If you adore the bright, fresh flavor of strawberries and the cozy comfort of homemade treats, this Slow Cooker Strawberry Jam recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s wonderfully simple to make, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work while filling your home with that irresistible sweet aroma. Sweet, tangy, and naturally vibrant, this jam captures everything that’s amazing about fresh strawberries in a spreadable jar of goodness. Once you try this Slow Cooker Strawberry Jam, you’ll never want store-bought again!

Slow Cooker Strawberry Jam Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Strawberry Jam plays a starring role, coming together with simplicity yet giving a fantastic texture, color, and balance of flavors. You’ll find that these basics are easy to gather, yet the results feel anything but ordinary.

4 pints fresh strawberries: These are the heart of your jam, providing sweet, juicy flavor and that gorgeous red color.

2 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness while activating the pectin.
4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the jam and helps with preservation—it’s the perfect amount to highlight the natural flavor of strawberries.

1.75 oz powdered fruit pectin: This helps your jam set perfectly so it’s spreadable, not runny, without any guesswork.

How to Make Slow Cooker Strawberry Jam

Step 1: Prepare Your Strawberries

Start by rinsing your strawberries thoroughly, making sure they’re clean and ready to shine. Next, hull and slice them—this helps release all those fabulous juices during cooking. Toss the sliced berries into your slow cooker, setting the stage for a delicious transformation.

Step 2: Mix It Up

To your berries, add the lemon juice, sugar, and powdered fruit pectin. Stir everything well to combine. This step ensures every strawberry slice is coated, giving a sweet yet slightly tangy base that will cook down beautifully.

Step 3: Start the Cooking

Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to LOW heat. Let the mixture cook for 1 hour, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the strawberries to release their juices slowly. After this first hour, give it a good stir to redistribute the fruit and ingredients.

Step 4: Keep It Going

Let the jam continue cooking on LOW for another hour. Stir again to keep everything evenly heated and prevent sticking. This stage deepens the flavor and starts the thickening process.

Step 5: Turn Up the Heat

Switch your slow cooker setting to HIGH. Allow your jam to cook for an additional 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. During this time, the jam will thicken to that ideal consistency we all crave—thick enough to spread but still bursting with juicy strawberry goodness.

Step 6: Store Your Jam

Once your slow cooker strawberry jam reaches the perfect texture, it’s time to store it. Pour the hot jam into clean jars and let it cool to room temperature. You’ll want to refrigerate it if you plan to use it within 2 months, freeze it for up to a year, or go the old-fashioned route and can it using a hot water bath for about 20 minutes. This saves your homemade treasure for as long as you like!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Strawberry Jam

Garnishes

A dollop of Slow Cooker Strawberry Jam is a treat all on its own, but try adding fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a refreshing twist that brightens each bite. A dusting of powdered sugar can also bring a touch of elegance and sweetness when serving on toast or desserts.

Side Dishes

This jam pairs beautifully with your favorite breads and pastries—think buttery croissants, warm scones, or classic toast. It’s a perfect companion to creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone, making it a delightful addition to a cheese board or a cozy breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try swirling Slow Cooker Strawberry Jam into Greek yogurt or oatmeal for an instant burst of flavor. You can even use it as a topping on vanilla ice cream or pancakes. Jar it up in pretty containers, tied with a ribbon, and you’ve got a heartfelt homemade gift everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Slow Cooker Strawberry Jam, no worries—it keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to two months. Just make sure to use a clean spoon each time to keep it fresh and delicious.

Freezing

Freezing is a fantastic option if you want to enjoy this jam long after strawberry season ends. Store it in airtight containers or freezer-safe jars, where it can last up to a year. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

You usually won’t need to reheat your jam before using it since it’s perfect cold or room temperature. However, if you want a warm topping for pancakes or desserts, gently warm the jam in a small saucepan on low heat, stirring occasionally to keep its smooth texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the slow cooker to prevent excess liquid, which might affect the jam’s consistency.

Is it necessary to use pectin?

While you can make strawberry jam without pectin, using powdered fruit pectin guarantees a perfect set every time and reduces cooking time, making this Slow Cooker Strawberry Jam wonderfully easy.

How long will the jam last after opening?

Once opened, keep your jam refrigerated and use within two months for the best flavor and safety.

Can I adjust the sweetness?

Absolutely! Feel free to reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet jam, but remember sugar also helps with preservation and texture.

What size slow cooker is best?

A 5 to 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe, providing enough room for stirring and slow cooking without overflow.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Strawberry Jam is not just a recipe; it’s a delightful project that fills your kitchen with warmth and the fresh scent of summer strawberries. Whether you spread it on your morning toast or gift it to a loved one, this jam is a celebration of simple ingredients turned into something truly special. So grab your slow cooker and a basket of berries and start making memories with this lovely homemade treat!

Slow Cooker Strawberry Jam Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes

Yield: Approximately 6 to 7 half-pint jars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Strawberry Jam recipe offers an easy and hands-off way to create homemade strawberry jam using fresh strawberries, lemon juice, sugar, and fruit pectin. Perfect for beginners and jam lovers alike, it delivers a sweet, thick, and vibrant strawberry spread that can be enjoyed on toast, desserts, or as a gift.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

4 pints (about 2 kg) fresh strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced

Other Ingredients

2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
4 cups (800 g) granulated sugar

1.75 oz (50 g) powdered fruit pectin (1 packet)

Instructions

Prepare Your Strawberries: Rinse the strawberries thoroughly under cold water, remove the hulls, and slice them. Add the sliced strawberries to a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker to set the base for the jam.
Mix It Up: Add the lemon juice, granulated sugar, and powdered fruit pectin to the slow cooker. Stir the mixture well to ensure the sugar and pectin are evenly distributed among the strawberries.

Start the Cooking: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW heat. Allow the mixture to cook for 1 hour, then stir it carefully to prevent sticking and to promote even cooking.
Keep It Going: Continue cooking on LOW for an additional hour, stirring again after the hour to keep the jam from burning and help it thicken evenly.
Turn Up the Heat: Increase the slow cooker setting to HIGH and cook the jam for 2 to 3 more hours, stirring occasionally. You’re aiming for a thick, glossy jam consistency during this phase.

Store Your Jam: Once the jam has reached your desired thickness, transfer it into clean jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months, freeze for up to one year, or process in a hot water bath canning method for 20 minutes if you want longer shelf life.

Notes

Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
Make sure to stir frequently during the last few hours to prevent burning on the bottom of the slow cooker.

Adjust sugar quantity slightly if you prefer less sweet jam, but keep pectin levels consistent to ensure proper thickening.
Always use sterilized jars when storing jam to avoid spoilage.
Freezing jam can cause slight texture changes but preserves flavor well.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
Category: Jam, Preserves

Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tbsp (about 40 g)

Calories: 90
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 0 mg

Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g

Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Fiber: 1 g

Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: slow cooker jam, strawberry jam recipe, homemade strawberry jam, easy jam, fruit preserves