There’s nothing quite like the sweet, vibrant flavor of homemade strawberry jam, and this Instant Pot version makes it effortless. In just 9 minutes, you’ll have a luscious, ruby-red spread bursting with fresh, juicy strawberries and a hint of natural sweetness. The texture is perfectly smooth with a slight tang, making it ideal for toast, pancakes, or even spooned over yogurt.
What’s better? This jam is low in calories yet packed with vitamin C and fiber, so you can enjoy it guilt-free. The Instant Pot locks in the strawberries’ bright flavor, creating a jam that tastes like summer in every bite. It’s a quick, wholesome treat that’s sure to become a pantry staple!
What You’ll Need for Instant Pot Strawberry Jam
- 1 pound strawberries (fresh, rinsed, and greens removed)
- 2 Tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste or substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener)
- 1 orange (for fresh juice; about 1 ounce needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Strawberry Jam
- Prepare the strawberries: Rinse the strawberries thoroughly and remove the greens. Slice them into smaller pieces and place them at the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Add sugar: Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the sliced strawberries. Let them sit for 10 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out the natural juices. (Don’t worry if it seems dry—this step is key!)
- Juice the orange: Use a reamer or juicer to extract 1 ounce of fresh orange juice. Pour the juice over the strawberries and sugar mixture.
- Cook in the Instant Pot: Lock the lid securely. Select the “Manual” setting and cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes.
- Finish the jam: After cooking, the strawberries will have softened into a thick sauce. Use a potato masher to crush them to your desired consistency, or blend briefly in a blender for a smoother texture.
- Serve or store: Enjoy your jam immediately, or transfer it to a clean jar and refrigerate for up to a week. (For longer storage, consider freezing.)
Creative Ways to Use Your Strawberry Jam
This Instant Pot strawberry jam is incredibly versatile! Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as a topping for pancakes and waffles. For a fun twist, mix it into oatmeal or drizzle it over vanilla ice cream. You can even use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies or as a glaze for baked goods like muffins or scones.
Storing and Keeping Your Jam Fresh
Store your homemade strawberry jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in small jars or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. If freezing, leave a little space at the top of the container to allow for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Quick Tips for Perfect Jam Every Time
For a smoother consistency, blend the strawberries after cooking. If you prefer chunkier jam, use a potato masher instead. Adjust the sugar to taste—add more if your strawberries are tart or less if they’re naturally sweet. Don’t skip the orange juice—it adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Common Questions About Instant Pot Jam
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid. Why only 1 minute of cooking? The Instant Pot builds pressure quickly, and the natural release helps thicken the jam. Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, but avoid filling the Instant Pot more than halfway to prevent overflow.
Recipe Variations to Try
Experiment with different fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries. Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. For a low-sugar option, swap the sugar for honey or a sugar substitute, but note that the texture may vary slightly.
How to Make Instant Pot Strawberry Jam
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Potato Smasher or Blender
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 orange
Instructions
- Rinse your strawberries and remove the greens. Slice the strawberries in pieces and place them in the bottom of the pot.
- Sprinkle the sugar over the top of the halved strawberries and allow them to sit for 10 minutes or so. The sugar will release the juices from the strawberries, which is necessary for the Instant Pot method to work. (so don’t stress if you think these won’t be enough liquid!)
- Use a reamer or juicer to juice the orange, then pour 1 ounce of the fresh orange juice over the strawberries and sugar.
- Lock the lid of your Instant Pot, then select the “Manual” option. Cook on high pressure for 1 minute, then wait 15 minutes after the cooking is done for the pressure to release naturally.
- The strawberries will have cooked down into a thicker type sauce.
- Crush the strawberries with potato smasher or blend them in a blender.