Sure Jell Strawberry Jam Recipe

This Sure Jell strawberry jam recipe captures summer’s sweetness in every spoonful. Made with fresh strawberries and a hint of lemon, it’s perfect for spreading on toast or topping desserts. Simple, delicious, and truly homemade.

There’s just something magical about opening a jar of fresh, homemade strawberry jam. Whether it’s the vibrant, ruby-red color or the first spoonful that tastes like pure, sun-ripened strawberries, strawberry jam made with Sure Jell offers that satisfying balance of sweet and tangy. Unlike anything store-bought, this recipe captures the essence of summer in a jar, preserving those flavors so you can enjoy them year-round. With this Sure Jell Strawberry Jam recipe, we’ll walk through each step and sprinkle in a few tips that make all the difference. Get ready for a jam that’s not only tasty but also perfect for canning and sharing!

Before diving into the details, if you're curious about other unique, delightful recipes to complement your homemade jam, feel free to check out our Crookie Recipe for a sweet twist or this warming Bertucci Sausage Soup Recipe that's perfect for chilly mornings. Each of these recipes, like today’s jam, brings a burst of flavor in every bite.

What is Sure Jell Strawberry Jam?

Sure Jell Strawberry Jam is an all-time classic that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Made with fresh strawberries, sugar, and Sure Jell pectin, this jam sets beautifully, striking that perfect spreadable consistency. Sure Jell is a trusted brand of fruit pectin, which is essential for achieving the right jam texture—thick enough to stay put on toast but soft enough to spread like a dream. This jam has become a go-to for people who want a dependable, delicious recipe that doesn’t require any exotic ingredients or lengthy cook times.

One thing to know: Sure Jell Strawberry Jam is perfect for canning. When preserved correctly, the jars are shelf-stable, which means you can stock your pantry with your homemade jam or gift it to friends and family. If you’re new to canning, don’t worry! This recipe breaks down each step, making it approachable and straightforward.

And, for those times when you're looking for a savory counterpart to pair with your jam, consider making our Lamb Ragu D'Rose Mary Recipe or a crunchy side like Air Fryer Crunchy Bream Potatoes to serve alongside. They balance out the sweetness and add a touch of culinary contrast to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Sure Jell Strawberry Jam Recipe

1. Bursting with Real Fruit Flavor: Nothing compares to jam made with real strawberries. This recipe captures the taste of fresh strawberries, made even better by Sure Jell pectin, which helps the jam set without diluting its natural flavor.

2. Ideal for Canning and Long-Term Storage: With the right canning process, your strawberry jam will keep for months. You’ll have a stash of homemade jam to pull out whenever you’re craving a bit of summer.

3. Great for Beginners: Even if you’re new to jam-making, this Sure Jell Strawberry Jam recipe is straightforward. Each step is designed with beginner cooks in mind, so you can feel confident from start to finish.

4. Perfect for Pairing with Various Recipes: This jam isn't just for toast. Try spreading it on a fluffy biscuit, swirling it into yogurt, or even using it as a glaze for meats. For example, our Captain D's Slaw Recipe complements this jam’s sweetness when served as part of a savory breakfast.

Ingredients for Sure Jell Strawberry Jam

Each ingredient in this Sure Jell Strawberry Jam recipe plays an essential role. Here’s what you need and why each is important:

• Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy strawberries. Look for berries that are bright red, fragrant, and firm without bruises. These are the foundation of your jam and give it that intense strawberry flavor. If you’re near the end of strawberry season and they’re a bit tart, don’t worry—the sugar will balance it out.

• Granulated Sugar: The sugar here is more than just a sweetener; it helps preserve the jam and contributes to the texture. This recipe uses a generous amount of sugar, which may seem like a lot, but it’s necessary for setting and flavor. If you’re looking to offset the sweetness, consider pairing this jam with a tangy sauce like our Easy Jhol-Like Sauce Recipe.

• Sure Jell Pectin: Pectin is a natural gelling agent found in fruits, but strawberries have low pectin, which is why we use Sure Jell. It ensures a reliable, jam-like consistency. Without pectin, you’d need much longer cooking times to achieve the same thickness, and the flavor would be more cooked.

• Water: Used to dissolve the pectin before mixing it into the fruit and sugar. It’s a small amount, but it helps activate the pectin so it works properly.

How to Make Sure Jell Strawberry Jam

Making jam can seem intimidating if it's your first time, but I promise you—it’s incredibly doable, especially with this Sure Jell Strawberry Jam recipe. The steps are straightforward, and once you get going, you’ll see just how satisfying it is to transform fresh strawberries into a perfectly thick, sweet, and tangy jam.

