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Strawberry Preserves Recipe

Strawberry Preserves Recipe

There’s something so special about popping open a jar of homemade strawberry preserves on a cozy weekend morning. If you’ve only had the store-bought kind, you’re going to be amazed at how bright and fresh these taste. I still remember my first time making strawberry preserves from scratch — the whole kitchen filled with the sweet scent of simmering berries and sunshine. It’s surprisingly simple, too — just ripe strawberries, a bit of sugar, and a splash of fresh lemon juice come together to create a sweet treat you’ll want to make again and again.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 20 Servings
Course: Breakfast, Condiment, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 40
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Preserves:
  • 2 pounds fresh strawberries hulled and halved
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional, but brightens the flavor
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar optional, deepens the strawberry flavor

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Strawberries (5 minutes)
  2. Rinse the fresh strawberries under cool water, pat them dry, and hull them. Cut larger berries into halves or quarters for even cooking.
  3. Combine Ingredients (5 minutes)
  4. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest if using. Stir gently to coat the berries with sugar.
  5. Cook the Preserves (15–20 minutes)
  6. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often.
  7. Reduce to medium heat and continue cooking. Use a wooden spoon to mash some of the berries, leaving others chunky for texture.
  8. Stir frequently until the mixture thickens and reaches a jammy consistency — about 15–20 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon and form soft, slow droplets when you drip it off the spoon.
  9. Sensory Cue:
  10. The preserves should be glossy and bubbling steadily. You’ll smell that deep, sweet strawberry aroma!
  11. Test & Jar the Preserves (5 minutes)
  12. Remove the pot from the heat. To test, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate — it should hold its shape and not run all over.
  13. Carefully ladle the warm preserves into clean mason jars. Let cool to room temperature, then seal tightly and refrigerate.

Notes

✅ Use Ripe Strawberries: The riper the berries, the sweeter and more flavorful your preserves will be.
✅ Stir Often: Sugar can burn quickly — stir frequently to prevent sticking.
✅ Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can lead to a thick, sticky preserve. Once it coats your spoon and thickens slightly, it’s ready!
✅ Chill a Plate: Use a chilled plate to test for doneness — if it wrinkles when pushed, you’re good to go.
✅ Small Batches: This recipe works best in small batches to ensure even cooking and the freshest taste.