Calling all strawberry lovers! If you're a fan of the luscious, sweet flavor of fresh strawberries and want to capture their essence in a jar, you're in for a treat. We're making a homemade strawberry preserves recipe. But here's the twist: we're ditching the pectin and using ingredients you already have on hand. You're just minutes away from creating your very own small batch strawberry jam without pectin.
With strawberry season in full swing, I am brimming with excitement to dive into the world of strawberry recipes. There's something truly magical about the vibrant red berries and their irresistible sweetness. Amongst the many delightful creations I have planned, my quick and easy strawberry preserves recipe takes center stage.
The thought of transforming freshly picked strawberries into a luscious spread fills me with anticipation. As tasty as my Balsamic Strawberry Coulis but better suited for toast and biscuits, this homemade strawberry jam without pectin takes the cake. The simplicity of this easy recipe, combined with the incredible flavors and the ability to enjoy the taste of summer even beyond the season, makes it a true kitchen favorite.
What are strawberry preserves?
Strawberry preserves are a delectable fruit spread made from fresh strawberries that have been cooked down with sugar to create a thick and rich consistency. It is similar to strawberry jam, which is also made with crushed fruit, but strawberry preserves contains larger chunks or whole strawberries, allowing you to experience their natural texture and flavor. This recipe can make homemade jam or preserves. The choice is up to you.
A jar of strawberry preseerves or jam without pectin captures the essence of ripe strawberries at their peak. Each spoonful offers a burst of vibrant, fruity goodness that can elevate a simple slice of toast, complement a creamy dessert, or enhance your favorite baked goods. The natural sweetness of the strawberries, balanced with a hint of tartness, creates a captivating taste that lingers on your palate and keeps you coming back for more. Whether enjoyed on a lazy Sunday morning or shared with loved ones over afternoon tea, strawberry preserves are a delightful way to indulge in the exquisite taste of summer all year round.
While you can go to grocery stores and choose plenty of good quality store-bought jams, there is nothing like making your own strawberry preserves.
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Ingredients
- Strawberries – Use ripe, fresh berries that have been hulled and sliced in half or quarters.
- Sugar – Sugar is essential for sweetening the preserves and helping to preserve the fruit. Granulated white sugar is commonly used, but you can substitute it with other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Lemon – Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor to the preserves and helps prevent the strawberries from oxidizing and losing their vibrant color. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute. You can add some lemon zest too if you like a brighter lemon flavor.
- Cornstarch – Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to give the preserves a smooth, jam-like consistency. You could also use arrowroot or tapioca starch.
- Water – You can add a burst of flavor by using fruit juice in place of the water.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Strawberry Jam without Pectin
- Places strawberries in a medium sized pot or large saucepan with sugar and lemon juice.
2. Bring the fruit mixture to a boil on medium high heat, then reduce heat to low. Lightly mash the berries.
3. In a small bowl mix together the corn starch and water. Add the slurry to the strawberry mixture and blend well. Let it cook for about 5 minutes or until thick and jammy making sure to stir every minute or so.
4. Remove preserves from the heat and let cool for about 30 minutes. Transfer to jars or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. The jam can be refrigerated for up to a month.
Hint: Preserves are known for having larger chunks of fruit. Halve or quarter the strawberries and don't overmash them.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Flavor Enhancers - Elevate the flavor of these strawberry preserves by adding vanilla extract or cinnamon.
- Fresh Herbs - Infuse the strawberries with fresh basil, mint or rosemary, Remove the herbs before transferring the preserve to a jar.
- Swap the Berries - Try mixing or replacing strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries to create a medley of flavors and textures. Raspberry, blueberry or blackberry jam are equally delicious.
Equipment
The best thing about this recipe is that it doesn't require any special equipment or ingredients. You'll want to transfer the finished recipe to clean glass jars or airtight plastic containers. Canning jars are a great way to store the homemade preserves but really aren't necessary.
Storage
This strawberry jam without pectin will keep for up to a month in the fridge. Well, if it lasts that long! Just be sure to store it in an airtight container or jar.
