Sweet and Simple: Homemade Freezer Jam Recipe
Are you looking for a great way to use up your leftover summer berries? Do you want to make a homemade jam without having to go through the hassle of canning? Look no further than this simple and easy mixed berry freezer jam recipe!
This recipe calls for just a few basic ingredients like fresh or frozen berries, sugar, light corn syrup, and lemon juice. But the best part is that you don’t need any special equipment or experience to make it – just a large bowl, a small bowl, and a whisk.
Not only does this freezer jam taste great on toast, biscuits or pancakes, it also works as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake or fruit salad. Plus, by making your own freezer jam you can control the amount of sugar and other ingredients that go into it.
So let’s get started with these simple steps cooked in under an hour, and you will have homemade freezer jam that will keep in your freezer until ready to use!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re like me, you probably have some leftover summer fruits in the freezer that you don’t know what to do with. But fear not, because I have a great solution for you: this easy mixed berry freezer jam recipe.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is that it’s incredibly simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. All you need is some sugar, light corn syrup, lemon juice and four cups of frozen berries. You can use any combination of berries you like, whether it’s strawberries, raspberries or blueberries. The result will be a delicious and fruity jam that you can enjoy all year round.
Another reason why this recipe is great is that it’s a fantastic way to make homemade freezer jams without having to go through the process of canning. Canning can be time-consuming and requires special equipment, but making freezer jam is much easier and quicker. With just a few simple steps, you can have a batch of tasty jam ready to go in no time.
Not only is this recipe great for using up leftover summer fruits, but it’s also a versatile dish that can be used in many ways. Spread it on toast or biscuits for a quick breakfast, or use it as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. It’s also perfect for making fruit salad or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Lastly, this recipe will give you the satisfaction of making something from scratch with fresh ingredients. When you make your own jams and jellies, you know exactly what’s going into them and can ensure that they’re free from preservatives and additives.
So if you’re looking for an easy, delicious and versatile way to make use of your leftover summer fruits, try making this mixed berry freezer jam today!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Leftover Summer Freezer Jam, which is perfect for all seasons.
Primary Ingredients:
- 4 cups of mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries or blackberries)
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of light corn syrup
Additional Ingredients:
- Pectin like “Mrs. Wages” fruit pectin can be used as per your requirement.
With these ingredients, you can make homemade freezer jam in simple steps cooked on the stovetop. These ingredients are readily available in any grocery store and adding a sprinkle of creativity can make it finger-licking good!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered why leftover summer freezer jam is so great, let’s get into how to make it. This recipe calls for four cups crushed berries, lemon juice, and sugar (2 cups for strawberry jam) plus some additional ingredients to help with the consistency.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you begin making the jam, crush your berries to make sure you have four cups ready. Then, stir in sugar, stirring until it dissolves.
Step 2: Cook the Strawberry Jam
If you’re making strawberry freezer jam, prepare fruit pectin according to the package directions. Combine four cups crushed strawberries along with one package of fruit pectin in a large bowl. Stir together until pectin is dissolved. Wait for thirty minutes.
Step 3: Add the Lemon Juice and Light Corn Syrup
Once thirty minutes have passed, add lemon juice and light corn syrup to the mixture. Stir it very well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 4: Freeze or Can Your Jam
Next, pour your mixture into the appropriate containers for freezing or canning. Remember, let your frozen jam thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before serving.
Step 5: Enjoy!
There you have it- any variety of easy strawberry or mixed berry freezer jam that you can make with a few simple steps cooked right in. Use this homemade strawberry jam with corn syrup on toast, biscuits, scones or even as a topping on ice cream or in fruit salad.
By following these five steps, making a delicious homemade freezer jam recipe has never been easier!
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences or ingredient availability. If you don’t have access to some of the ingredients listed, don’t worry! Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Berries: Feel free to mix and match different types of berries to create your own unique jam flavor. A great option is strawberry peach jam, which combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tanginess of peaches.
– Corn syrup: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to corn syrup, you can replace it with honey, maple syrup or agave nectar. However, keep in mind that these substitutes may slightly alter the flavor of the jam.
– Pectin: Traditionally, freezer jams use fruit pectin as a thickening agent. However, if you can’t find fruit pectin in your local grocery store, you can use gelatin instead. Just be aware that this may change the texture and consistency of the jam.
– Lemon juice: While it’s important to use lemon juice in this recipe for acidity and flavor purposes, you can experiment with other citrus juices such as lime or orange.
– Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet jam or want to reduce your sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of sugar called for in the recipe. Just keep in mind that sugar not only adds sweetness but also acts as a preservative, so your jam may not last as long if less sugar is used.
– Canning: If you’re an experienced home canner or prefer preserving your jams using a water bath canning method rather than freezing, feel free to do so with this recipe. You just need to follow regular home canning guidelines.
No matter what substitution or variation you choose, remember that making freezer jam is an easy and fun way to enjoy leftover summer fruits all year round!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve made this delicious frozen jam, it’s time to start thinking about how to serve and pair it. This homemade freezer jam is the perfect addition to a fruit salad or as a topping for your morning toast or pancakes.
