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Home » Recipes » Homemade Jam and Jelly

Sure Jell Strawberry Jam

Published: May 14, 2023 by Bowl Me Over · 23 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This recipe for Sure Jell Strawberry Jam with sweet berries and tart lime makes the most amazing preserves! It's easier to make than you think and once you make it you'll never buy jam again!

Springtime means a combination of my favorite jam flavors - strawberry rhubarb jam! I hope you give recipe a try next!

A jar of strawberry jam with spoon.
Jump to:
  • Homemade Strawberry Jam
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Things to know
  • Storage
  • Related recipes
  • Serve with
  • Sure Jell Strawberry Jam Recipe

Homemade Strawberry Jam

When it's strawberry season, it's time to make homemade jam. This is a great recipe and a fun twist on traditional jam!

Mandarin Orange Jelly, Christmas in July Pepper Jam and Blueberry Pizzaz Jam are all requested!

✔️ Everyone really loves homemade jams and jellies!

✔️ This one already has BIG approval stamps from the friends I've shared it with!

✔️ Homemade jam is easy to make when you follow these step-by-step instructions. 

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

  • fresh fruit, you'll need 5 cups of crushed strawberries
  • salt
  • lime
  • sugar
  • tequila (optional)
  • low sugar sure-jell pectin (that's the pink box)

Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Clean and hull the strawberries (do not chop).
  2. Add the strawberries to a large heavy bottom pan. Using a potato masher, mash the berries well.
  3. Add the juice and zest of the lime and salt as called for in the recipe.
  4. Measure ¼ cup of sugar and mix it with the contents of the Sure-Jell. Sprinkle it into the berry mixture and set it onto the burner on high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  5. When it comes to a hard boil that you cannot stir down, add the remaining sugar.
  6. Stirring constantly, return it to a hard boil and boil exactly one minute.
  7. Remove from the heat and stir in the tequila - please note the tequila is optional.
  8. Immediately ladle into clean, sterilized hot jars, add rings and lid. Submerge in the boiling water and process in the hot water bath for 10 minutes to seal the jars.

See it's not hard to make!

Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   

  • heavy bottom pan
  • potato masher
  • wooden spoon
  • ladle
  • canning jars, lids and rings
  • hot pan holders
  • timer
  • funnel
  • lifting tongs
  • Sure-Jell Pectin - be sure to get the PINK box
  • National Center for Home Food Preservation
Jars of homemade strawberry jam surrounding a bagel spread with sweet jam!
Sweet spring strawberries make the most delicious jam!

FAQ's

How long has it been since you've done any canning? Has it been awhile? If so, now's the time to jump back into jamming and let's start by answering a few questions.

Are preserves and jam the same thing?

Pretty much, the names are used interchangeably. In both jam and preserves you'll find pieces of fruit.

Is jelly the same as jam?

Nope, jelly is different than jam. As I'd mentioned above jam contains pieces of fruit. Jelly is made from fruit juice.

Why do you put lemon juice in strawberry jam?

Lemon or lime juice is added when canning to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Is pectin necessary for jam?

Pectin doesn't preserve jelly or jam, but helps it jell so it isn't too runny.

Bagel topped with homemade strawberry jam.
With something this delicious you're going to want to enjoy every bite!

Things to know

  • Clean the fruit by soaking it. Place ripe strawberries in a large bowl. Using 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, swish around really well, drain and rinse with fresh water.
  • Use the exact amount of sugar the recipe calls for. The sugar not only sweetens the fruit but also preserves it. If you use less sugar, you may end up with mold on top of the jam even though you’ve sealed it properly.
  • Don’t change the amount of fruit – if you put in too little, it can get too thick, like paste! Too much fruit and it may not set and will be syrupy.
  • Although the jars and rings are reusable, the lids are not.

For more information on making homemade preserves visit A Guide to making Homemade Jam or the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Jam-making isn't hard, but you do have to be precise. When the recipe calls for boiling, just one minute, set a timer. Over-processing can make the jam set incorrectly. And the longer it's boiled, the more flavor is removed from the fruit.

Trust me, this is the closest I've ever gotten to chemistry as I (ahem...) graduated from the school of hard knocks! 🤣🤣🤣

A jar of strawberry jam and bagels.
You're going to be scraping the bottom of the jar as you enjoy every drop of this amazing jam!

Storage

Refrigerate - Cool to room temperature. Refrigerate any opened or unsealed jars of jam. They will last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Pantry - Store sealed jars in a dark cool spot, like your pantry for up to six months.

Related recipes

If you like this jam, you'll definitely want to try other jam recipes on my site like;

  • Ja Makin' Me Crazy Mango Jam - is seriously delicious!
  • Bam Bam Pomegranate Jam - with a great POP of spice, this is so good.
  • Easy to make Low Sugar Blueberry Jam.
  • This recipe for Strawberry Freezer Jam - no water bath canner required. Just ladle into plastic containers and freeze.

Looking for more delicious homemade jam recipes? Be sure to check out Gourmet Jam Recipes - all of our favorites in one spot!

Serve with

  • Grilling chicken, pork or shrimp? Jams and jellies are a flavorful quick, and easy glaze.
  • A PB&J, of course! Everyone loves a great peanut butter and jam sandwich.
  • I use a spoonful in salad dressings to add great flavor!
  • It's perfect inside these yummy Strawberry Sandwich Cookies!
  • What if the jam doesn't set? Label it as syrup, and no one will be the wiser.
  • Sure jell strawberry jam makes a great hostess gift!

Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️

If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! 

