colander to help drain any excess water.
- Remove the stems from 1 quart of strawberries and cut away any blemishes. If you're using store-bought berries, I suggest cutting them into quarters to make them easier to mash.
- Mash the strawberries with a potato masher until the mixture looks soupy. This will leave some small bits of strawberry intact and give the jam a bit of texture.
- Use a measuring cup to add exactly 2 cups of mashed strawberries into a separate large bowl.
- Add in 4 cups of granulated sugar and stir until the sugar is fully incorporated.
- Set a timer for 20 minutes and let the mixture sit, stirring every few minutes to help the sugar dissolve.
- Pour 3 fl oz or 1 pouch of liquid pectin into the strawberry mixture, being sure to squeeze out every last drop of pectin! My mom folds the packet as she does this to get all of it out.
- Add in 2 Tbsp of bottled lemon juice, then set your timer for 3 minutes and stir the mixture somewhat aggressively. I like to switch arms halfway through because they get tired!
- Pour the mixture into the cleaned and dried jars, leaving at least 1/2 inch at the top of the container. The jam will expand as it freezes, so it's important to leave a little room!
- Wipe away any spills, then close the jars with their lids and let them sit for 24 hours at room temperature. Be sure to place them in a safe area where they won't be touched or bumped.
- Once the jam has set, place a bit of tape onto each jar and write the date it was made.
- Then either freeze or refrigerate the jam! It can be frozen for up to a year or kept in the fridge for up to a month.
- To thaw frozen jam, move the container from the freezer to the fridge, then enjoy the following morning once it's thawed.
Video
Notes
Yield
This recipe makes about 5 cups or 40 oz. of freezer jam.Tips for Making the Best Certo Strawberry Freezer Jam
- Use wide-mouthed glass jars for your jam. They're easier to fill and freeze well. You can also use plastic containers with a rubber seal, but I find glass works best.
- Mix the jam in a bowl with a spout to make it easier to pour into the jars.
- The quality of your jam is heavily based on the quality of your berries! It's best to use freshly picked berries if possible.
- Make sure your pectin isn't expired! Check the expiration date on the box to be safe.
- Use liquid pectin in this recipe, not powdered. This recipe will not turn out with powdered pectin.
- Use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice to ensure the pectin sets properly.
- Don't fill your containers to the top! Leave at least 1/2 an inch, because the jam will expand as it freezes.
- Set the filled containers somewhere safe and let them sit for 24 hours without being touched. This allows the pectin to work its magic and helps the jam set properly.
- Label your jars with the date the jam was made. My mom always uses a bit of masking tape and a Sharpie!
- You can use fresh blackberries, raspberries, boysenberries, or marionberries in place of the strawberries in this recipe. The jam will have more seeds, but it will taste great!
Freezing This Freezer Jam
As the name implies, this jam freezes incredibly well! It can be frozen for up to a year. While it stays good for a long time, I doubt it'll last that long! When you're ready to eat the frozen jam, remove the container from the freezer and place it in the fridge overnight. It should be ready to enjoy the following morning.Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Sodium: 2mg | Sugar: 17g