Step 1: Prepare Your Strawberries

First, rinse the strawberries under cool water and gently pat them dry. Remove the stems and any damaged spots, then slice the strawberries in half (or quarters if they’re large).

Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, crush the strawberries until they reach your desired texture. I like to leave a few small chunks in my jam—it gives it a rustic, homemade feel. But if you prefer a smoother consistency, you can mash the strawberries more thoroughly or even pulse them in a food processor. You’re aiming for about 5 cups of crushed strawberries.

Step 2: Sterilize Your Jars

While you're preparing the fruit, get your jars ready for canning. Sterilizing jars is key to ensuring your jam stays fresh and safe for long-term storage. Wash the jars, lids, and rings in hot, soapy water, then place them in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes.

If you’re planning to pair this jam with savory dishes, consider making extra jars to share. The natural sweetness of this jam pairs surprisingly well with richer meals, like the Pappadeaux Crawfish Etouffee Recipe, or as an accompaniment to a hearty Mei and Kyong Egg Fried Rice.

Step 3: Combine Strawberries and Sugar

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the 5 cups of crushed strawberries and 7 cups of granulated sugar. Stir well to combine, making sure the sugar is evenly mixed into the fruit. This is the sweet base of your jam, and it's going to cook down beautifully.

Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to let the sugar start dissolving. This also gives you a little window to prepare the pectin mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Sure Jell Pectin

In a separate, small saucepan, combine the Sure Jell pectin with 3/4 cup of water. Stir constantly over high heat until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Let it boil for exactly 1 minute, then remove it from the heat.

This step is crucial because the boiling activates the pectin, ensuring your jam sets properly. Skipping this step or boiling for too short a time can lead to jam that’s runny instead of perfectly spreadable.

Step 5: Combine Pectin Mixture with Strawberry Mixture

Quickly add the hot pectin mixture to your pot of strawberries and sugar. Stir everything together thoroughly for at least 3 minutes to make sure the pectin is evenly distributed. You want to dissolve all the sugar completely and ensure the pectin is mixed well so the jam sets nicely.

If you’re looking for more ways to enhance your jam or use it in unique recipes, check out our Apricot Jam with Bachan's BBQ Twist for inspiration. These kinds of twists can bring a whole new level of flavor to traditional jams.

Step 6: Fill and Seal Your Jars

Now comes the fun part! Carefully ladle the hot jam into your prepared, sterilized jars. Fill each jar to within 1/4 inch of the top, which is known as the headspace. This small gap is necessary for proper sealing.

Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe any jam off the rims of the jars—any residue can prevent a proper seal. Place the lid on each jar, screw on the bands until they’re finger-tight, and prepare them for the final canning step.

Step 7: Process in a Water Bath

Place the filled jars in a large canning pot, ensuring that they’re fully submerged in water. Bring the water to a boil and let the jars process for 10 minutes (or longer, depending on altitude). This boiling water bath seals the jars, making the jam shelf-stable.

After 10 minutes, carefully remove the jars from the water and set them on a towel to cool. As they cool, you should hear a “pop” as each jar seals. This sound is like a little victory cheer—it means your jars are sealed and ready for long-term storage.

Storing Your Sure Jell Strawberry Jam

Once your jars are cool and sealed, it’s time to store them. If properly sealed, your strawberry jam can be stored in a cool, dark place (like a pantry or cupboard) for up to one year. A perfect jam batch can make all the difference during winter months when you’re craving that burst of summer flavor!

However, if any jars didn’t seal correctly, you can simply place those in the fridge and enjoy them first. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about three weeks, giving you plenty of time to savor each spoonful. Also, remember that homemade jam is a beautiful gift, especially when you’ve put so much care into each jar.

How to Use Sure Jell Strawberry Jam: Endless Pairing Possibilities

Now that you have a stash of Sure Jell Strawberry Jam, let’s talk about ways to enjoy it beyond just spreading it on toast. There’s no shortage of creative ways to use this jam, and each method brings out its sweet-tart strawberry goodness.

• Classic Breakfast: Spread a generous layer of jam on warm, buttery toast or a fresh biscuit. Try it on a thick slice of Tippins Cornbread for a sweet-savory twist.

• Cheese Pairing: Strawberry jam pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses like Brie or goat cheese. For a simple appetizer, spread some jam over a wheel of cheese, warm it in the oven for a few minutes, and serve with crackers.

