Mary Berry Strawberry Jam Recipe

This Mary Berry Strawberry Jam is a classic homemade preserve with a bright strawberry flavour, soft-set texture, and clean sweetness. Made with just a few ingredients, it captures the natural taste of ripe strawberries without overpowering them. The jam is perfect for toast, scones, Victoria sponge cakes, or simple desserts. It comes together on the hob, requires no special equipment, and rewards careful timing more than speed.

What Is Mary Berry Strawberry Jam?

Mary Berry’s strawberry jam is a traditional British preserve made by gently cooking fresh strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until it reaches the setting point. Following the practical, reliable style of Mary Berry, the focus is on preserving fruit flavour, achieving a clear set, and avoiding overcooking.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Strawberry Cheesecake
• Mary Berry Coffee and Walnut Loaf
• Mary Berry Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Mary Berry Apple Upside Down Cake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Pure strawberry flavour – No artificial ingredients
• Simple ingredient list – Just fruit, sugar, and lemon
• Reliable set – Easy to test and control
• Versatile use – Ideal for baking and spreading
• Make-ahead friendly – Keeps well when stored correctly

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Strawberry Jam

• Fresh strawberries – 1 kg, hulled
• Jam sugar – 1 kg
• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large heavy-based saucepan – Prevents burning
• Wooden spoon – Gentle stirring
• Potato masher – Breaks down fruit evenly
• Sugar thermometer – Helpful but optional
• Saucer (chilled) – For setting test
• Sterilised jars with lids – Safe storage

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Strawberry Jam

• Prepare the fruit – Cut large strawberries in half and place in the pan.
• Soften gently – Add lemon juice and heat slowly until strawberries release their juices.
• Mash lightly – Break down the fruit for an even texture.
• Add sugar – Stir in jam sugar and heat gently until fully dissolved.
• Boil to set – Increase heat and boil rapidly for a few minutes.
• Test for setting – Drop a little jam onto a cold saucer and push with your finger; it should wrinkle.
• Skim if needed – Remove any foam from the surface.
• Jar the jam – Pour into warm, sterilised jars and seal immediately.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Runny jam – Boiling longer solved the issue
• Too dark colour – Overboiling caused this; shorter boil fixed it
• Fruity foam – Skimming improved clarity
• Uneven texture – Cutting strawberries evenly helped

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Strawberry Jam

• Reduce sugar slightly for a softer set
• Use smaller portions for spreading
• Choose very ripe strawberries for more natural sweetness
• Pair with wholegrain bread

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Strawberry Jam

• Frozen strawberries (thawed) instead of fresh
• Preserving sugar instead of jam sugar
• Lime juice instead of lemon juice
• Vanilla pod for a subtle flavour note

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Strawberry Jam

• Freshly baked scones
• Buttered toast
• Victoria sponge cake
• Yogurt or porridge
• Pancakes or crêpes

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Strawberry Jam

• Use ripe but firm strawberries
• Dissolve the sugar fully before boiling
• Avoid stirring once boiling hard
• Use a wide pan for quicker setting
• Test early to prevent overcooking
• Skim foam for a clearer finish

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Strawberry Jam

• Add cracked black pepper for depth
• Stir in the balsamic vinegar lightly
• Mix with raspberries for variation
• Add lemon zest for brightness
• Make small-batch jars as gifts

Storing Mary Berry Strawberry Jam the Right Way

• Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place
• Refrigerate after opening
• Use within 4–6 weeks once opened
• Label jars with date

How to Reheat Mary Berry Strawberry Jam (If Needed)

Warm gently in a saucepan or microwave for a few seconds to loosen the texture. Do not boil again once set.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~50 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~13 g
• Fats: ~0 g
• Protein: ~0 g
• Sugar: ~12 g

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FAQs

Why didn’t my strawberry jam set properly?

Strawberry jam usually fails to set when it has not reached setting point. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved before boiling, then boil rapidly and test using the chilled saucer method until the jam wrinkles when pushed.

Do I need jam sugar for strawberry jam?

Jam sugar is recommended because strawberries are low in natural pectin. Using jam sugar helps the jam set more reliably without overboiling and losing fresh strawberry flavour.

How long should strawberry jam boil for?

Strawberry jam usually needs a rapid boil for 4–6 minutes once the sugar has dissolved. Boiling for too long can darken the jam and reduce the fresh fruit taste.

Why is there foam on top of my strawberry jam?

Foam forms when air is trapped during boiling. Skimming the surface before jarring, or adding a small knob of butter, helps achieve a clearer jam.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Strawberry Jam is a timeless preserve that rewards careful cooking and good fruit. With its bright colour, fresh flavour, and dependable set, it is a recipe worth keeping and repeating throughout the year.