Imagine spreading a spoonful of pure summer sunshine on your morning toast - that's exactly what this Christmas Jam Instant Pot Strawberry Jam delivers! Forget store-bought preserves that lack real fruit flavor. In less time than it takes to watch your favorite sitcom, you'll create a luscious, vibrant jam that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned kitchen pro, this foolproof recipe will transform fresh strawberries into a magical spread that screams homemade deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, removing the green tops and any blemishes. Cut larger strawberries into quarters or halves to ensure even cooking.
- Place the prepared strawberries into the Instant Pot inner pot. Add sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Gently stir to combine all ingredients, ensuring strawberries are evenly coated.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and set the timer for 4 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully perform a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down the strawberries to your desired consistency. For smoother jam, blend more thoroughly.
- Select the Sauté function and cook the jam, stirring constantly, for an additional 5-7 minutes to help thicken the mixture. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Turn off the Instant Pot and let the jam cool to room temperature. Transfer to clean, sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids.
- Refrigerate the jam for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, consider using proper canning methods.
Tips
- • Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the most intense flavor - the better the berries, the more amazing your jam will be! • Don't skip the lemon juice - it helps with pectin activation and preserves the bright red color • For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender; for chunkier texture, use a potato masher • Sterilize your jars beforehand to ensure longer storage and food safety • Let the jam cool completely before refrigerating, as it will continue to thicken • If the jam seems too runny after cooling, you can always do an extra 2-3 minutes of sautéing • Use within 2 weeks for optimal freshness and flavor
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
