Homemade Grandma’s Strawberry Jam Recipe Easy Classic Sweet Preserve
A nostalgic and easy-to-make strawberry jam recipe passed down through generations, using simple ingredients and gentle cooking to create a perfect balance of tart and sweet with a classic chunky texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups (approximately 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Preserve
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh strawberries (about 600g), hulled and halved
- 2 cups granulated sugar (about 400g)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon pectin for firmer set
Instructions
- Wash, hull, and halve your strawberries. Set aside.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to macerate.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat slightly and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring gently and mashing some strawberries to create a chunky texture. The jam should thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
- Test the set by placing a small spoonful on a cold plate; if it wrinkles and holds shape, the jam is ready. If runny, cook a few more minutes and test again.
- Ladle the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) space at the top. Wipe rims clean and seal tightly.
- Let jars cool at room temperature for several hours before refrigerating or storing in a cool, dark place.
Notes
Use ripe but not overripe strawberries for best texture. Macerate strawberries with sugar and lemon juice before cooking to enhance flavor and juice release. Stir gently but frequently to avoid burning and maintain chunky texture. Test jam set with cold plate test. Optional pectin can be added for firmer set. For seedless jam, strain after cooking. Jam can be frozen for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30g)
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: strawberry jam, homemade jam, classic jam recipe, easy jam, fruit preserve, sweet preserve, breakfast jam