Sugar Free Strawberry Freezer Jam
Strawberry Freezer Jam is a wonderful way to use up extra fruit for a future date. This method works just as wonderfully with raspberries and is fast becoming my favorite homemade condiment recipe. Grab your berries and freezer storage bags and start making a batch today!
Strawberry Freezer Jam
If you haven’t tried or made strawberry freezer jam yet, you don’t know what you are missing.
This is such an easy way of preserving your favorite berries to use on toast, in sandwiches, or even as a dessert topping.
Freezing a jam recipe is so much easier than pressure canning. I love that this is stored in the freezer instead of in my tiny pantry.
Not only can you freeze this jam in a mason jar, plastic freezer container, but I find that quart-sized freezer bags are also ideal for laying flat in the freezer.
So much more can be frozen this way!
Does This Recipe Work for Raspberry Freezer Jam?
Yes! This basic recipe will actually work with most fruits but is especially good with berries.
If working with raspberries, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar slightly as they can be a bit more tart than a strawberry.
The only other thing of note with making this with raspberries is you will find more seeds in the mixture.
If you want to remove the seeds, I have tips below to look at prior to making the jam.
Clean and cut strawberries Pulse berries to desired texture
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for Jam?
Yes! Frozen berries definitely work for making this strawberry freezer jam recipe. The only difference will be in the amount of liquid added to the mixture as you cook.
I would reduce the amount of water added to the berries and pectin by 1/8th cup if using frozen berries.
An alternative is to let the berries thaw completely, then drain and dry off the additional moisture before beginning the cooking process.
If you use that method, you can continue with the recipe as written below.
Put strawberries in a bowl Add sweetener
How Long Does Freezer Jam Last?
The best thing about this recipe is that if it’s prepared and stored properly, it is good for up to 1 year in the freezer!
That said when thawed and in your refrigerator, it has a fairly short shelf life in the refrigerator.
I recommend using it within two weeks of making or thawing and storing it in your refrigerator.
When making jam, make sure you add this peach freezer jam to your list! So delicious and super easy to make.
Mix in sweetener Add water and pectin to a small saucepan and bring to a full boil
Why Is My Freezer Jam Gritty?
While I have not personally had this issue when making jam for the freezer, I see that many experts have shown it is a common issue.
Most often, it seems that the problem stems from sugar not being properly dissolved. In this case, make sure you are stirring the sweetener and fruit mixture long enough to dissolve thoroughly.
Also, you may consider using a powdered sweetener, which is a fine texture and will dissolve easier.
Another issue mentioned by some stems strictly from not properly cleaning the fruit or having berries with a larger amount of seeds. Both of these can result in a bit of grit or sandy texture.
In that case, the best solutions are to make sure your fruit has been washed thoroughly and to use a sieve to remove the seeds from your pureed fruit before storing it.
Another favorite jam is my strawberry chia jam. It purposely has a seed in the mixture, but the texture is much better!
Add in the pectin Add vanilla and stir until smooth
How Can I Remove Seeds From Fruit For Jam?
My preferred method for removing seeds from both strawberries and raspberries is to use a sieve after processing them in the blender.
Although, I didn’t bother with that step making this strawberry freezer jam. It’s a simple step.
Before you cook down the mixture, just push your berries through a very fine sieve. The pulp will go through the small holes, but the seeds will stay behind.
Do I have To Use Pectin For Freezer Jam?
Yes. Pectin is what helps gel the jam and it is needed for this recipe. However, since we are cutting the sugar, regular pectin won’t work well.
This is the reason we use low or no sugar pectin. This variety is a combination of pectin, acid and calcium.
No or low sugar pectin helps gel the fruits even when sweetening the jam with something other than granulated sugar like honey or an artificial sweetener.
I use Bell brand. For a look at some other brands, check out Cook’s Illustrated review on low sugar pectin substitutes.
Can You Store Jam In Mason Jars To Freeze?
Yes! If you want to store your jam recipe in mason jars in the freezer, it is a simple process.
Much like with storing in freezer storage bags, you will simply let your jam cool completely before ladling into the container.
Also, be sure to leave a little room for expansion as the jam freezes.
Once the jam has cooled, you will place your lid onto the jar, and then label, date, and freeze.
If using the storage bags, you will remove as much air as possible, then close, label, date, and freeze.
Strawberry Freezer Jam
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of fresh strawberries or raspberries
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup sugar-free alternative sweetener
- 3 tablespoons low or no sugar pectin
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Rinse off and slice strawberries. Place in a blender or food processor and pulse to the desired consistency.
- Put in a large bowl and add the sweetener. If you desire a sweeter jam add in more sweetener and less if you do not . Adjust to your taste.
- In a small saucepan add water and gently add in the low sugar pectin. Stir until completely dissolved, bring to a full boil while continuing to stir.
- Bring to a rolling, hard boil and cook for 1 minute. Pour into prepared strawberry mixture and stir until well incorporated (2-3 minutes) Then add in the vanilla.
- Pour into prepared 8 ounce jars leaving some space at the top so the jam can expand during freezing .
- Cover with lids and keep at room temperature until cool. Store in a refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
PIN TO YOUR CONDIMENT, DIY, JAM BOARDS
Delicious! This was super easy to make. Can’t wait to make again!