Looking for unique strawberry jam recipes? Try this strawberry and vanilla jam recipe. It's like a strawberry jam recipe, but the addition of vanilla extra or vanilla beans takes the flavor to a new level. The vanilla complements the strawberry for a delicious jam for toast or to make desserts with.

Low Sugar Strawberry and Vanilla Jam Recipe

Name: Low Sugar Strawberry Vanilla Jam Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups crushed strawberries; 4 cups sugar; 1 box Sure Jell for low sugar or no sugar recipes; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste

My kids love peanut butter and jelly, so they go through a lot of strawberry jam each year. I really like my peach vanilla jam, so I decided to make a strawberry vanilla jam canning recipe with my last bit of strawberries for the year.

You guys! Why haven't I tried strawberry jam variations before?

This strawberry vanilla jam with pectin was amazing! It was like eating summer in a jar.

To be honest, it doesn't taste like vanilla, but the vanilla really brings out the fresh strawberry flavor and complements it well.

I'm looking forward to use it in my yogurt and to make desserts this winter.

For more jam and jelly recipes, check out these posts:

Do You Need to Add Sugar When Making Jam?

If you use a boxed pectin, then you do need to add sugar to make a strawberry vanilla jam canning recipe. The sugar acts like a preservative to help preserve the jam.

Sugar also helps the pectin set. You have to use the correct amount of fruit, sugar, and pectin in a strawberry vanilla jam or it won't set up.

I used Sure Jell for low sugar or no sugar recipes and made a low sugar strawberry vanilla jam. You will need the pink box of Sure Jell for this recipe; the yellow box will not work.

Using less sugar than called for in the recipe can lead to your jam not setting up, but there are other reasons for a bad set too. Learn how to fix runny jam or runny jelly.

What Can I Use Instead of Sugar in Jam?

As I mentioned, this strawberry vanilla jam is formulated with less sugar using the pink box of Sure Jell.

If you want to make a sugar free strawberry and vanilla jam recipe, then you can try this Instant Pot strawberry jam recipe. I use Splenda to make it, and it works great. It makes a small batch, so there's no canning required.

You can also learn how to make chia seed jam with any fruit. The chia seeds create a jel, so you don't need to use pectin.

Can I Put Less Sugar in my Jam?

No, you can't just use less sugar for strawberry and vanilla jam recipes. The pectin won't set up, so it will be runny.

What Vanilla to Use for Low Sugar Strawberry Vanilla Jam

I wanted to use a vanilla bean to make my strawberry vanilla jam canning recipe, but I was out of vanilla beans. I added the last of mine into my vanilla extract.

Learn how to make vanilla extract from vanilla beans or make an Instant Pot vanilla extract.

So I ended up using some of my vanilla extract. You can also use vanilla bean paste.

What Can I Use Strawberry Jam For?

You can use unique strawberry jam recipes just like you would other jams. Here are some ways that I use my low sugar strawberry vanilla jam:

Toast
Bagels
Yogurt (try this Instant Pot cold start yogurt)
Applesauce for strawberry applesauce
Oatmeal
Jam cookies
Add to cake batter
Spread on pancakes or waffles (try these sourdough pancakes using discard)
Add to homemade milkshakes
Ice cream topping

Strawberry Vanilla Jam Tips

Here are some tips for making this and other unique strawberry jam recipes:

It's important to use the right amount of fruit, sugar, and pectin. Using more or less of one ingredient can affect the gel.
This low sugar strawberry vanilla jam is formulated for the pink box of Sure Jell for low sugar or no sugar recipes. Do not use regular pectin because it will not set up.
You can use fresh or frozen strawberries to make strawberry jam variations.
Use high quality ripe berries.
Do not double this strawberry and vanilla jam recipe. You can, however, make a batch and put it in jars and then make another batch and process them at the same time.
Home canned jams do need to be water bath canned for safety.
The fruit can rise in the jars. I let the jam cool slightly before filling my jars and stir well between each jar.
Be sure to clean your jars. You can learn more about how to sterilize canning jars here.
See what my recommend canning supplies for beginners are so you are prepared for canning.
If your canning jars don't seal, learn about reasons for a false seal and how to reprocess your jars.

Strawberry Vanilla Jam Canning Recipe Ingredients

You will need the following to make a low sugar strawberry vanilla jam:

6 cups crushed strawberries
4 cups sugar
1 box Sure Jell for low sugar or no sugar recipes
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste

You will also need the following equipment:

Dry measuring cup
Liquid measuring cup
Large saucepan
Ladle
Large bowls
Jelly jars
Rings and lids
Water bath canner
Canning rack
Spoons

How to Make Strawberry and Vanilla Jam Recipe

Step #1

Wash strawberries. Hull them and place them in a large measuring cup or bowl. Then use a potato masher or food processor to crush. Repeat until you have 6 cups of crushed strawberries. Place in a large saucepan.

Step #2

Measure the sugar and place in a separate bowl. Then combine 1/4 cup of the prepared sugar and the box of pectin in a small bowl. Stir well and add to the crushed strawberries. Stir well.

Step #3

Bring the strawberry and pectin to a full boil that can't be stirred down while you cook it on high heat. Stir constantly.

Step #4

Stir in the remaining sugar. Bring to a full boil that can't be stirred down. Boil for 1 minutes while stirring constantly. Skim off any foam if necessary. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.

Step #5

Ladle the jam into your prepared jars. Leave a 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the jar rims and cover with a lid and ring.

Step #6

Place the jars in hot water. The water should cover the jars by 1-2 inches. Bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes. When the time is over, turn off the heat and remove the lid from the canner. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Then remove the jars with a jar lifter and place on a towel on a heat proof surface. Let cool for 24 hours before testing the seals.

I hope you enjoy this low sugar strawberry vanilla jam! You might also like my strawberry pie filling canning recipe.

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Strawberry Vanilla Jam Canning Recipe