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Nothing says homemade comfort quite like a jar of easy strawberry jam. This simple recipe captures the sweetness of ripe strawberries with just a few ingredients, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike. With no complicated steps and a quick cooking time, you’ll have beautifully set jam ready to spread on warm toast, scones, or anything that needs a fruity lift. It’s a classic preserve that tastes like summer in every spoonful.

This easy strawberry jam is perfect served on warm homemade sourdough or toasted English muffins, where the sweet fruit flavour pairs beautifully with the freshly baked bread. You can also use any left over jam to make these delicious jammy oat bars or these try these jam-filled banana oat muffins instead for a delicious wholesome treat anytime of the day.

Strawberry season in the UK is a much-loved moment of the year, marking the arrival of warm days and abundant local fruit. As the first ripe strawberries appear in late spring and early summer, they’re at their sweetest and most flavourful…perfect for turning into easy strawberry jam. This recipe is a simple way to celebrate the season’s harvest and make the most of British grown strawberries while they’re at their very best!

What You’ll Need for Easy Strawberry Jam

Strawberries

1kg of strawberries (not too ripe)

Jam sugar

This contains added pectin which will help the jam set.

Lemon

Cuts through the sweetness and helps the jam set

Jars

Sterilised jars (about 3-4)

Questions

Do I need jam sugar to make strawberry jam?
Jam sugar is helpful because it already contains added pectin, which makes the jam set more easily and reliably. You can use regular sugar, but you would need to add extra pectin and the results may vary.
How do I know when my strawberry jam is set?
The easiest way is the wrinkle test. Place a small plate in the freezer, add a spoonful of hot jam, and let it cool for 30 seconds. If the surface wrinkles when you push it gently, the jam is ready. If not, boil it a little longer and test again.
Why do you add lemon juice to strawberry jam?
Lemon juice helps the jam set by activating the pectin, balances the sweetness, and enhances the natural flavour of the strawberries. It also helps keep the colour bright and fresh.
How long does homemade strawberry jam last once opened?
Once opened, homemade strawberry jam should be stored in the fridge and is best used within 2–3 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to help it last as long as possible.

Instructions for Easy Strawberry Jam:

1. Prepare the Strawberries

Wash & thoroughly dry 1kg strawberries, remove the stems, and cut any larger strawberries into smaller pieces. Use strawberries that aren’t too ripe as the jam will set more easily.

2. Cook the Fruit

Place the strawberries into a large pan with the lemon juice. Cook gently over medium heat until the strawberries have softened and released their juices.

3. Add the Sugar

Add 1kg jam sugar and stir until completely dissolved.

4. Boil the Jam

Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil and cook for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens.

5. Do the Wrinkle Test

To check if the jam is ready, place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes. Spoon a little jam onto the cold plate and leave it for 30 seconds. Push it gently with your finger — if the surface wrinkles, the jam is ready. If not, boil for another 1–2 minutes and test again.

6. Cool Slightly

Remove the pan from the heat and leave the jam to cool for 10 minutes.

7. Jar the Jam

Carefully ladle the jam into sterilised jars, seal immediately, and leave to cool completely.

Jemma Joakim