Are you a beginner looking to try your hand at making homemade jam, but feel intimidated by the process? Fear not! Making jam from scratch can be a breeze, especially with the right recipes and techniques. And that’s where this article comes in. We’ve gathered 20 easy freezer jam recipes for beginners that use a variety of fruits, spices, and flavorings to create delicious and unique jams.
From classic strawberry and mixed berry jams to more adventurous flavors like mango and kiwi, we have something for everyone. Our recipes are designed to be simple, easy to follow, and require minimal special equipment or expertise. And the best part? You can make them in just a few hours and store them in your freezer for up to 6 months.
In this article, we’ll take you through each of our 20 easy freezer jam recipes, providing step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and tips for customizing your jams to suit your tastes. So whether you’re looking to make a special treat for a friend or family member, or just want to stock up on some delicious homemade jam for yourself, we’ve got you covered.
Strawberry Freezer Jam with Fresh Mint
This sweet and tangy jam is perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries. The addition of fresh mint adds a bright and refreshing flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups hulled and sliced strawberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– Pectin (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the strawberries have broken down and the mixture has thickened.
3. Remove the jam from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh mint leaves.
4. Let the jam cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe jar.
5. If desired, add pectin according to package instructions and follow the manufacturer’s cooking time.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups of jam
Mixed Berry Freezer Jam with Lemon Zest
Brighten up your morning toast or snack time with this sweet and tangy mixed berry jam, infused with the warmth of lemon zest. This recipe is perfect for those who love a hint of citrus in their preserves.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– Pectin (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine the mixed berries and sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, until the berries start to release their juices.
2. Add the water, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the berry mixture. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the jam has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or freeze for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Peach Freezer Jam with Cinnamon
This jam recipe combines the natural sweetness of peaches with the warmth of cinnamon, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy homemade peach jam all year round!
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh or frozen peaches
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 package (0.25 oz) powdered pectin
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine peaches, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add cinnamon and stir to combine. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in powdered pectin. Let it sit for 1 minute, allowing the pectin to thicken the jam.
4. Pour the jam into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Secure lids tightly and store in the freezer.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups of jam
Raspberry Freezer Jam with Vanilla Bean
This simple recipe combines the sweetness of raspberries with the warmth of vanilla bean, creating a unique and delicious freezer jam perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. Combine raspberries and sugar in a medium saucepan. Let it sit for 15 minutes, until the berries start to release their juice.
2. Add water and vanilla extract to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the jam has thickened.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the split vanilla bean.
4. Let the jam cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe jar. Refrigerate or freeze according to your preference.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Blueberry Freezer Jam with Honey
Sweet and tangy, this Blueberry Freezer Jam with Honey recipe is a perfect treat for any time of the year. With just four ingredients, you’ll be enjoying this delicious spread in no time!
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 cup honey
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Rinse the blueberries and remove any stems or debris.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the blueberries, honey, sugar, and lemon juice.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Ladle the jam into clean, sterilized jars and refrigerate or freeze immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Cherry Freezer Jam with Almond Extract
This cherry freezer jam recipe combines the natural sweetness of cherries with the subtle flavor of almond extract, creating a unique and delicious spread perfect for toast, yogurt, or as a topping for ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 package (0.25 oz) powdered pectin
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine cherries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until the fruit is tender.
3. Stir in almond extract and powdered pectin. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months or freeze for up to 1 year.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Apricot Freezer Jam with Orange Juice
Make the most of apricot season with this refreshing twist on traditional jam. This sweet and tangy recipe combines the natural sweetness of apricots with a hint of orange juice, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen apricots, chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 package (0.25 oz) powdered pectin
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apricots, sugar, and orange juice. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Stir in lemon juice and pectin. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar or freezer-safe container.
4. Refrigerate or freeze for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Blackberry Freezer Jam with Lime
This refreshing twist on traditional blackberry jam adds a burst of citrus flavor from fresh lime juice, making it perfect for topping yogurt, ice cream, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 package (0.25 oz) powdered pectin
Instructions:
1. Rinse the blackberries and remove any stems or leaves.
2. In a large pot, combine the blackberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the lime juice and powdered pectin. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags. Refrigerate or freeze for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Pineapple Freezer Jam with Coconut
This pineapple freezer jam is a refreshing twist on the classic recipe, adding the rich flavor of coconut for an added layer of complexity. Perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups crushed pineapple (fresh or canned)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 package (0.25 oz) powdered pectin
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine pineapple, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and unsweetened shredded coconut. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and powdered pectin. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the pectin to thicken the jam.