• Glaze for Meats: This jam makes a delicious glaze for roasted meats. Brush it over pork, chicken, or even lamb for a sweet, sticky finish. You could pair it with something hearty, like our Lombatello Steak for a lovely balance of flavors.

• Swirl into Desserts: Add a spoonful of jam to your favorite yogurt, vanilla ice cream, or cheesecake for an extra pop of strawberry flavor. You can also swirl it into a cake batter, like in our Artsy Chic Cake, for a fruity touch.

• Creative Condiment: Sure Jell Strawberry Jam can be the star ingredient in a fancy condiment mix, like a strawberry-balsamic reduction to serve over salads or a jam-infused aioli (similar to our Blue Jam Garlic Aioli Recipe).

Tips and Tricks for the Best Sure Jell Strawberry Jam

Making strawberry jam isn’t hard, but a few tips can make a big difference in the final product. These are insights I’ve picked up over the years, helping each batch come out perfectly.

1. Use the Freshest Berries Possible: Fresh strawberries will give your jam the best flavor. Try to make your jam when strawberries are in season—usually in late spring or early summer.

2. Don’t Skimp on Sugar: While it might be tempting to reduce the sugar, it’s important for both taste and preservation. Sugar helps the jam set and acts as a natural preservative, so the recipe is balanced as it is.

3. Add a Touch of Lemon Juice: If you like a slightly tangier jam, add a squeeze of lemon juice. The acidity brightens up the strawberry flavor and helps balance the sweetness.

4. Check the Seal: Once your jars have cooled, double-check each seal by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it pops back, the jar didn’t seal properly, and you should store it in the fridge instead.

5. Keep a Jam Notebook: This might sound a bit “extra,” but jotting down notes for each batch can help you improve each time. Tracking small adjustments or variations makes it easier to recreate (or tweak) your favorite version next season.

A Little Nostalgia: Why Strawberry Jam Holds a Special Place

One of my favorite things about making strawberry jam is the memory of the process itself. There’s something about the scent of strawberries simmering on the stove that brings back memories of childhood summers. My family used to make jams and preserves every season, and I’d be right there, mashing strawberries and sneaking spoonfuls of sugar when no one was looking.

Now, whenever I make strawberry jam with Sure Jell, I can’t help but feel that same joy. It’s a moment to slow down, breathe in the sweetness, and appreciate the simplicity of transforming fresh fruit into something you can savor year-round. And every time I open a jar, it’s like a little taste of nostalgia.

Sure Jell Strawberry Jam Recipe

This homemade Sure Jell strawberry jam recipe is bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. It’s a must-have for any breakfast table or dessert pairing, bringing the taste of summer right to your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a jar of jam that’s incredibly satisfying and tastes far better than store-bought.

Ingredients

• 5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed
• 7 cups granulated sugar
• 1 packet Sure Jell fruit pectin (1.75 oz)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare your jars by washing them with hot, soapy water and letting them air dry. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mash strawberries until you have 5 cups of crushed fruit. Add lemon juice and stir well.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine the Sure Jell pectin with water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and let it boil for 1 minute to activate the pectin.
4. Pour the pectin mixture into the crushed strawberries. Stir to blend thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of the pectin.
5. Gradually add sugar, stirring well until it dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to stand for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to help the sugar dissolve fully.
6. Pour the jam into prepared jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean, apply lids, and allow the jars to sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set.
7. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 3 weeks.

30 minutes prep time with No cook time.

Serves 6 and contains approximately 45 calories per serving.

American, Homemade / Jam, Condiment

Rated 4.9 by 1375 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: sure jell strawberry jam recipe, homemade strawberry jam, easy strawberry jam, strawberry preserve, canning strawberry jam

Published by: Show Recipe

FAQs for Sure Jell Strawberry Jam Recipe

Q: Can I make this jam with frozen strawberries?
A: Yes! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen ones will work just as well. Just make sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid. You might want to add a touch more pectin if you’re using frozen berries, as they can be a bit juicier.

Q: Can I make a lower-sugar version?
A: Sure Jell does make a low-sugar pectin, which can be used to reduce the sugar content. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different, and the jam may not set as firmly.

Q: How long will this jam last in the fridge?
A: Once opened, your strawberry jam will last about 3 to 4 weeks in the fridge. If you keep it unopened and properly sealed, it’ll stay good in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Q: Can I add other fruits to this jam?
A: Absolutely! You can mix in fruits like rhubarb or raspberries for a unique twist. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and pectin as needed. If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, you might also like our Bug Juice Camp Drink Recipe for its fun, fruity twist.