Easy Homemade Strawberry Preserves Recipe (No Pectin)

This simple old-fashioned recipe uses just a handful of natural ingredients to create an intense fresh strawberry flavor. Learn how to make fresh homemade strawberry preserves in a small batch without pectin (including canning directions). This recipe is easy enough for beginners, and the final product tastes SO much better than what you find in grocery stores! 

Making homemade strawberry preserves is a delight that transforms fresh strawberries into a spread bursting with flavor.

I grew up watching my mom and grandma make strawberry jam. I was amazed at how simple it could be with just a few ingredients like strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.

The best part is, you don’t need any special additives like pectin!

Making your own preserves at home also lets you control the sweetness, consistency, and quality control, which is something store-bought jams can’t offer.

Plus, the process itself is fun and rewarding, making it a perfect weekend project.

Jam vs. Jelly vs. Preserves

What’s the difference between jelly, jam, and preserves? Although people tend to use these terms interchangeably, each uses fruit in a unique way.

Jelly is made using fruit juice. The fruit is crushed and then strained, removing skins, seeds, and pulp. This leaves a clear juice which is mixed with sugar and pectin to make a smooth, firm spread. Try these recipes:

• How To Make Dandelion Jelly
• Apple Mint Jelly

Jam uses crushed or pureed fruit, giving it a thicker, chunkier texture compared to jelly. Small bits of fruit are often visible, which can add a delightful texture. Jam is cooked with sugar and sometimes pectin to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Preserves are different because they use whole fruits or larger chunks. This results in a more rustic, hearty texture. When you make strawberry preserves, you’ll get the full experience of the fruit in every bite.

Type	Fruit Used	Texture
Jelly	Fruit juice	Smooth, firm
Jam	Crushed/pureed fruit	Chunky, spreadable
Preserves	Whole fruit/chunks	Rustic, hearty

Ingredients Breakdown

Choosing the right ingredients is key to making delicious homemade strawberry preserves. Let’s look into the specifics to ensure you pick the best options.

Choosing Your Strawberries

When possible, I like to use locally-sourced fresh strawberries. They often have a superior taste and support local farmers. If you don’t have a local strawberry farm where you can go pick your own berries during strawberry season, you can use fresh strawberries from the grocery store or farmer’s market.

And if fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before making homemade strawberry preserves.

Sugar

Sugar plays a multiple roles – it adds sweetness, acts as a preservative, and helps reach the proper consistency. I usually use granulated sugar because it dissolves easily and blends well with the fruit.

Pectin Alternatives

Pectin is a natural thickening agent found in fruit that helps the preserves set. Some recipes use powdered or liquid pectin, but strawberries have a fair amount of pectin naturally. If you prefer not to use commercial pectin, you can let the mixture cook longer until it thickens.

And I like to use a mixture of corn starch and water to help get the job done.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is essential for both flavor and setting. It balances the sweetness of the sugar and adds a touch of tartness. Additionally, the acid in lemon juice helps the berries maintain their vibrant color and helps to set the preserves to ensure they have the right consistency.

Strawberry Preserves Recipe

Making your own strawberry preserves at home is a joyful and rewarding process. We’ll go from selecting and prepping the fruit, to cooking it into tasty preserves, and finally, filling and sealing jars to keep the sweetness fresh.

Ingredients Needed

You only need a handful of simple ingredients for this easy recipe!

• Fresh fruit – fresh berries hulled & cut in half
• Sugar
• Lemon juice – from fresh lemons of from a jar.
• Cornstarch
• Cold water
• Salt – just a dash!

NOTE: Please refer to the handy printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements and additional small batch strawberry jam recipe details!

Tools Needed For Strawberry Fruit Preserves

• Canning jars and lids
• Large saucepan
• Potato masher
• Ladle
• Candy thermometer
• Water bath canning pot (water bath canner)
• Jar tongs (jar lifter)

How To Make Homemade Strawberry Preserves

Just follow these simple small batch recipe instructions!

