If you have a sweet tooth and love the idea of homemade preserves without hours of simmering, this Instant Pot Strawberry Jam Recipe is going to be your new kitchen favorite. Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and lightly sweetened with honey, this jam has a delightful texture and a vibrant pink hue that looks as good as it tastes. Plus, using the Instant Pot speeds up the process considerably, making it surprisingly simple to enjoy fresh, homemade strawberry jam any time you want.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward, using just a few wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in crafting the perfect jam. Every component ensures the jam has the right balance of sweetness, consistency, and that irresistible strawberry taste.
- Strawberries (1 lb, hulled and quartered): Fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness and the iconic fruity flavor for your jam.
- Honey (1 cup): Adds gentle sweetness and a lovely floral note, plus it helps the jam set beautifully.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp): The secret thickener that gives your jam that perfect spreadable, jelly-like consistency.
How to Make Instant Pot Strawberry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Get the Instant Pot Ready
Start by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté function. This heats the pot and gets it ready to gently warm the honey, setting the stage for your strawberry jam magic.
Step 2: Warm the Honey
Add the honey to the pot and stir as it starts to bubble gently. This warming step helps the honey meld with the strawberries later, creating a smooth, rich sweetness throughout the jam.
Step 3: Add the Strawberries
Carefully pour in your hulled and quartered strawberries right into the bubbling honey. As they warm, you’ll notice the mixture beginning to turn a pretty pink color, which is a sign that the flavors are blending beautifully.
Step 4: Coat and Stir
Give the strawberries a light stir to coat them in honey without breaking them apart too much. This keeps the fruit intact but ensures every bite is sweet and luscious.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Turn off the sauté function, securely place the lid on your Instant Pot, and set it to manual high pressure for 1 minute. This quick cook softens the fruit perfectly while locking in all those vibrant flavors.
Step 6: Quick Release and Prepare Thickener
Once the cooking cycle finishes, perform a quick release to let the steam out. Then, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid from the pot and mix it with the cornstarch until smooth. This mixture will thicken your jam to that classic, spreadable texture.
Step 7: Thicken the Jam
Set the Instant Pot back to sauté and whisk the cornstarch mixture into the strawberry and honey blend. Stir continuously until the jam thickens up to a jelly-like consistency—this means you’re almost done!
Step 8: Cool and Store
Turn off the Instant Pot and let your jam cool completely right inside the pot. Then transfer your luscious homemade strawberry jam into a small mason jar and pop it in the refrigerator. It’s ready to enjoy for up to two weeks.
How to Serve Instant Pot Strawberry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped mint leaves can elevate this strawberry jam, adding a fresh herbal contrast that enhances its natural sweetness and gives your presentation a beautiful pop.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs wonderfully with a crusty piece of toast, warm buttermilk biscuits, or even a bowl of creamy yogurt. It brings a natural sweetness and a burst of berry goodness to every bite, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not swirl this jam into your morning oatmeal or use it as a topping for vanilla ice cream? You could even spread it inside a peanut butter sandwich for an instant classic twist that’s sure to delight both kids and adults.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover jam refrigerated in an airtight jar or container. Stored this way, it stays fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks. Always use a clean spoon to scoop out jam to preserve its shelf life.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Instant Pot Strawberry Jam Recipe much later, it freezes beautifully. Transfer the jam into a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring frozen jam back to spreadable perfection, gently warm it in a microwave or on the stovetop while stirring occasionally. This helps revive its luscious texture without overcooking or caramelizing the sugars.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can, though fresh strawberries tend to yield a brighter flavor and better texture. If using frozen, make sure they are thawed and drained to avoid excess water diluting your jam.
Is honey essential, or can I use sugar?
Honey adds a unique floral sweetness and benefits the jam’s texture, but you can substitute granulated sugar if needed. Keep in mind, sugar may require slight cooking time adjustments.
How thick should the jam be?
The jam should thicken to a spreadable consistency that holds shape but isn’t too stiff. If it feels too runny after cooling, you can return it to sauté mode with a bit more cornstarch mixture to thicken it further.
Can I make this jam without cornstarch?
Cornstarch is what helps the jam set quickly and hold its shape, but if you prefer, you could experiment with natural pectin or simply cook the jam longer to reduce liquids, though this changes the cooking method.
How long does the jam last once made?
Refrigerated properly, this Instant Pot Strawberry Jam Recipe will stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freezing is the best option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about spreading a vibrant, fresh strawberry jam that you made yourself, especially when it’s whipped up quickly in the Instant Pot. This Instant Pot Strawberry Jam Recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and convenience. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how it transforms your breakfasts, snacks, and desserts into joyful celebrations of homemade goodness.
Print
Instant Pot Strawberry Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Instant Pot Strawberry Jam recipe offers a quick and easy way to make delicious, homemade jam using fresh strawberries, honey, and cornstarch. The jam is cooked under pressure to develop rich flavors and thickened perfectly to a jelly-like consistency, making it a delightful spread for toast, desserts, or as a topping.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb strawberries (hulled and quartered)
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare Instant Pot: Turn the Instant Pot on to the saute function to begin warming the pot.
- Add Honey: Pour in the honey and stir continuously until it starts to bubble gently.
- Add Strawberries: Add the hulled and quartered strawberries to the instant pot with the bubbling honey.
- Simmer Honey and Strawberries: Allow the honey and strawberries to bubble together, observing the mixture turning a pink color.
- Coat Berries: Lightly stir to ensure the strawberries are fully coated with the honey mixture.
- Secure Lid: Turn off the saute function and secure the Instant Pot lid in place to prepare for pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Set the Instant Pot to Manual mode at HIGH pressure for 1 minute to cook the fruit thoroughly.
- Quick Release: Perform a quick pressure release by carefully releasing the steam.
- Mix Cornstarch Slurry: Remove 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid from the pot and stir in the cornstarch until fully dissolved.
- Thicken Jam: Turn the Instant Pot back to saute mode and whisk the cornstarch slurry into the strawberry mixture.
- Simmer to Thicken: Stir continuously on saute until the jam thickens to a jelly-like consistency.
- Cool Jam: Turn off the Instant Pot and allow the jam to cool completely to let it set.
- Store: Transfer the cooled jam to a small mason jar and refrigerate.
- Serve & Enjoy: The jam lasts up to 2 weeks when refrigerated, perfect for spreading on toast or using as a dessert topping.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Honey acts as a natural sweetener and preserves the jam, but you can adjust sweetness to taste.
- Be cautious with the quick release step to avoid any steam burns.
- If you prefer a smoother jam, mash the strawberries slightly before cooking.
- The jam thickens further as it cools, so avoid overcooking during the saute step.
- Store jam in a sterilized mason jar to extend freshness.
