Strawberry Jelly

Serves 4

40 mins

44 Kcal

Strawberry jelly is pure nostalgia in a bowl, a sweet, jiggly treat bursting with the fruity goodness of fresh strawberries. It's one of those desserts that's fun to eat and easy to love. To make it, fresh or frozen strawberries are gently cooked with sugar until they release their juices, creating a syrupy base. Gelatin is added to give it that smooth, wobbly texture that's just firm enough to hold its shape but melts in your mouth with each bite. You can enhance the flavor with a splash of lemon juice or vanilla, but the star is always the strawberries, their natural sweetness shining through. Once set, this jelly is a versatile treat, enjoy it on its own, topped with whipped cream, or spread over toast. Whether you're making it for a summer dessert or a simple snack, strawberry jelly is one of those classics that never goes out of style. The bonus here is that it's fun to eat! Let's try out this strawberry jelly recipe!

Ingredients required for Strawberry Jelly

2 quart fresh strawberries
4 cup granulated sugar
11/2 cup apple juice
1/2 apple
3 cup strawberry juice
1/2 tsp butter

Cooking steps for Strawberry Jelly

1
Making the recipe of strawberry jelly at home is easier than you think, and it all starts with fresh strawberries.
2
Crush the strawberries gently in a large bowl using a potato masher or the back of a spoon. Once they're nicely mashed, transfer them to a big saucepan.
3
Add 1 cup of sugar and stir it through. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes while the strawberries release their juice. The sugar will start dissolving and create a sweet, fruity base.
4
After that, pour in 1 1/2 cups of apple juice. The apple juice not only adds sweetness but also helps balance out the strawberries' tartness. Don't forget to toss in half of a medium apple, leave the skin on and cut it into quarters. The apple contains natural pectin, which helps the jelly set perfectly.
5
Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. Boil for about 10–15 minutes, and soon you'll notice a fragrant, syrupy liquid forming.
6
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate the juice from the solids. You should have about 3 cups of strawberry juice now.
7
In a clean pan, combine the juice with 3 cups of sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then add 1/2 teaspoon of butter.
8
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then add a packet of powdered pectin. Stir it in well and boil for 1–2 minutes. Test the jelly by dropping a little onto a chilled plate, if it holds its shape and wrinkles when you push it, it's ready. If not, boil for another minute and check again.
9
When the jelly is ready, pour it into sterilised jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal with sterilised lids and let them cool. As the jelly sets, it will develop a glossy finish and a perfect texture.
10
Store your jars in a cool, dark cupboard or the fridge. This jelly is a great way to enjoy strawberries year-round, spread it on toast, drizzle it over desserts, or sneak a spoonful straight from the jar!

Shop Ingredients

FAQs

What is strawberry jelly made of?

Strawberry jelly is pureed strawberries, sugar, and gelatin. It becomes a smooth, wobbly dessert. Fresh or frozen strawberries are cooked with sugar until the juice is released from the fruits; a sweet syrup is produced to prepare the jelly. Gelatin is then added to the mix, and the jelly turns into a firm jelly-like consistency once cooled. Other recipes might include lemon juice, vanilla, or even pectin to add that little extra zing of flavour or to help the jelly set.

How do I make homemade strawberry jelly?

Take some fresh or frozen strawberries and mash or puree them into a pulp. Cook the strawberries with sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a syrupy consistency. Add the gelatine and dissolve it in a little warm water. You can now stir it into the strawberry mixture. Pour the mixture into moulds or a container, and refrigerate for several hours or until the jelly is completely set. If you prefer, you could add a squeeze of lemon juice or some vanilla extract to your jelly for added flavour.