Strawberry Jelly Recipe

There is nothing quite like the taste of homemade strawberry preserves to brighten up a morning piece of toast. Unlike traditional cooked jams that can sometimes lose that zest of fresh fruit, this freezer-style jelly method keeps the strawberries uncooked, preserving their vibrant ruby color and intense, sun-ripened flavor. It is an effortless, beginner-friendly process that requires no water-bath canning—just crush, stir, and freeze for a taste of summer all year round.

Jump to Recipe

Strawberry Jelly Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups crushed strawberries (start with about 4 heaping cups of whole, fresh strawberries)
• 4 cups granulated sugar (do not reduce the amount, or it won’t set)
• 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
• 3⁄4 cup water

How To Make Strawberry Jelly Recipe

1. Prep the Jars: Gather enough clean plastic containers or glass mason jars to hold about 5 cups of jelly. Wash them thoroughly with warm soapy water and dry them completely. Set aside on a clean towel.
2. Process the Fruit: Wash the strawberries and remove the green stems (hulls). Place them in a blender or food processor. Pulse gently to crush the berries. You want a textured pulp with small chunks of fruit, not a completely smooth liquid puree. Crucial Step: Pour the crushed fruit into a measuring cup to ensure you have exactly 2 cups. If you have too much or too little, the chemistry will be off, and the jelly won’t set.
3. Macerate: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of crushed strawberries and the 4 cups of sugar. Stir well to combine. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sugar to draw out the juices and begin to dissolve into a syrupy consistency.
4. Activate the Pectin: In a small saucepan, whisk together the fruit pectin powder and 3/4 cup water. Place over high heat and bring to a full rolling boil (a boil that doesn’t stop bubbling when you stir it). Boil hard for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent clumping or burning.
5. Combine: Remove the pectin mixture from the heat and immediately pour it into the bowl with the strawberry-sugar mixture. Stir vigorously and constantly for about 3 minutes. You want to ensure every grain of sugar is completely dissolved and the pectin is evenly distributed.
6. Fill: Carefully ladle the bright red jelly into your prepared jars. Leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top of each jar (headspace) to allow for expansion when freezing. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth and screw on the lids tight.
7. Set: Leave the jars sitting on the counter at room temperature for 24 hours. During this time, the pectin will gel, and the mixture will set into a soft, spreadable jelly.

Recipe Tips

• Sugar is Science: In pectin-based recipes, sugar acts as a preservative and a setting agent. Do not attempt to lower the sugar amount in this specific recipe, or you will end up with strawberry soup. If you want low-sugar, you must buy a specific “Low Sugar” pectin box.
• The “Jelly” vs. “Jam” Texture: Because this recipe uses crushed fruit rather than just juice, it has the texture of a jam. The “Freezer” method creates a softer set than store-bought jelly, making it perfect for swirling into yogurt or topping ice cream.
• Frozen Strawberries: You can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t in season. Thaw them completely, saving all the juice, and crush them to measure 2 cups.
• Stirring Time: When combining the hot pectin with the sugar mixture, the 3 minutes of stirring is vital. If sugar crystals remain undissolved, the jelly will have a gritty texture.
• Batch Size: Do not try to double this recipe in one bowl. Pectin is finicky. If you want to make more, make two separate batches to ensure a proper set.

What To Serve With Strawberry Jelly Recipe

This sweet, fresh spread is a breakfast staple.

• Buttermilk Biscuits: The classic carrier for sweet jelly.
• Toast or English Muffins: A bright start to the morning.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Warm the jelly slightly and use it as a sauce.
• Pancakes/Waffles: Use it in place of syrup for a fruity twist.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer with granola and Greek yogurt.

How To Store Strawberry Jelly Recipe

• Room Temperature: Only keep at room temperature for the initial 24-hour setting period.
• Refrigerate: Once set, you can store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
• Freeze: For long-term storage, place the jars in the freezer. They will keep for up to 1 year. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Strawberry Jelly Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 50
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 13g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 13g
• Protein: 0g

Nutrition information is estimated per 1 tablespoon serving.

FAQs