Strawberry Mango Freezer Jam offers high flavor for little effort! Our favorite kind of recipe, right? The added benefit is that EVERYONE will be able to successfully make this jam for your family and friends!
Have you dreamt of offering gorgeous homemade gifts for the holidays? Did you want to offer homemade jam to serve with bread, muffins and scones? You can make them with this recipe in just a few minutes! Very little effort is needed and the taste is so incredible, nobody will believe you make this in under 10 minutes!
Since I wrote this, my mom and I whipped up 48 jars (the mini ones listed below) in the course of two days for her holiday gifts for friends. This did not take much time and we only bought one flat of strawberries from Costco. Think about this for holiday gift giving. It is so charming and people love to receive homemade jam!
🍓 Why Make Freezer vs Traditional
Making freezer jam is so much easier than making the canned version! Freezer jam can be made in under 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes standing time on the counter). With freezer jam, the flavor is more robust and fresh as you are not cooking down the ingredients like you do when you can jam. Freezer jam’s main drawback is that it takes up the limited space in my freezer. But since it is so easy to make, you can whip up a batch every few weeks with no issue.
Also, wait until you see how gorgeous freezer jam turns out! Because you aren’t cooking the fruit, it remains that bright “I just picked it on the farm” coloring!
🍽️ Instructions
Step One: Chop the strawberries and mangoes into small pieces.
Step Two: Stir in the sugar and freezer pectin.
Step Three: Combine using a potato masher for three full minutes. Yes, I do set a timer. This is a mash and stir technique. Real high tech, right? 😃
Step Four: Allow to set for 20-30 minutes on the counter to set up.
TIP: I made freezer jam for years, but when I went to write about it I decided to test out a few different techniques for the blog. I tested it when I mashed more than stirred, the jam didn’t harden properly! Thanks to my mom for eating that runny test batch for me! For this recipe, lemon juice is not needed.
So the lesson I learned is to stir and mash for the full time and all will be fine. You will see the jam start to solidify in 20 minutes or so. It needs 30-60 minutes to fully set.
🍴What is the Difference Between Freezer Pectin and Classic Pectin
Classic Pectin needs a high amount of sugar to set while the Freezer Pectin does not. Classic Pectin also needs the heat from the stove to help the jam set up while the Freezer/Instant Pectin does not.
Don’t skimp on the Freezer Pectin. If it says two tablespoons, use two tablespoons. I am the queen of “it’s close enough,” but that doesn’t work too well for the pectin. Yes, you need to measure both the fruit and the pectin accurately – trust me!
Full disclosure, I have only ever used Ball’s Freezer Pectin. I can not speak for other brands, but I have always had great results with Ball’s!
🍑 Can I Substitute a Different Fruit
Absolutely! Take out the strawberries and just use mangoes or vice versa. Mix up three berries you have in the refrigerator as well to create your own concoction. Just keep the ratios to those above.
🍊 What Containers Do I Use
In the photos, I use the Ball ½ pint jars. On the side of the jar there is a snowflake which tells you that they are freezer safe. We use them for freezer smoothies, dressings, marinades, overnight oats and more. I never feel like I wasted the money with these jars. I love them!
My other go-to jars are the Ball Plastic Freezer Jars. I have been using them for years and love them but the only drawback is that if you fill the jam jar too full, the lid can crack…speaking from experience here!
I adore these jars and have them in two sizes.
Suppose you don’t want to go that far and buy jam jars, that is ok too! Pull out those freezer safe Rubbermaid containers we all have and use them. No, it’s not super attractive, but it works and you don’t have to spend more money. Whatever you use, make sure it is freezer friendly.
🥝 How Long Does Jam Last
Freezer jam can last up to one year as long as you use good containers. I have been able to use freezer jam I made over 18 months ago, but use one year as a good benchmark, just in case. The key is to use good quality products. There are no ice crystals when I open them and the taste is the same as if I just made it!
🥘 What Can I Do with the Jam
- When I wrote the post on the Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bars, I included my recipe for Mixed Berry Freezer Jam which should have been its own post. Again, a jam that takes minutes to make and is huge on flavor! Swap out the jams and use the Strawberry Mango Jam in the Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bars…they become Strawberry Mango Oatmeal Bars!
- Cranberry Bliss Thumbprint Cookies would be delicious with the Strawberry Mango Jam instead of the Cranberry Jam I made for the center. That is perfect for making thumbprint cookies throughout the year.
- Always think of using this as a layer in the PB&J Overnight Oats or the Vanilla Overnight Oats
- Another idea would be to use them in the center of the Easy Baked Oatmeal Cups! Stand by, I might just need to go make these! Place ½ of oatmeal in the muffin tin, add a tablespoon of Strawberry Mango Freezer Jam on top and layer the remaining oatmeal. Cook as directed in the recipe. I am on my way to make these now!
Strawberry Mango Freezer Jam
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup Sugar Granulated White
- 1 cup Mango fresh
- 2/3 cups Strawberries fresh
- 2 tbps Freezer Pectin
Instructions
- Chop Mango and Strawberries and meaure accurately.
- Combine with sugar and pectin and mash using a potato masher. Continually stir and mash for three minutes.
- Pour into jars or containers and allow to sit on counter for 30-60 minutes to solidify. Freeze for up to 3 months. Alternatively, store in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks
Notes
Nutrition
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