Instant Pot Strawberry Jam

Enjoy the taste and satisfaction of fresh-made preserves without all the hassle by making this no-fuss Instant Pot Strawberry Jam. This easy recipe requires minimal prep time to make the perfect strawberry jam your whole family will love. Bursting with flavor from locally sourced berries, this tasty jam will surely become an instant hit in your household!

Nothing beats biting into a fluffy toast topped with a heaping spoonful of sweet, homemade strawberry jam! Enjoy the taste and satisfaction of fresh-made preserves without all the hassle by making this no-fuss Instant Pot Strawberry Jam. This easy recipe requires minimal prep time to make the perfect strawberry jam your whole family will love. Bursting with flavor from locally sourced berries, this tasty jam will surely become an instant hit in your household!

Can You Make Strawberry Jam In The Instant Pot

Yes, you can cook strawberry jam in a pressure cooker, particularly in electric multi-cookers like the Instant Pot with pressure cooking and sautéing functions. Making strawberry jam in a pressure cooker can be quicker and more straightforward than the traditional stovetop method. 

Why Make Fruit Preserves In Pressure Cooker

Making jam in an Instant Pot (or any other electric pressure cooker) has several benefits that elevate the jam-making process. Here’s why it’s amazing:

• Time-Saving: Traditional jam-making can be time-consuming, often requiring prolonged simmering.  
• Consistent Heat: The Instant Pot offers consistent and even heat, reducing the chances of the jam scorching or burning, which can easily happen on a stovetop.
• Less Mess: Traditional jam-making can sometimes result in splatters on the stovetop.  
• Fruit Integrity: Due to the reduced cooking time, fruits tend to retain more of their vibrant color and fresh flavor in the Instant Pot, resulting in a jam that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
• Safer Process: The contained environment of the Instant Pot means less risk of getting splashed by hot jam, which can be a hazard with open stovetop boiling.
• Versatility: The Instant Pot isn’t just for strawberries.  You can make your own jam in minutes! 
• Space-Saving: An Instant Pot means one less pot on the stove for those with limited kitchen space. 
• Energy Efficient: Using the Instant Pot can be more energy-efficient than heating a stovetop burner for extended periods, which can be a bonus for the environment and your utility bill.
• Perfect for Small Batches: If you’ve got a limited amount of fruit or you’re trying out a new flavor combination, the Instant Pot is great for making smaller batches of jam.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Strawberry Jam

Bellow are the simple ingredients, you will need to make homemade jam!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information. 

• Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, red strawberries free from blemishes or mold. The quality of your strawberries will significantly impact the taste of your jam. Around 4-5 cups of hulled and halved strawberries for this recipe would be a good starting point.
• Sugar: Typically, traditional jam recipes use a 1:1 ratio of fruit to sugar by weight. However, for a less sweet jam, you can reduce the sugar. Start with 2-3 cups, adjusting based on the sweetness of your strawberries and your preference. You can use a sugar substitute.
• Lemon Juice: This not only enhances the flavor of the strawberries but also helps with the jam’s setting due to its natural pectin and acid content. The juice of 1-2 lemons should suffice for the abovementioned quantity.
• Optional – Fruit Pectin: While strawberries naturally contain pectin, adding commercial pectin can help achieve a firmer set, especially if reducing the sugar content. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding quantity.
• Optional – Butter: A small amount (like a teaspoon) can be added to reduce foaming during cooking.
• Optional – Vanilla or Other Flavorings: A dash of vanilla extract, chia seeds or the seeds from a vanilla bean can add depth to the jam’s flavor. Other possible additions include almond extract or a hint of balsamic vinegar for a unique twist.

How To Make Instant Pot Strawberry Jam

Here are the step by step directions for making delicious instant pot strawberry jam.

Prepare Strawberries: Start by rinsing your strawberries under cold water. Hull them, which means removing the green tops and the white part inside the top of the berry, then cut them in half or quarters if they are very large. This helps them cook down evenly.

Mix Ingredients: Place the prepared strawberries in your Instant Pot. Add the granulated sugar and lemon juice over the strawberries. If you’re using pectin to ensure a thicker set, mix it with a small amount of the sugar first to prevent clumping and then add it to the pot.

Cook the Jam: Close the lid of your Instant Pot and set the pressure valve to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cook time for 1 minute at high pressure. The pot will take a few minutes to come up to pressure before the cooking time begins.

Release Pressure and Mash: Once the cooking process has finished, let the pressure release naturally for about 10-15 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Open the lid once it’s safe to do so. Use a potato masher, immersion blender, or a fork to mash the strawberries to your desired consistency.

Reduce the Jam: Press the Saute Button on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode or saute function and cook the jam for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This step helps thicken the jam as the excess liquid evaporates. If you find the jam isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the jam during this step. Use on your air fryer toast, or Air fryer English muffins, or over a bowl of ice cream, 

Cool and Store: Turn off the Instant Pot and allow the jam to cool for a while before transferring it to sterilized jars. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools. Seal the jars and store them in the refrigerator. For longer storage, follow proper canning procedures to seal the canning jars for pantry storage.