This homemade strawberry jam is probably one of my favorite recipes on our whole site. It’s simple, flavorful, easy to make and tastes like childhood to me. This strawberry jam does not contain pectin—no need! It thickens into a nice jelly consistency all on its own.

I love this strawberry jam spread over toast with cream cheese or Nutella. I also personally still love a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and this strawberry jam really steps it up for me.

Related: Next up, learn to make chia seed jam, blueberry jam or ricotta cheese.

Ingredients

• Strawberries
• Granulated white sugar
• Brown sugar
• Lemon

Directions

Remove any greens from the strawberries and cut into fourths.

In a medium to large pot, combine the strawberries, sugars, lemon juice and zest. Cook over medium heat until the sugars are liquid and the strawberries have softened (3-5 minutes).

Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture. I like my strawberry jam pretty smooth, but you can also leave the texture more chunky if you prefer.

Continue to cook on medium/high heat for another 10 minutes. The mixture should be at a low boil. It should reach between 210°F and 220°F. Keep an eye on it and continue to stir so it doesn’t burn the bottom of your pan.

Remove from heat and allow to cool. It will thicken as it cools. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks.

Tips for Making

• I like the mixture of granulated white and brown sugar as it adds just a little depth and flavor without taking away from the strawberry flavor. But if you want or need to use all granulated white sugar you can.
• Swap out the lemon for another citrus if you like—such as lime or orange.
• You can add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (or any flavored extract you like) if you want.
• And if you want to add a little heat, try adding in 1/8 teaspoon cayenne before cooking.

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