If you’re craving something sweet, tangy, and utterly delightful, this Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe will quickly become your new kitchen favorite. The perfect balance of tart rhubarb and luscious strawberries creates a vibrant jam that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether slathered on toast, dolloped on yogurt, or stirred into desserts, this jam bursts with a fresh, homemade charm that’s unbelievably simple to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen crafting it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this jam is straightforward because the ingredients are straightforward and each plays a starring role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor. These simple staples come together effortlessly to create the vibrant color and irresistible taste that make this jam so special.
- 5 cups Rhubarb (fresh or frozen): Provides the tartness and helps create the perfect jam consistency as it cooks down.
- 1 cup sugar: Balances the natural tartness of the rhubarb while enhancing the overall flavor and sweetness.
- 1 box Strawberry Jell-o: Acts as a natural thickener and adds irresistible strawberry flavor to complement the rhubarb.
- ½ cup water: Helps soften the rhubarb as it cooks, ensuring the jam reaches the perfect spreadable texture.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Boil Rhubarb, Sugar, and Water
Start by placing the rhubarb, sugar, and water into a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches a rolling boil. This step softens the rhubarb and dissolves most of the sugar, forming the jam’s delicious base.
Step 2: Add Strawberry Jell-o Crystals and Dissolve
Once the mixture is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the strawberry Jell-o crystals. The heat from the mixture dissolves the crystals quickly, which thickens the jam and infuses it with luscious strawberry flavor. Stir thoroughly until the crystals vanish into the hot liquid.
Step 3: Cool and Store
After mixing, transfer your jam into a freezer-safe container. You can refrigerate it for up to a week if you plan to enjoy it soon, or freeze it for longer storage—up to six months—ensuring you have this tasty treat ready whenever the craving strikes.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe
Garnishes
This jam shines beautifully when topped with a fresh strawberry slice or a sprig of mint for a pop of color and freshness. Adding a light dusting of lemon zest can also brighten the tangy notes and add an elegant twist to your serving.
Side Dishes
Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe pairs wonderfully with warm buttered toast, flaky biscuits, or soft scones. It’s also incredible alongside creamy brie or goat cheese, making it a perfect choice for cheese boards or simple snacks that feel indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, swirl the jam through vanilla yogurt or oatmeal to elevate breakfast or snacks. You can also spoon it over pancakes or waffles, or even use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies and tarts. Its versatility will make you want to find new ways to enjoy every spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any jam left after the initial indulgence, simply seal it tightly in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for about a week, perfect for daily breakfasts or afternoon tea spreads.
Freezing
This jam freezes beautifully, so if you want to make a larger batch, pour it into freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving room for expansion. When frozen, it can be kept for up to six months without losing any of the vibrant flavors.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen jam, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If desired, warm it gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving to bring back that fresh, spreadable consistency. This little step helps revive its rich, luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh and frozen rhubarb interchangeably for this jam?
Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen rhubarb work wonderfully in this recipe. Frozen rhubarb might release a bit more water, but the jam will still set nicely thanks to the strawberry Jell-o crystals.
Is this jam recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes! This Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe is perfect for those new to jam-making because it requires minimal ingredients and steps, yet the result is reliably delicious every time.
How long does this jam last in the refrigerator once opened?
Stored properly in a sealed container, the jam will maintain its best quality for about a week in the fridge, so plan your servings accordingly to enjoy it at its freshest.
Can I adjust the sweetness in this jam?
Definitely. You can reduce or increase the sugar amount according to your taste, but keep in mind the sugar balances the tart rhubarb and helps preserve the jam.
Can I substitute strawberry Jell-o with other flavors?
You can experiment with different Jell-o flavors like raspberry or cherry. Just remember that changing the flavor might alter the final taste of the jam, but it can be a fun way to create new variations.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe is truly a joy, especially when you taste how fresh and vibrant the flavors are. It comes together quickly, requires simple ingredients, and offers endless ways to enjoy its bright, tangy sweetness. I hope you have as much fun making and savoring this delightful jam as I do every time.
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Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Jam
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy strawberry rhubarb jam combines tart rhubarb with sweet strawberries in a simple, quick-cooking recipe perfect for preserving the fresh flavors of summer. Made with just a few ingredients and cooked on the stovetop, this jam can be frozen for long-term storage or refrigerated for immediate use.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 5 cups Rhubarb (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 box Strawberry Jell-o (approximately 3 oz)
- ½ cup Water
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit and start cooking: In a medium saucepan, combine the rhubarb, sugar, and water. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and soften the rhubarb.
- Add the gelatin: Once the rhubarb mixture has reached a rolling boil, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the strawberry Jell-o crystals thoroughly until they are completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Cool and store: Transfer the jam into a freezer-safe container or jars. Allow it to cool to room temperature before sealing. Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze it for up to six months for longer preservation.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen rhubarb both work well in this recipe; no need to thaw frozen rhubarb beforehand.
- The box of strawberry Jell-o adds both flavor and helps set the jam without needing traditional canning methods.
- Use a freezer-safe container if you plan to store the jam long-term in the freezer.
- Jam is best enjoyed within a week if refrigerated, so plan your batch size accordingly.
- Stir the jam well after adding the Jell-o to ensure all crystals dissolve and the texture is smooth.