Sure Jell Strawberry Jam in jar with spoon scooping out jam.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 10 votes

Sure Jell Strawberry Jam Recipe

Sweet fresh berries and tart lime makes the BEST homemade jam!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 36 servings
Calories: 101kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 5 cups crushed fresh strawberries You'll need about 10 cups whole strawberries to make 5 cups crushed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 lime zested and juiced
  • ¼ cup tequila use good tequila! / OPTIONAL
  • 4 cups sugar
  • 1 1.75 sure-jell pectin PINK BOX

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Clean the strawberries and remove the stems (do not chop).
  • Mash the berries with a potato masher. Measure out exactly 5 cups of crushed berries. Add to a large heavy bottom pot.
  • Add the juice and zest of the lime and one teaspoon salt
  • Measure ¼ cup of sugar and mix it with the contents of the Sure-Jell. Sprinkle it into the berry mixture and set it on the burner. Turn on high and bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
  • When the c comes to a hard boil (one that you cannot stir down) add the remaining sugar.
  • Return it to a hard boil and boil exactly one minute.
  • Remove from the heat. With hot pan holders on immediately stir in ¼ cup tequila. It will bubble and spit a bit! Continue to stir until it is completely incorporated, about a minute. 
  • Ladle hot jam into clean, sterilized jars.
  • Using a paper towel clean the top of the jar off completely.
  • Add the lid and screw top. Screw the lid on tightly. Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes to seal.
  • Remove from the hot water bath and place on a heat-proof surface. You'll hear the jars pop and you'll know they are sealed.

Notes

This recipe makes 6 pints of jam.
The tequila is totally optional - you can omit it from the recipe if you choose.

Nutrition

Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Sodium: 67mg | Potassium: 32mg | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin C: 12.3mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kenny

    February 17, 2021 at 5:22 am

    How can this make 6 pints, when you are only using 5 cups of berries (2-1/2 pints)? But it does sound good.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 17, 2021 at 10:03 am

      Because of the sugar.

      Reply
  2. Elizabeth

    August 20, 2019 at 10:24 am

    Can I make it without the alcohol love the apricot jam it’s a hit at my home ?

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 20, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      YOu bet Elizabeth - you can certainly omit the alchol in this recipe! I'm so glad you're enjoying the jam recipes!

      Reply
  3. Brenda Kelly

    June 19, 2019 at 6:17 am

    Does the alcohol in the tequila cook out. I would love to try this but am concerned about my children. Do you have a recipe for strawberry jam with the alcohol?

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 19, 2019 at 6:21 am

      Hey Brenda, good morning! The alcohol does cook off but if it makes you more comfortable you can totally leave the alcohol out on this recipe. I have another delicious recipe for strawberry jam on the blog here that does not contain alcohol - https://bowl-me-over.com/low-sugar-strawberry-jam/ Enjoy the jam!

      Reply
  4. Jennifer Stewart

    April 22, 2019 at 1:40 pm

    5 stars
    Fresh Strawberries and Tequila? This is probably the best Jam recipe I've seen. I want this now!

    Reply
  5. Kathy McDaniel

    August 14, 2018 at 9:34 am

    5 stars
    This recipe is so creative! Way to turn a simple jam into a fabulous and delicious treat! This is the way I will be making jam for sure!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 14, 2018 at 7:15 pm

      We just love this recipe, it's super fun and so delicious! Enjoy Kathy!!

      Reply
  6. Michaela Kenkel

    August 13, 2018 at 9:11 am

    5 stars
    Do you take orders?? This sounds absolutely delicious!!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 14, 2018 at 7:18 pm

      I've been known to yes! 😀 Enjoy Michaela!

      Reply
  7. michele

    August 13, 2018 at 7:03 am

    5 stars
    You had me at margarita jam! This is printed out and I am making this for the end of summer breakfast BBQ in our neighborhood! It sounds perfect for a gift for all the neighbors!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 14, 2018 at 7:21 pm

      Homemade Jam is the BEST gift Michele and so easy to make when berries are abundant. Enjoy Michele!

      Reply
  8. Sandra Shaffer

    August 12, 2018 at 12:23 pm

    5 stars
    I definitely prefer jam with real fruit over jelly! We are still going strong with fresh strawberries here in CA. I think I'll make a couple of batches to give as gifts during the holiday season!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 14, 2018 at 7:26 pm

      Perfect! It's the BEST gift (if you have any leftover!) Thank you Sandra!

      Reply
  9. Angela

    August 12, 2018 at 8:49 am

    5 stars
    How incredible is this!!!! I am loving the flavor of this jam and really excited to try your recipe!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 12, 2018 at 10:27 am

      Wonderful, enjoy Angela! I've made this so many times now and it comes out prefect every time!

      Reply
  10. Carolyn

    August 12, 2018 at 8:12 am

    5 stars
    This would be incredible on an english muffin in the morning!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 12, 2018 at 10:26 am

      Absolutely, my Aunt went thru an entire jar over the weekend!

      Reply
  11. Dan from Platter Talk

    August 09, 2018 at 2:38 pm

    5 stars
    I would love to try margarita on toast, any day of the week! Such terrific flavors here!!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 12, 2018 at 10:26 am

      One order coming up Dan! 😉

      Reply
  12. Liza

    August 02, 2018 at 8:40 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is genius! I LOVE the idea of adding the tequila to the jam! I'd never think of it, but it should come out so unique and delicious!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 12, 2018 at 10:25 am

      It's so good Liza - everyone's favorite this year at the family reunion. I hope you give it a try!

      Reply

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