3-Ingredient Alpine Strawberry Jam: Pure Bliss in Every Jar

Name: 3-Ingredient Alpine Strawberry Jam: Pure Bliss in Every Jar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 500g Alpine strawberries; 400g granulated sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice

Author: Canned Many

Published: December 7, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something magical about Alpine strawberries, isn’t there? I still remember the first time I tasted them—tiny, ruby-red jewels bursting with an intense sweetness that regular strawberries just can’t match. That’s why I knew I had to turn them into jam. This Alpine Strawberry Jam is my little jar of sunshine, capturing all that bright, tangy flavor in the simplest way possible. Just three ingredients—strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice—transform into something you’ll want to slather on everything. No fuss, no crazy gadgets, just pure fruit magic. Trust me, once you try this jam, store-bought will never compare.

Alpine Strawberry Jam - detail 1

Ingredients for Alpine Strawberry Jam

Here’s the beautiful part—you only need three simple ingredients to make this jam sing. But I’m picky about each one, and you should be too! Fresh Alpine strawberries (500g) are non-negotiable—their concentrated flavor is what makes this jam special. Granulated sugar (400g) balances the tartness perfectly, and a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens everything up. That’s it! Though if you want to get technical, a candy thermometer helps nail that perfect 105°C (220°F) set point—but we’ll chat more about that later.

How to Make Alpine Strawberry Jam

Alright, let’s get cooking! First, wash and hull those gorgeous Alpine strawberries—no need to chop them; their small size is perfect as is. Toss them into a heavy-bottomed pot with the sugar and lemon juice. Now, here’s the trick: start on low heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Rushing this step means gritty jam, and nobody wants that!

Once the sugar’s fully melted, crank the heat to medium. The jam will bubble away happily—keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally. After about 15 minutes, you’ll see foam rising to the top. Skim it off with a spoon for a clearer, prettier jam. If you’re using a candy thermometer, aim for 105°C (220°F)—that’s the sweet spot for setting. No thermometer? Do the plate test: chilled a spoonful on a cold plate; if it wrinkles when nudged, you’re golden!

Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars (details below!), seal tightly, and let them cool upside down—this helps create a vacuum seal. The hardest part? Waiting for it to set before diving in with a spoon!

Sterilizing Jars for Storage

Clean jars are jam’s best friends. To sterilize, wash jars and lids in hot soapy water, then submerge them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Alternatively, pop them in a 120°C (250°F) oven for 20 minutes. Dry upside down on a clean towel—no wiping!—and fill while still warm to avoid cracks.

Tips for Perfect Alpine Strawberry Jam

Here’s the thing—making jam is easy, but a few little tricks take it from good to “Oh wow, you made this?!” First, stir gently—those delicate Alpine strawberries should stay mostly whole for bursts of flavor. Taste your berries first; if they’re super sweet, you can reduce the sugar by 50g. No candy thermometer? No problem! The wrinkle test never lies—just keep a cold plate in the freezer for quick checks. And don’t skip skimming the foam—it makes your jam glossy and professional-looking. Last tip? Let it cool completely before judging the set. Patience, my friend!

Storing and Using Alpine Strawberry Jam

Once you’ve resisted eating it straight from the jar (good luck with that!), this jam keeps beautifully. Unopened, it’ll stay fresh in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months—though mine never lasts that long! After opening, pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay delicious for a month. Beyond toast (obviously!), try swirling it into yogurt, layering it in cakes, or pairing it with sharp cheeses. My guilty pleasure? A spoonful over vanilla ice cream—trust me, it’s life-changing.

Alpine Strawberry Jam Variations

Now, let’s play with flavors! A split vanilla bean simmered with the jam adds luxurious depth, or try a sprig of fresh basil or thyme for a surprising herbal twist. Lemon or orange zest brightens things up beautifully—just a teaspoon will do. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar by 100g (the jam won’t keep as long, so refrigerate it). Feeling fancy? A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end adds a grown-up tang. The possibilities are endless—just don’t lose those gorgeous berries’ natural charm!

Nutritional Information

Let’s keep it real—this jam is pure fruit happiness, not health food! Per tablespoon, you’re looking at about 50 calories and 12g of natural sugars (thanks to those sweet Alpine strawberries!). There’s zero fat, sodium, or cholesterol—just sunshine in a jar. Of course, exact numbers might wiggle a bit depending on your berries’ sweetness. But hey, when it tastes this good, who’s counting?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use regular strawberries instead of Alpine strawberries?
Oh honey, I get this question all the time! While you can use regular strawberries, Alpine strawberries bring that special magic—their flavor is more concentrated and floral. If you must substitute, use about 25% less sugar since regular berries are milder. But trust me, hunt down those little Alpine gems if you can!

Q2. How do I know when the jam is properly set?
My grandma taught me the wrinkle test—drop a spoonful on a chilled plate, wait a minute, then nudge it with your finger. If it wrinkles like a well-loved recipe card, you’re golden! No plate? The thermometer should hit 105°C (220°F), but don’t stress—even slightly runny jam tastes amazing on pancakes.

Q3. Why is my jam foamy?
Totally normal! Those bubbles just mean happy fruit sugars. Skim off the foam with a spoon as it cooks for clearer jam, or leave it in for a rustic look. Either way, it’ll taste divine—promise!

Share Your Alpine Strawberry Jam Experience

Did you make this jam? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Snap a photo of your ruby-red jars or tell me your favorite way to enjoy it in the comments below. Happy jamming! You can find more jam inspiration on Pinterest.