If you’re searching for a way to capture the taste of summer in a jar, look no further than this Strawberry-Lavender Jam. This fragrant preserve blends succulent strawberries and delicate lavender blossoms for a stunning, sweet-tangy treat that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, swirling it into yogurt, or gifting it to friends, this jam elevates any moment into something truly special.

Strawberry-Lavender Jam Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This homemade jam requires just a few, flavorful ingredients, each one thoughtfully selected to create a vivid taste and beautiful color. With every addition, you’ll be layering another level of charm onto your finished Strawberry-Lavender Jam!

Strawberries: Use 1.5 kg of fresh, cleaned, and hulled strawberries for the juiciest and most flavorful base.
Super Gelling Sugar (Dr. Oetker 3:1): 500 g of this sugar is key for quick, reliable setting, thanks to its built-in pectin; if you can’t find it, you can sub a similar 3:1 gelling sugar or even a 2:1 ratio, adjusting as needed.
Lavender Sprigs: 18-20 fresh sprigs, inflorescences and sprigs included, lend an enchanting floral note; if fresh lavender isn’t available, use 8 teaspoons of dried, but start with less and adjust by taste.
Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons add brightness, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the jam’s freshness.
Orange Juice: Stir in 4 tablespoons at the end for depth, extra tang, and a lovely citrus perfume.

How to Make Strawberry-Lavender Jam

Step 1: Prepare Your Strawberries

Begin by washing, hulling, and cutting the berries into pieces. Working with cleaned, ripe strawberries is essential, as they’ll determine the jam’s color and luscious texture. This prep only takes a few minutes, but it’s the foundation of your entire Strawberry-Lavender Jam.

Step 2: Macerate With Sugar and Lime

Place the strawberry pieces in a large, heavy-bottomed pot, then sprinkle over the gelling sugar and drizzle in the lime juice. Give it all a good stir, then let this mixture rest for about two hours. The sugar draws out the juices, naturally softening the berries and infusing them with a gentle tang—this creates a richer, more flavorful base for your jam.

Step 3: Bundle and Add the Lavender

Tie the lavender sprigs together into a small bundle. This clever step infuses the jam with just the right floral undertone and makes it easy to retrieve the lavender later, so you’re left with flavor but no bits in your finished preserve. Nestle the bundle into your strawberry mixture, tucking it in snugly.

Step 4: Cook and Stir

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to keep everything moving and prevent sticking. Once the berries and sugar are bubbling, continue to stir and let the jam cook for exactly four minutes—the short cook time preserves the brilliant color and bright flavors, both hallmarks of Strawberry-Lavender Jam. After four minutes, remove the pot from the heat and fish out the lavender bundle.

Step 5: Add Orange Juice and Mash

Stir in 4 tablespoons of orange juice for citrusy depth. At this point, decide how you want your jam’s final texture: if you prefer a chunkier spread, give it a light mash with a potato masher; for a smoother consistency, mash a bit longer or blitz partially with an immersion blender. This little bit of customization lets you truly make the jam your own!

Step 6: Fill and Seal Your Jars

Pour the hot jam into sterilized twist-off preserving jars, filling to just below the rim. Seal them immediately, then flip the jars upside down for one minute—this technique helps create a better seal. After a minute, turn them right side up and let the jars stand for ten minutes before allowing them to cool completely. Admire those glistening jars lined up on your countertop—they’re as pretty as they are delicious.

How to Serve Strawberry-Lavender Jam

Garnishes

This jam is bright and beautiful on its own, but a little garnish never hurts! Try a sprinkle of fresh lavender blossoms, a twist of citrus zest, or a few sliced strawberries for a pop of color. These little extras add visual flair and hint at the jam’s unique flavors.

Side Dishes

Strawberry-Lavender Jam sings when paired with warm, buttered scones, freshly baked brioche, or even as a topping for pancakes and waffles. The light floral notes complement creamy cheeses, too, making the jam a perfect addition to a sophisticated cheese board.

