This Easy Small Batch Strawberry Jam is fresh, fruity, and oh-so-simple! With just strawberries, sugar, and a little lemon juice, you can whip up this sweet treat in no time!
I love how it brightens up my morning toast! Honestly, making jam sounds fancy, but it’s really just giving strawberries a fun makeover. Who doesn’t love that? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Look for ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them before cooking.
Granulated Sugar: This helps sweeten the jam and aids in thickening. If you want to cut down on sugar, you can use a sugar substitute, but it may alter the taste and texture slightly. I’ve tried it with honey, and it works great too!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a nice tartness and helps with the gelling. Bottled lemon juice is fine in a pinch, but fresh is best for flavor. You can swap it with lime juice if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Can You Ensure Your Jam Reaches the Right Consistency?
Getting the right thickness can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it! Once you cook the mixture for 20-25 minutes, test the jam’s consistency by doing the cold plate test:
- Place a few drops of the jam on a cold plate and put it in the freezer for a minute.
- Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape and doesn’t run back together, it’s done!
- If it’s still too runny, give it a few more minutes on the heat.
Don’t rush this step, as proper thickening is key to a great jam!
Easy Small Batch Strawberry Jam Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious strawberry jam takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, so plan for a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and will make your kitchen smell amazing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Strawberries:
Start by washing and hulling your strawberries. Once that’s done, cut them in half to prepare them for cooking. This will help them break down more easily and release their juices.
2. Combining Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, toss the hulled and halved strawberries with the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Mix everything well, so the strawberries are nicely coated with the sugar and lemon juice. This helps bring out the strawberries’ natural sweetness!
3. Cooking the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4. Achieving the Right Thickness:
Cook the jam for about 20-25 minutes, or until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. You can check if it’s ready by doing the cold plate test: place a small spoonful of the jam on a cold plate and see if it sets up after a minute. If it doesn’t hold its shape, continue cooking for a bit longer and test again.
5. Cooling and Storing:
Once your jam is thickened to your liking, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully transfer the jam to a clean jar or container. Allow it to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.
6. Enjoying Your Jam:
Your homemade strawberry jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Spread it on toast, biscuits, or use it as a topping for desserts. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work just fine! Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture of your jam.
How Can I Sweeten the Jam Without Using Sugar?
You can use honey or maple syrup as alternatives to granulated sugar. Keep in mind that this may change the flavor slightly, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Jam?
Store your jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, transfer the jam to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 6 months. Just remember to leave some space at the top of the container for expansion!
What Should I Do If My Jam Is Too Runny?
If your jam hasn’t thickened as desired, you can return it to the stovetop and simmer it for a bit longer, stirring frequently. You can also mix in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water as a thickening agent, but give it some time to cook down afterward.
