How to Make Homemade Strawberry Jam with No Pectin

Learn how to make homemade fresh strawberry jam without pectin, preservatives, or refined sugar—just simple, wholesome ingredients!

There's a jar of homemade strawberry jam placed prominently in the center, filled to the top with a vibrant, rich red spread that looks thick and freshly made. The jar has a textured diamond pattern and is sitting on a small wooden board, which rests atop a soft green cloth, adding a rustic, cozy touch. Surrounding the jar are fresh strawberries—some whole, others sliced open to reveal their juicy, red interiors. In the background, a green berry basket filled with more strawberries is slightly out of focus, reinforcing the fresh, farm-to-table vibe. The overall aesthetic is warm and inviting, perfect for showcasing homemade goodness.

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Ingredients:

To get started making this recipe, you’ll first want to gather all your ingredients first.

In this image, we see the simple, wholesome ingredients used to make homemade strawberry jam. A clear glass bowl is filled with fresh, ripe strawberries, their vibrant red color and glossy skin making them the star of the scene. Beside them sits a small bowl of golden honey, thick and rich, ready to add natural sweetness. A halved lemon, juicy and bright, hints at the fresh citrus flavor that will balance the sweetness and help the jam set. Finally, a small glass bowl of water —completes the lineup. The clean white background and natural lighting highlight the freshness and simplicity of each ingredient, perfect for a nourishing, homemade preserve.

1 pound

Strawberries

1/8 cup

Honey

1/3 cup

Water

Half

Lemon

Start with 1/4 cup of honey, then taste your jam. If the strawberries are a bit tart, feel free to add more honey to sweeten it to your liking.

If your strawberries start to burn while simmering, lower the heat and add a little water at a time to prevent sticking and help them cook down gently.

Step by Step Instructions:

Step 1: Wash your strawberries and hull them.

Step 2: Preheat a 2-quart (or similar-sized) saucepan over low heat. Once the pan is heated, add the strawberries and water, stirring frequently to prevent burning for approximately 5 minutes. Add water gradually as needed to keep the mixture from sticking while it simmers.

Step 3: Once your strawberries are fork tender use an immersion blender or smasher to blend your strawberries to your desired consistency.

This image shows a pot filled with homemade strawberry jam. The mixture has a thick, slightly chunky texture and a rich reddish-pink color, with small bubbles and bits of fruit visible throughout. It is in the cooking stage.

Step 4: Add the honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pan, then stir well to combine.

This image shows a pot of homemade strawberry jam in the process of being sweetened or flavored. The jam has a thick, smooth consistency and a rich reddish color, similar to the previous photo, but now there’s a swirl of honey and lemon juice being stirred in. The swirl pattern shows the ingredients haven’t fully mixed in yet, giving a visual cue that the jam is still being prepared.

Step 5: Turn the heat up to medium high and allow the jam to come to a boil and simmer for approximate 18-20 minutes or use a candy thermometer and cook until it reaches 220°F.

Step 6: Transfer your strawberry jam into a clean jar and let it cool completely before sealing and storing. Label your jar with the date and refrigerate.

Optional Toppings:

  • Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are a natural thickening agent and works by absorbing liquid and it will also provide extra finder along with a crunchy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long will it stay fresh in the fridge?

Label the container with the date to track time and store in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, and by using frozen strawberries you will be able to have homemade jam year round, even when strawberries are out of season. Thaw frozen strawberries before use.

Why don’t you need pectin?

Pectin is naturally found in strawberries and will be activated by using sugar (honey) and lemon juice. This will give you the texture jam is known for.

What are the signs that your jam is done and has set correctly?

To ensure your jam has set, use a candy thermometer and cook until it reaches 220°F.

How to hull strawberries?

You can simply cut the tops of your strawberries, but if you would like to preserve more of the strawberries you may hull your strawberries in 2 different ways.

Method #1

Grab your strawberry and gently pull off the green leaves. Then, using a small knife, carefully insert the tip around the stem area and slowly cut in a circular motion to remove the hull.

Method #2

Take your strawberry and press a straw straight through the bottom, aiming for the center. Push with steady pressure until the hull pops out the top. For larger strawberries, you may need to repeat this step to fully remove the core.

Did you make this recipe?

Mention me @wifeandherhome so I can see your creations!

there's a jar of homemade strawberry jam placed prominently in the center, filled to the top with a vibrant, rich red spread that looks thick and freshly made. The jar has a textured diamond pattern and is sitting on a small wooden board, which rests atop a soft green cloth, adding a rustic, cozy touch. Surrounding the jar are fresh strawberries—some whole, others sliced open to reveal their juicy, red interiors. In the background, a green berry basket filled with more strawberries is slightly out of focus, reinforcing the fresh, farm-to-table vibe. The overall aesthetic is warm and inviting, perfect for showcasing homemade goodness.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Jam with No Pectin

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 16 ounces

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound of strawberries
  • 1/8 cup of honey
  • 1/3 cup of water
  • half a lemon

Instructions
 

  • Wash your strawberries and hull them.
  • Preheat a 2-quart (or similar-sized) saucepan over low heat. Once the pan is heated, add the strawberries and water, stirring frequently to prevent burning for approximately 5 minutes. Add water gradually as needed to keep the mixture from sticking while it simmers.
  • Once your strawberries are fork tender use an immersion blender or smasher to blend your strawberries to your desired consistency.
  • Add the honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pan, then stir well to combine.
  • Turn the heat up to medium high and allow the jam to come to a boil and simmer for approximate 18-20 minutes or use a candy thermometer and cook until it reaches 220°F.
  • Transfer your strawberry jam into a clean jar and let it cool completely before sealing and storing. Label your jar with the date and refrigerate.

Notes

Start with 1/8 cup of honey, then taste your jam. If the strawberries are a bit tart, feel free to add more honey to sweeten it to your liking.
Keyword Strawberry, Strawberry Jam
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