You can freeze this homemade strawberry preserves recipe for up to several months. Thaw in the fridge and consume within several weeks.
Cooking Tips
- Choose ripe strawberries. Fresh, local strawberries will have the best color, texture and flavor. I frequently get my strawberries and other fresh fruits from my local farmer's market when I can
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled lemon juice when possible.
- For best reults, cook slowly. Bring to a full rolling boil than simmer on low rather than boiling the whole time.
- Use clean, sterilized jars to store the preserves for the longest shelf life.
- Bring the hot preserves to room temperature before storing the refrigerator.
Serving suggestions
Homemade strawberry preserves offer a multitude of serving possibilities. It's a delicious spread for freshly toasted bread or warm biscuits for a classic breakfast treat. They make a delightful topping for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt parfaits, adding a burst of fruity flavor. Use them as a layer cake filling or in thumbprint cookies for a sweet surprise. My family loves these fruit preserves with peanut butter on fresh white bread to make a delightful pb&j sandwich.
Drizzle them over ice cream or pair them with goat cheese or cream cheese for a delightful combination. Additionally, they can be incorporated into PB&J sandwiches, crepes, or fruit salads for added sweetness. The versatility of homemade strawberry preserves makes them a delicious addition to various dishes and treats.
FAQ
Cornstarch is a common kitchen staple that is readily available and easy to work with. It's the perfect ingredient to make strawberry jam without pectin. Moreover, using cornstarch allows you to have more control over the thickness of the preserves, as you can adjust the amount during the cooking process according to your preference.
Another reason why cornstarch can be considered a better option for thickening strawberry preserves is its neutral flavor. Pectin, while effective in creating a gel-like consistency, can sometimes introduce a slightly "cooked" taste to the preserves.
When not using pectin, you can use a "wrinkle test" to check if the preserves have set. Place a small amount of the preserves on a chilled small plate and let it cool for a minute. If it wrinkles and holds its shape when nudged with a finger, it has set properly.
Yes. If using frozen strawberries you will want to thaw them completely before beginning. Use only unsweetened frozen strawberries.
If you like this strawberry preserves recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
Strawberry preserves
Ingredients
- 2 pounds strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 small lemon, juiced ( about ¼ cup)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Places strawberries in a medium sized pot with sugar and lemon juice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil on medium high heat, then reduce heat to low. Lightly mash the berries.
- In a small bowl mix together the corn starch and water. Add the slurry to the strawberry mixture and blend well.
- Let it cook for about 5 minutes or until thick and jammy making sure to stir every minute or so.
- Remove preserves from the heat and let cool for about 30 minutes. Transfer to jars or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. The jam can be refrigerated for up to a month.
Nutrition
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Shelby says
Such an incredible way to prolong fresh strawberries! I use this recipe on everything from oatmeal to ice cream!
TAYLER ROSS says
I loved how quick and easy these preserves were to make! I will be making this for gifting.
Nikki says
I had no idea it would be this quick and easy to make preserves. I really like your ideas for variations too. I think I'll add some mint to mine.
Brandi says
Homemade always tastes so much better! This turned out great and everyone loved it.
Nathan says
I love how easy it is to make this jam, and with ingredients I already have around most of the time anyway! I've been spreading it on my toast for breakfast and haven't been disappointed, thanks so much for the recipe!
Stephanie says
I was so pleased to find a strawberry preserves recipe without having to pick up pectin. The recipe was so simple to make, but more importantly it is the best I've had. Just delish!
TAYLER ROSS says
I've used this recipe several times and it makes the BEST preserves! Used it for Christmas gifts this year!
Justine says
Strawberry preserves are the BEST. I love this recipe - it's so simple! I can't wait for strawberries to come back into season.
Colleen says
Thank goodness I found this recipe! Strawberries were on sale and I bought way too many of them. The strawberry preserves turned out perfect.
Biana says
What a great idea for using strawberries! This recipe will be great in the summer for using up all the strawberries.