Prepping the Fruit

Start with fresh, ripe strawberries. I always give them a good rinse under cold water and then hull them, removing the green tops.

Place strawberries in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan and add sugar, and lemon juice. You don’t want them completely pureed, but just enough to break them down and release their juices. 

NOTE: If they are too hard, wait until after they are cooked to mash them.

Cooking Process

Bring mixture to a boil over high heat and every so often mash the berries with the masher.

Once it’s boiling and you’ve mashed the berries, turn the down to medium high and add the corn starch slurry (a mixture of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water) to thicken the preserves.

It will begin to thicken quickly, so do not take your eye off it.

Let cook for 5-6 min continuing to stir every minute or so. Cook until the mixture reaches about 210 degrees F or until it coats the back of a spoon.

Filling and Sealing Jars

Sterilize your jars and lids beforehand. I place mine in boiling water for about 10 minutes. When the hot preserves are ready, carefully ladle them into the hot jars, leaving about 1/2-inch headspace at the top.

Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids on, and screw the bands until just finger-tight.

Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal properly. Once done, remove each jar of jam and let it cool on a towel.

You’ll hear a pop as they seal – it’s a satisfying sound that means your preserves are ready for storage!

Proper Storage and Preservation

To keep your easy homemade strawberry preserves fresh and delicious, it’s crucial to properly sterilize your equipment and store the preserves. Here’s how.

Sterilizing Equipment

Before making homemade strawberry preserves, ensuring your equipment is clean and free of bacteria is essential. I always start by washing my jars, lids, and any utensils in hot, soapy water.

Next, I rinse them thoroughly to remove any soap residue. After washing, I place the jars and lids in a large pot, cover them with water at least an inch above the rim of the jars, and bring it to a boil. Boil for at least 10 minutes to sterilize them.

Once done, I carefully remove the jars and lids using sanitized tongs and let them air dry on a clean towel. This step is vital to prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of your preserves.

Shelf Life and Storage Tips

Once your strawberry preserves are ready, it’s important to store them properly to keep them fresh. I always use airtight containers like mason jars to store my preserves. After filling the jars, I make sure to wipe the rims clean before sealing them tightly with sterilized lids.

I then store the jars in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. This helps maintain the flavor and texture of the preserves.

NOTE: For best results, I recommend using your preserves within a year.

Once opened, keep the jars in the refrigerator and use the contents within a few weeks. Proper storage ensures your homemade strawberry preserves taste as good as the day you made them!

Ways To Serve Homemade Strawberry Preserves

Homemade strawberry preserves are versatile and can enhance many dishes with the endless taste of summer. They can be enjoyed with different types of breads and desserts or even incorporated into creative recipes.

Pairing with Breads and Desserts

One of my favorite ways to enjoy homemade strawberry preserves is by spreading them on fresh biscuits. YUM! The sweet, fruity flavor perfectly complements the buttery, flaky texture of a biscuit.

Toast is another great option. A warm slice of toast with a thick layer of strawberry preserves makes for a quick and delicious breakfast.

No bagel may be complete without a dollop of cream cheese, but why not add a delicious spread of this easy strawberry jam recipe on top?

For a delightful treat, I love adding some preserves to pancakes. The preserves melt into the warm pancakes, each bite bringing out the rich strawberry flavor. I LOVE this more than using maple syrup!

Don’t forget ice cream! A scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with strawberry preserves creates a delightful combination. The preserves add a burst of fruity goodness to the creamy, cold ice cream.

Creative Uses in Recipes

Homemade strawberry preserves can be the star ingredient in many creative recipes.

One dish I enjoy making (and my family enjoys eating) is oatmeal bars. Using the preserves to add the fruity layer adds a nice sweetness.

\For a more elegant dessert, consider using the preserves in a layer cake. Spread the preserves between the cake layers for a fruity contrast to the sweet cake and frosting.