Creative Ways to Present

For a delightful treat, swirl Strawberry-Lavender Jam into plain yogurt or vanilla ice cream. Layer it in parfait glasses or spoon over cakes as a finishing touch. For a giftable twist, ladle jam into pretty jars, tie with rustic twine and a little sprig of dried lavender—guaranteed to charm anyone lucky enough to receive it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keeps well in clean, tightly sealed jars at room temperature if processed properly; once opened, store in the refrigerator, where your Strawberry-Lavender Jam will stay fresh and vibrant for 2 to 3 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing bacteria.

Freezing

If you’d like to make a bigger batch for later, this jam freezes beautifully. Just be sure to leave about an inch of headspace in each jar for expansion, cool the jam to room temperature, seal, and freeze. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use—it’ll taste just like fresh!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat the jam for use, but if you’d like to warm it for pouring over pancakes or desserts, simply microwave a spoonful or two for 10-20 seconds, or set the jar in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes. Give it a stir and enjoy as it loosens up into a silky, pourable treat.

FAQs

Can I use dried lavender if I can’t find fresh?

Yes! If fresh lavender isn’t available, substitute it with about 8 teaspoons of dried lavender blossoms. Start with a little less and adjust to your taste, since dried lavender can have a more concentrated flavor.

What if I don’t have Dr. Oetker Super Gelling Sugar 3:1?

No problem—other brands of 3:1 or 2:1 gelling sugar will work. Just follow the package instructions and measure the strawberries and sugar by weight for the best set and flavor.

How do I tell if my jam has set properly?

After boiling and filling the jars, let one cool a little and then check the firmness by pushing gently with a fingertip; if it’s still quite runny, you can reboil for a few more minutes, then reseal. The pectin in the sugar usually ensures a reliable set.

Is Strawberry-Lavender Jam safe for water bath canning?

Absolutely! This jam’s sugar and acid content are perfect for safe canning. Once filled, you can process the jars in a boiling water bath for extra peace of mind and longer shelf life.

Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet jam?

It’s best to stick with super gelling sugar for this recipe, as reducing the sugar may affect the jam’s ability to set. If you’re looking for a less sweet result, consider using a 2:1 or even a low-sugar gelling sugar and adjust the fruit-to-sugar ratio accordingly, always following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about homemade preserves, and this Strawberry-Lavender Jam truly captures the joys of summer in every spoonful. Whether you’re gifting it to someone special or savoring it yourself, I hope you’re inspired to give this fragrant, gorgeous recipe a try. Your mornings—and your tastebuds—will thank you!

Strawberry-Lavender Jam Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 9 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6–8 jars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This easy-to-follow recipe for Strawberry-Lavender Jam combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with a hint of floral lavender, resulting in a delightful spread perfect for toast, pastries, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberry-Lavender Jam Ingredients:

1 1/2 kg strawberries
500 g super gelling sugar (Dr. Oetker Super Gelling Sugar 3-1)
18–20 sprigs lavender, inflorescences and sprigs
2 tablespoons lime juice
4 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

Clean and Prepare Strawberries: Hull and clean 1.5 kg of strawberries.
Cut and Combine: Cut the strawberries into pieces and place them in a pot. Add sugar and lime juice, mix, and let stand for 2 hours.
Add Lavender: Bundle the lavender sprigs with inflorescences and add them to the strawberries.
Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring continuously.
Cook: Cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, discard the lavender.
Final Touches: Stir in 4 tablespoons of orange juice. Optional: Mash the strawberries to desired consistency.
Jar and Seal: Fill sterilized preserving jars, seal, turn upside down for 1 minute, then upright. Let cool completely.

Notes

For fresh lavender, use inflorescences while in bloom, leaving about 15cm of the sprig. If using dried lavender, substitute with 8 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers.
Dr. Oetker’s Super Gelling Sugar 3:1 contains pectin and requires less sugar. If unavailable, Dr. Oetker’s 2:1 super gelling sugar can be used.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Cooking, Preserving
Cuisine: European