4. Pour the jam into freezer-safe containers and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mango Freezer Jam with Ginger
Transform the sweetness of mangoes into a deliciously spicy jam by adding ginger to this simple recipe! Perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups ripe mango puree
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Combine mango puree, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan. Whisk until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add grated ginger and lemon juice. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until jam thickens.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Transfer jam to an airtight container or freezer-safe jars. Refrigerate for up to 6 months or freeze for up to 1 year.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Plum Freezer Jam with Cardamom
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom to create a unique and delicious freezer jam. Perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chopped fresh plums (any variety)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Pectin (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the plums, sugar, water, and cardamom. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the fruit is tender.
2. Stir in the lemon juice. If using pectin, follow package instructions to thicken the jam.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe jar.
4. Refrigerate or freeze for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Apple Freezer Jam with Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Make the most of autumn’s bounty with this sweet and spicy apple jam, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying homemade goodness all year round.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups chopped fresh apples (any variety)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine chopped apples, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until apples are tender.
3. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Ladle jam into clean glass jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
6. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure jam is properly sterilized and shelf-stable.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grape Freezer Jam with Rosemary
This sweet and savory jam combines the natural sweetness of grapes with the herbaceous flavor of rosemary, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups red or green grapes
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine grapes, sugar, and water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the grapes have broken down and the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in rosemary leaves and lemon juice.
4. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Kiwi Freezer Jam with Mint and Lime
This refreshing jam is perfect for warm weather, as it combines the sweetness of kiwis with the coolness of mint and a hint of lime. Enjoy it on toast, yogurt, or as a topping for your favorite desserts.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups kiwi fruit, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– Pectin (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine kiwi, sugar, and water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the kiwi is tender.
3. Stir in mint leaves and lime juice. If using pectin, stir it in according to package instructions.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Pour into a clean glass jar or freezer-safe container. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pear Freezer Jam with Vanilla and Clove
Elevate your jam game with this unique flavor combination featuring pears, vanilla, and a hint of warm clove. Perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups ripe pear chunks (any variety)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/8 tsp ground clove
– Pectin (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine pear chunks, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until pears are tender.
3. Stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and clove.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the mixture to desired consistency (some chunks can be left).
6. Pour into clean, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
7. Freeze for up to 12 months. Thaw at room temperature or in refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Fig Freezer Jam with Honey and Thyme
This fig freezer jam combines the natural sweetness of ripe figs with the warmth of honey and the subtle flavor of thyme, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or dried figs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup pure honey
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the figs and remove any stems or leaves.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the figs, sugar, honey, and water.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the figs have broken down and the mixture has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped thyme. Let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe jar.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months or freeze for up to 1 year.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Strawberry Rhubarb Freezer Jam
This classic homemade jam combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb, resulting in a deliciously balanced flavor. Perfect for spreading on toast, using as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, or giving as a gift.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup rhubarb, sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 package (0.25 oz) pectin
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until the fruit is tender.
4. Stir in pectin and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the jam has thickened.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to freezer-safe jars.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Peach Raspberry Freezer Jam
This recipe combines the sweetness of peaches with the tartness of raspberries to create a deliciously unique freezer jam. Perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups peaches, diced
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 package (0.25 oz) powdered pectin
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the peaches, raspberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the fruit is tender and the mixture has thickened.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and powdered pectin. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the jam has thickened to your liking.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blueberry Lavender Freezer Jam
Transform the flavors of summer into a delicious and unique jam perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling. This Blueberry Lavender Freezer Jam combines the sweetness of blueberries with the subtle charm of lavender for a truly special treat.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the fruit has broken down and the jam has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in dried lavender buds and lemon juice.
5. Let the mixture cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Tips:
• Use high-quality, fragrant lavender for the best flavor.
• This jam is perfect for using as a topping or filling for baked goods, yogurt, or ice cream.
Cherry Vanilla Freezer Jam
Make the most of cherry season with this simple and delicious freezer jam recipe, infused with the warmth of vanilla. This sweet and tangy spread is perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 packet (0.25 oz) powdered pectin
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cherries and remove any stems or pits. If using frozen cherries, thaw them first.
2. In a medium-sized pot, combine the cherries, sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the cherries have broken down and the mixture has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the powdered pectin. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the pectin to thicken the jam further.
5. Pour the jam into airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to make jam-making a breeze with these easy freezer jam recipes perfect for beginners! With 20 delicious flavor combinations, you’ll be spoiled for choice. From classic strawberry and mixed berry jams to more unique flavors like peach with cinnamon and blueberry with lavender, there’s something for every taste bud. Each recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients and equipment. Plus, the best part? You can enjoy your homemade jam all year round by storing it in the freezer! Whether you’re a jam newbie or just looking to mix things up, these recipes are sure to become your new go-to’s.
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