If you want something simple yet satisfying, try adding preserves to your yogurt. Swirling strawberry preserves into plain or vanilla yogurt can make a healthy snack more flavorful and enjoyable.

Another creative idea is making a strawberry sauce for various dishes. By thinning out the preserves with a little water or lemon juice, you can create a sauce to drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or even grilled meats for a unique twist.

Variations and Substitutions

The best part about this recipe is that you can get creative with different ingredients to suit your preferences and needs!

Here are some ideas for alternative sweeteners, using frozen strawberries, and adding additional flavors.

Alternative Sweeteners

If you want to reduce the amount of refined sugar, there are several natural sweeteners you can use. Honey is a great option and adds a slightly floral taste. I like to use about 3/4 cup of honey for every cup of sugar.

Maple syrup can also be used for a unique flavor. Replace one cup of sugar with 3/4 cup of maple syrup. It brings a hint of caramel flavor that pairs well with strawberries.

Agave nectar is another sweet option; just use 2/3 cup for every cup of sugar to substitute.

Remember, these sweeteners may change the consistency a bit, so adjust the cooking time as needed.

Using Frozen Strawberries

Using frozen strawberries is a convenient way to make preserves outside of the summer season. Thaw the strawberries first, and drain any excess liquid. These strawberries can be slightly softer, so your preserves may have a smoother texture.

To compensate for any extra moisture, you might need to cook your preserves a bit longer. Frozen berries often taste just as sweet as fresh ones, especially when they’re picked and frozen at peak ripeness. This can be a lifesaver if fresh strawberries are out of season or too expensive.

Adding Additional Flavors

• Vanilla Extract – Add a teaspoon to give a lovely, deep flavor.

• Cinnamon – This adds a warm, spicy touch. I usually add about half a teaspoon.

• Orange Zest – This delivers a fresh, citrusy note that pairs perfectly with the strawberries! Just grate the zest of one orange and stir it in while cooking.

• Balsamic vinegar – Here’s a twist that adds a tangy and rich flavor. Limit it to a tablespoon to keep the taste balanced.

Homemade Strawberry Preserves Troubleshooting

During the process of making homemade strawberry preserves, you might encounter a few bumps in the road. Whether it’s about texture and consistency or seal and storage issues, here’s how to troubleshoot these common problems.

Texture and Consistency Fixes

If it’s too runny, it might be because it didn’t reach a full rolling boil. Ensure the mixture boils hard for a full minute after adding sugar.

For consistency issues due to undercooking, try reheating the mixture. Bring it to a boil and cook until it thickens properly. Always use a metal spoon to check if the preserves stick to the back without being too runny.

If your preserves are too thick or gummy, you might have overcooked them. To fix this, slightly heat the preserves and add a bit of water or fruit juice, stirring until the texture loosens up.

Seal and Storage Issues

Proper sealing is crucial to avoid spoilage. If your jars don’t seal correctly, check the rim of the jar for any food residue before sealing. Clean rims ensure a tight seal.

Storage conditions matter too. If stored at room temperature, make sure the jars are properly sealed to avoid contamination. For refrigerated preserves, ensure they are cooled completely before putting them in the fridge to prevent condensation inside the jar.

If you notice bubbles or the jar lid pops up, this might be a sign of improper sealing. You may need to transfer the preserves to clean jars and reprocess them. Always check for proper vacuum seals before storing homemade preserves long-term.

Homemade Strawberry Preserves FAQs

Here, I’ll share the basics of making strawberry preserves, the difference between strawberry jam and preserves, and tips for canning and ingredient variations.

More Delicious Strawberry Recipes

• Healthy Homemade Strawberry Gummies (With Real Fruit)
• Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats
• No-Bake Strawberry Jello Pie Recipe
• Easy Fresh Homemade Strawberry Cobbler
• Strawberry Crumble Dessert
• Cheesecake Strawberry Poke Cake
• Fresh Strawberry Bread Recipe

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