14 Homemade Strawberry Jam Recipes

There’s something magical about the scent of simmering strawberries filling the kitchen—it’s a aroma that instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s sun-drenched farmhouse. As a kid, I’d perch on a stool, wide-eyed, watching her hull fresh berries from the garden and transform them into glistening jars of jam. Those sticky-fingered afternoons taught me the joy of homemade preserves, far superior to the store-bought stuff with its artificial sweetness.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, tweaking classic recipes to suit modern tastes—like reducing sugar for guilt-free spreads or infusing herbs for gourmet twists. With strawberry season in full swing, I’ve whipped up these 14 variations, perfect for slathering on toast, swirling into yogurt, or gifting to friends. Homemade jam isn’t just delicious; it’s a simple way to capture summer’s essence, control ingredients, and avoid preservatives.

Classic Strawberry Jam

This timeless recipe yields a vibrant, spreadable jam with just the right balance of sweet and tart. Ingredients (makes about 4 jars): 2 lbs fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped), 4 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 pouch liquid pectin.
Steps: 1. Mash strawberries in a large pot. 2. Stir in sugar and lemon juice; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. 3. Add pectin, boil for 1 minute, then skim foam. 4. Ladle into sterilized jars, seal, and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.
The beauty of this jam lies in its simplicity and long shelf life—up to a year unopened—while bursting with natural fruit flavor for everyday use.

Low-Sugar Strawberry Jam

Ideal for health-conscious eaters, this version cuts sugar by half without sacrificing taste. Ingredients: 2 lbs strawberries (hulled), 2 cups low-sugar pectin blend, 1 cup honey or stevia equivalent, 2 tbsp lemon juice.
Steps: 1. Crush berries and mix with pectin in a pot. 2. Bring to boil, stir in sweetener and lemon juice. 3. Boil 3 minutes, test set on a plate. 4. Jar and process as usual.
It offers fewer calories and a brighter berry taste, making it perfect for diabetics or those watching sugar intake.

Strawberry Balsamic Jam

A sophisticated twist with tangy balsamic for depth. Ingredients: 2 lbs strawberries, 3 cups sugar, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp lemon juice, pectin pouch.
Steps: 1. Cook mashed strawberries with sugar and vinegars until boiling. 2. Add pectin, boil 1 minute. 3. Jar and seal.
Pairs exquisitely with cheese boards; the balsamic adds antioxidants and a gourmet edge.

Spicy Strawberry Jam

Heat lovers rejoice—this jam has a kick from chili. Ingredients: 2 lbs strawberries, 3.5 cups sugar, 1-2 minced jalapeños, 1/4 cup lemon juice, pectin.
Steps: 1. Sauté peppers briefly, add mashed berries and sugar. 2. Boil, add pectin and lemon. 3. Process jars.
The spice boosts metabolism and creates an addictive glaze for meats or glazes.

Strawberry Vanilla Jam

Creamy vanilla elevates this to dessert-like status. Ingredients: 2 lbs strawberries, 4 cups sugar, 1 vanilla bean (split) or 2 tsp extract, lemon juice, pectin.
Steps: 1. Infuse berries with vanilla while mashing. 2. Proceed with standard boiling and pectin. 3. Jar up.
Natural vanilla enhances flavor without calories, ideal for pancakes or ice cream topping.

Strawberry Lemon Jam

Zesty and refreshing, like summer in a jar. Ingredients: 2 lbs strawberries, 1 cup lemon zest/juice (from 4 lemons), 3.5 cups sugar, pectin.
Steps: 1. Mix berries, lemon, sugar; macerate 1 hour. 2. Boil with pectin 1 minute. 3. Seal jars.
Lemon’s vitamin C preserves brightness and aids digestion in this immune-boosting spread.

No-Cook Strawberry Chia Jam

Quick, raw, and fridge-friendly—no canning needed. Ingredients: 2 cups mashed strawberries, 2 tbsp chia seeds, 1-2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp lemon juice.
Steps: 1. Mix all in a bowl. 2. Let sit 15-30 minutes to thicken. 3. Store in jars in fridge (lasts 1 week).
Chia adds omega-3s and fiber for a nutritious, gut-healthy alternative to cooked jams.

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

Tart rhubarb balances strawberry sweetness perfectly. Ingredients: 1.5 lbs strawberries, 1 lb rhubarb (chopped), 4 cups sugar, lemon juice, pectin.
Steps: 1. Cook rhubarb till soft, add berries and sugar. 2. Boil with pectin. 3. Jar.
Rhubarb’s antioxidants make this a heart-healthy classic for scones.

Strawberry Basil Jam

Herbal freshness for a garden-inspired delight. Ingredients: 2 lbs strawberries, 3.5 cups sugar, 1/2 cup chopped basil, lemon juice, pectin.
Steps: 1. Blanch basil, puree with berries. 2. Sugar boil, add pectin. 3. Process.
Basil’s anti-inflammatory properties shine in this PB&J upgrade.

Boozy Strawberry Rum Jam

Adult indulgence with a rum kick. Ingredients: 2 lbs strawberries, 3 cups sugar, 1/4 cup dark rum, lemon juice, pectin.
Steps: 1. Boil berries and sugar, flame rum off alcohol. 2. Add pectin. 3. Jar.
Rum adds depth and pairs with cocktails; moderation keeps it fun.

Strawberry Ginger Jam

Warming spice for cozy vibes. Ingredients: 2 lbs strawberries, 1/4 cup grated ginger, 3.5 cups sugar, lemon, pectin.
Steps: 1. Infuse ginger in berry mash. 2. Standard boil and jar.
Ginger aids digestion and fights nausea in this invigorating spread.

Sugar-Free Strawberry Jam

Keto-friendly with natural sweetness. Ingredients: 2 lbs strawberries, 1/4 cup erythritol or monk fruit, 2 tbsp chia, lemon juice.
Steps: 1. Cook berries low, stir in sweetener and chia. 2. Simmer till thick, jar cold.
Zero added sugar supports low-carb diets while retaining antioxidants.

Chunky Strawberry Jam

Hearty texture for real fruit lovers. Ingredients: 2 lbs strawberries (half whole, half crushed), 4 cups sugar, lemon, pectin.
Steps: 1. Mix chunks and mash; boil sugar. 2. Pectin set. 3. Jar.
Retains whole berries for fiber-rich bites, less processed feel.

Strawberry Lavender Jam

Floral elegance from the herb garden. Ingredients: 2 lbs strawberries, 1 tbsp dried lavender, 3.5 cups sugar, lemon, pectin.
Steps: 1. Steep lavender in lemon water, strain into berries. 2. Boil and jar.
Lavender’s calming compounds make this a luxurious, stress-relieving treat.

Whether you’re a canning newbie or a preserve pro, these 14 strawberry jam recipes are your ticket to strawberry bliss all year long. Grab those fresh berries, roll up your sleeves, and start jamming—your taste buds (and pantry) will thank you!