Strawberry Refrigerator Jam

Strawberry refrigerator jam, with its sweet and tangy flavor from ripe strawberries and lemon juice, is a breeze to make.

There’s no pectin, no complex canning process—just fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of this delightful homemade strawberry jam.

Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe

This is a small batch strawberry jam recipe, perfect for beginners or when you have just a few strawberries to use up.

It’s got that classic taste of summer in a jar, with a luscious, spreadable texture that’s ideal for toast, pancakes, yogurt, or even French toast.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying jam-making for the first time, you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is to make your own strawberry fridge jam at home.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Fridge Jam

• Budget-Friendly: More cost-effective than buying premium jams at the store.
• Bold, Fresh Flavor: This homemade strawberry jam has a richer, brighter flavor than store-bought varieties.
• No Canning Required: Skip the water bath—this no pectin jam is stored in the refrigerator.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes using fresh or frozen strawberries.
• Natural Ingredients: Made with just three ingredients—strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
• Perfect Small Batch: Great for first-time jam makers or for using up leftover strawberries.
• Great for Gifting: A lovely, personal gift for birthdays or holidays.

Fridge Jam vs. Traditional Preserves

What’s the difference between strawberry refrigerator jam and traditional preserves?

• Fridge Jam: No canning process, No added pectin, Stores in the fridge, Fresher taste, Made in small batches.
• Traditional Preserves: Requires water bath canning, often contains added pectin, Shelf-stable when canned, Longer shelf life, made in large batches

Fridge jam relies on the natural pectin in strawberries and lemon juice and skips the intense sterilization and boiling process. That’s what gives it a fresh, vibrant taste and keeps the method beginner-friendly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to make the best homemade strawberry fridge jam.

• Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness and helps the jam set by activating natural pectin.
• Strawberries: Ripe but firm, not overly soft. You can use fresh or frozen strawberries.
• Sugar: Acts as both a sweetener and a natural preservative.

How to Make Strawberry Refrigerator Jam (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prep the Strawberries

Wash and hull the strawberries, removing any leaves or stems.

Step 2: Chop

Dice the strawberries into small pieces for faster cooking and better texture.

Step 3: Cook

In a saucepan, mix strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat. As the mixture heats, the strawberries will release their juices, and the sugar will dissolve.

Step 4: Thicken the Jam

Stir occasionally and cook for 15–20 minutes. The jam will start to thicken naturally as the moisture reduces.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Once thickened, remove from heat and transfer to a clean glass jar. Let it cool, then store in the refrigerator.

Expert Tips for Perfect Jam

• Use Ripe Strawberries: The better the berries, the better the flavor. Frozen strawberries work too, but they might need a bit more sugar.
• Choose Fresh Lemon Juice: Avoid bottled juice. Fresh lemon juice not only boosts flavor but also helps the jam set.
• Medium Heat is Key: Keeps the sugars from burning while allowing a gentle simmer.
• Use the Plate Test: Drop a bit of jam on a cold plate. If it doesn’t run when tilted, it’s done!
• Mash for Smooth Texture: Use a potato masher during cooking if you prefer a smoother consistency.

Strawberry Jam Variations

Get creative with your small batch strawberry jam by adding flavor twists:

• Reduced Sugar: You can reduce the sugar slightly, but don’t cut too much—it helps with texture and preservation.
• Mint: Stir in chopped mint after cooking for a refreshing touch.
• Vanilla Extract: Add a splash of vanilla after removing from heat for a sweet, floral note.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Your Strawberry Fridge Jam

• Refrigerate: Always store your jam in a clean, airtight container or mason jar in the fridge.
• Shelf Life: It lasts for up to 3 weeks when properly stored.
• Freezing: You can freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with cheese on a grazing board.
• Spread on toast or fresh baguette.
• Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or crepes.
• Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal.

Homemade Strawberry Jam

Making your own strawberry refrigerator jam is rewarding, easy, and downright delicious. With no pectin, no canning, and only a handful of ingredients, you’ll wonder why you ever bought jam at the store. This homemade jam recipe is quick enough for a weekday and tasty enough to serve guests.

Give it a try—and don’t forget to double the batch next time!

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Strawberry Fridge Jam – No Pectin

Muna Kenny

Learn how to make Homemade Strawberry Refrigerator Jam with no pectin. This recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.

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Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 16 tablespoons

Calories 51 kcal

Ingredients

 

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• 1 cup Fresh and ripe strawberries
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

 

• You need 1 Glass jar with a lid.

Sterlizing the Jar (Optional though prefered)

• Boil water in a large pan. Place the glass jar in the boiling water for 10 minutes. Remove the jar using clean tongues. Now, turn of the heat and place the lids in the hot water (not boiling water) for 4 to 5 minutes.

Preparing the test plate

• Place a plate in the freezer for few minutes. Make sure that you are using a plate that can stand the low temp and won’t break. You will use this plate to check if the jam is cooked and ready.

Making the Jam

• Wash and hull the strawberries and remove the stems and leaves.
• Dice the strawberries into small chunks. You can also puree them if you want the jam smoother.
• In a saucepan, add all the ingredients and stir on medium high heat.
• The mixture will bubble and foam but you have to keep on stirring to prevent the juices and sugar from burning.
• The mixture will start to get darker in color and this is the time to check if your jam is ready.
• Take around a tablespoon from the hot jam and pour on the chilled plate. Run your finger through the middle of the jam which you just poured in the plate. You should have a clear line and both side of the jam shouldn’t be running or meeting in the center. Or, place a small spoonful on a cold plate and tilt it; it's ready if it stays in place without running.
• Turn of the heat and place the hot jam in a hot jar. Do not cover the jar. Let the jam comes to room temperature.
• Close the jar with the lid and store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

Select the Right Strawberries: Choose ripe, vibrant strawberries for maximum flavor. If you go with frozen jam, the flavor won’t be as strong, and you might need to add more sugar.

Taste the Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds brightness and provides natural pectin to help thicken the jam. Choose a freshly squeezed lemon and taste it, as some lemons look good but could taste bitter.

Cook on Medium Heat. Medium heat helps the sugar dissolve and the strawberries break down without burning. Stir frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Test for Thickness: Use the “plate test” to check if your jam has thickened enough. Place a small spoonful on a cold plate and tilt it; it’s ready if it stays in place without running.

For a smoother texture: If you don’t like chunks of strawberries in your fridge jam, use a potato masher to break the strawberries as they cook.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 TablespoonCalories: 51kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.002gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.004gSodium: 0.2mgPotassium: 15mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.04mg

Keyword Strawberry Jam, Strawberry refrigerator jam

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