The sweet and tangy flavors of this freezer jam also make it a great complement to savory dishes, such as roasted chicken or pork. You can even mix it with some light corn syrup and serve it as a glaze on a grilled piece of salmon.
For a refreshing summer drink, mix this mixed berry freezer jam with some seltzer water and ice for a homemade berry soda. You can also add a dollop of this freezer jam to your favorite yogurt or ice cream for an added burst of flavor.
If you’re feeling bold, try pairing this strawberry peach freezer jam with some spicy cheese or cured meats for a delicious cheese board. The possibilities are endless with this versatile and easy-to-make freezer jam.
So go ahead and experiment with different serving and pairing options until you find your perfect match!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the nicest things about this leftover summer freezer jam recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for future use. This makes it a great way to preserve your leftover summer berries, so they can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Once the jam has been prepared, allow it to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. The jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to six months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw the jam in the fridge overnight, or on the counter if you’re in a hurry.
Reheating the jam can be done easily too. Simply place it in a small bowl and microwave for 15-30 seconds, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This will make it easier to spread on toast or add to fruit salad.
If you’re planning on using the leftover summer freezer jam as a gift, consider buying small jars and decorating them with fabric or ribbon for a cute presentation. The added touch is sure to impress your friends and family when you gift them a jar of homemade jam!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking can be intimidating if you are a beginner, but with practice comes confidence. Here are some tips to follow when making your freezer jam to ensure the best results possible.
Firstly, consider using light corn syrup for your jam recipe in place of sugar. This will help to reduce the risk of crystallization, making a smoother consistency.
It’s essential to use fresh fruit for your jam. Fresh fruit will produce better results due to its higher levels of natural pectin, required for gelling, as well as its fresh flavor and aroma.
When making mixed berry freezer jam, you can use a variety of berries or stick with just one kind. Ensure that you have equal proportions of each berry for balanced flavors.
Be sure to thaw your frozen fruit in the fridge before preparing it. This helps them soften more gradually and prevents any unnecessary fermentation that may occur if they are thawed at room temperature.
Don’t skimp on the lemon juice when cooking jam. It has natural pectin and can make a significant difference in how the finished product sets up.
Also, be sure not to overcook your strawberry freezer jam or any other cooked freezer jams. The high concentration of sugar makes it hard for the heat to penetrate evenly; thus, overcooking easily leads to burning and unpalatable spirits.
Lastly, always use a reliable recipe like Mrs. Wages Fruit Pectin that will guide you through the process of making freezer jams perfectly. Some recipes rely on granulated pectin while others call for liquid pectin; be sure you have the type suited for making your preferred jam recipe – whether strawberry peach or mixed berry.
By following these simple steps, you can make easy mixed berry or strawberry jams and enjoy them on toast or stirred into yogurt bowls – or even mix leftover summer freezer jam into fruit salads without relegating it into obscurity.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Leftover Summer Freezer Jam Recipe is a great way to use those berries that might have been forgotten at the back of your fridge. It’s an easy and delicious recipe that you can make ahead of time and store in your freezer for whenever you need it. Whether you enjoy it on a scone, as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or as a fruit salad addition, this jam recipe will add some sweetness to your day.
With simple steps, cooked freezer jams can be a great addition to your canning repertoire too. And with the substitutions and variations mentioned earlier, there’s no reason not to try making freezer jam with all kinds of fruits. So why not try making Easy Strawberry Freezer Jam, Mixed Berry Freezer Jam, Cherry Freezer Jam or Peach Jam using the same recipe calls? The possibilities are endless!
Additionally, this homemade strawberry freezer jam recipe is cheaper than buying store-bought jams and tastes far better. Plus, by making your own jam, you can adjust the sugar content to suit your taste preferences. But perhaps most importantly, making freezer jam is an enjoyable activity that the whole family can be involved in.
So what are you waiting for? Use up those leftover summer berries today and make yourself some homemade freezer jam. You won’t regret it!
Leftover Summer Freezer Jam Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups crushed berries
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 (2 ounce) box mcp pectin
- 4 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
Instructions
- Combination of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries to make 3 1/4 cups crushed berries.
- Measure exact amount of prepared fruit along with lemon juice into large saucepan.
- Measure exact amount of sugar into separate bowl.
- Gradually stir in 1 box of pectin into fruit. Mix thoroughly.
- Set aside 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to dissolve pectin thoroughly.
- Pour 1 cup corn syrup into fruit mixture.
- Mix well. This prevents sugar crystallization during freezer storage.
- Stir in sugar gradually.
- Stir constantly until sugar is completely dissolved and no longer grainy. **Candace tip - Place large saucepan over low heat. The jam isn't meant to be cooked - the heat just helps with the sugar dissolving.**.
- Pour into prepared freezer containers leaving 1/2 inch headspace at top for expansion during freezing.
- Put in freezer or refrigerator.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!