Name: Quick and Easy Strawberry Jam
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Strawberries, hulled and sliced (Ripe but firm); 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (Adjust slightly to taste); 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice (Optional, for brightness)

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Sweet, fragrant, and utterly comforting — this Quick and Easy Strawberry Jam is the kind of recipe that makes mornings feel like a warm hug. With just fresh strawberries and a touch of sugar, you can make a glossy, spreadable jam in under an hour that tastes brighter and more vibrant than store-bought jars. Fun fact: small-batch jam like this captures the strawberry season at its peak, and the color alone can lift your breakfast toast into something special.

This recipe is perfect for busy cooks who want homemade flavor without fuss. It’s simple enough for kids to help mash the berries and quick enough to make between errands. If you love other homemade preserves, you’ll enjoy seeing how this recipe compares to my slower, low-sugar fruit compote — both are lovely, but this jam is faster and more shelf-stable. For a step-by-step reference and inspiration, check out this detailed guide to the same recipe on my site: quick and easy strawberry jam post.

Give it a try this weekend — your toast (and maybe someone special) will thank you.

What is Quick and Easy Strawberry Jam?

What’s in a name? Quick and Easy Strawberry Jam is exactly what it sounds like — a fast, straightforward preserve that doesn’t require pectin or long canning rituals. Why the cheeky title? Because who wants to wait hours for jam when you can have spoonable strawberry goodness within a single afternoon? Isn’t it funny how a simple mash of fruit and sugar can transform into something almost magical?

Legend has it that a hurried cook once made a jar to impress guests and ended up converting every skeptic at the table. After that, someone joked that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and the nickname stuck. Ready to test that theory? Grab your strawberries and let’s make a jar.

Why You’ll Love This:

This jam is irresistible for three big reasons.

Bright, fresh strawberry flavor — The strawberries shine through, producing a jam that tastes like summer. The texture is slightly chunky and spoonable, perfect for toast, yogurt, or dolloping over desserts.
Cost-saving and efficient — Making jam at home is far cheaper than buying premium artisanal jars, especially when strawberries are in season and plentiful. A small investment of time yields several servings and the satisfaction of homemade food.
Versatile and natural — With only two main ingredients, this jam is naturally gluten-free, easy to adapt, and pairs with sweet or savory dishes. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness or a splash of vanilla for dessert-style richness.

If you enjoyed my quick fruit compote recipes, you’ll find this jam complements them perfectly — both celebrate fresh fruit, but this one is designed to be spreadable and shelf-ready. Ready to make a batch?

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward: strawberries and sugar cook together until the fruit breaks down and the liquid reduces to a glossy, spreadable jam. Preparation is simple — hull and slice the berries, stir as they cook, and mash gently to reach your desired texture. Expect about 10 minutes prep and roughly 25 minutes of simmering for a total time under 40 minutes. The standout element is the jam’s bright, concentrated strawberry flavor and thick, spoon-coating texture.

Ingredients

2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced — ripe but firm

1/2 cup granulated sugar — adjust slightly to taste

Optional (not required): 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten flavor

Directions

In a medium saucepan, add the sliced strawberries and the granulated sugar. Set the pan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar begins to dissolve and the strawberries release their juices, about 5–7 minutes. You’ll see the mixture become glossy as the sugar melts.
Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to gently mash the strawberries while they cook. Mash to your preferred texture — leave some chunks for a rustic jam or mash more for a smoother spread. Continue stirring occasionally so the fruit cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 20–25 minutes. To test, run a spoon through the jam on the back of the spoon; if the path holds and the jam doesn’t immediately run back together, it’s ready.
If using, stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice at the end of cooking to brighten the flavor and help with the set. Remove from heat and let the jam cool slightly.
Pour the jam into a sterilized jar, seal, and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools. Store in the refrigerator and use within the recommended time below.

Quick and Easy Strawberry Jam

What to Serve With

Strawberry jam is wonderfully versatile. Try it on morning toast with butter, swirled into plain Greek yogurt with granola, or spooned over pancakes or waffles. It also dresses up a cheese board — pair it with brie or goat cheese and crackers. For a savory-sweet combo, spread a little on a grilled chicken sandwich or use it as a glaze for pork chops. Drinks that pair nicely include a light herbal iced tea or a sparkling lemonade to balance the jam’s sweetness.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Choose ripe but firm strawberries. Overripe berries can be too watery and produce a thinner jam.
Adjust sugar to taste. If your berries are exceptionally sweet, reduce sugar slightly; for tart berries, keep the amount or add a teaspoon more.
Use lemon juice for a brighter flavor and slightly better set. It also helps preserve color.
For a smoother jam, mash more thoroughly or pulse in a food mill before cooking.
Avoid high heat. A gentle simmer concentrates flavor without burning. Stir often, especially toward the end.
Common mistake: rushing the simmer. Undercooked jam will be runny when cooled; patience yields the proper consistency.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store cooled jam in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.

Freezing: Jam freezes well. Spoon into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Shelf life: Without proper canning, this quick jam should not be stored unrefrigerated for extended periods. If you want pantry shelf stability, follow approved canning procedures.

Reheating: To loosen chilled jam for spreading, warm gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until spreadable. Avoid boiling again — reheating repeatedly can change texture.

FAQs

Can I make this jam without sugar?
You can reduce sugar, but sugar helps with texture and preservation. For lower-sugar versions, expect a softer set and store them in the fridge or freezer, using a natural sweetener to taste.

Do I need pectin to make this jam?
No. This quick jam sets by evaporation and natural pectin in the fruit. If you prefer a firmer set, use bottled pectin following the package instructions.

How long does homemade jam last in the fridge?
Stored in a clean, sealed jar, this jam lasts about 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to reduce extra water. You may need to simmer a little longer to reach the desired thickness.

Is it safe to can this jam for long-term storage?
This quick method is designed for fridge/freezer storage. If you want shelf stability, follow USDA-approved canning procedures and process jars in a hot water bath according to safe canning guidelines.

Conclusion

This Quick and Easy Strawberry Jam is proof that wonderful homemade flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. With two primary ingredients, a short simmer, and a little patience, you’ll have a bright, spoonable jam perfect for breakfasts, snacks, and entertaining. It’s an economical way to preserve the taste of ripe strawberries and a great beginner-friendly project. If you’d like a version that skips pectin and leans into a simple, tested method, I recommend checking this thorough guide for extra tips and variations: Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe with no pectin.

Give it a try, share a jar with someone you love, and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade jam.