The first time I made Strawberry Watermelon Jam, the kitchen smelled like a fresh summer picnic. Sweet strawberries bubbled on the stove while juicy watermelon added the light, refreshing flavor that made every spoonful taste bright and fruity. Even better, this jam works beautifully with fresh or frozen strawberries, and you can refrigerate, freeze, or can it for later.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Watermelon Jam
Strawberry Watermelon Jam tastes sweet, fresh, and smooth with every bite. The watermelon gently boosts the strawberry flavor, so the jam tastes extra fruity without feeling too heavy.
Also, this recipe comes together with simple pantry ingredients. You do not need fancy equipment, and the steps stay easy to follow from start to finish.
Meanwhile, the texture turns thick and spreadable, which makes it perfect for toast, biscuits, yogurt, or even cheesecake topping.
Because this jam stores well, you can enjoy summer flavor all year long. Refrigerate it for quick use, freeze it for later, or can it for shelf storage.
What Makes This Jam So Fresh and Flavorful
Fresh watermelon juice gives this Strawberry Watermelon Jam a light, juicy taste. At the same time, ripe strawberries bring natural sweetness and vibrant berry flavor.
Lemon juice also helps brighten the fruit. As a result, the jam tastes balanced instead of overly sugary.
In fact, using ripe watermelon makes a huge difference. Sweet watermelon creates richer flavor and better aroma while cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients for this Strawberry Watermelon Jam recipe:
- 2 1/2 cups chopped strawberries
- 2 1/2 cups watermelon juice
- 7 cups white sugar
- 1.75 ounces powdered pectin or 6 tablespoons bulk pectin
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, optional
Strawberry and Watermelon Tips
Fresh strawberries work wonderfully here. However, partially thawed frozen strawberries create an even smoother texture.
Meanwhile, choose watermelon that feels heavy and smells sweet. Ripe watermelon gives the jam its juicy summer flavor.
Half a large watermelon usually produces enough juice for this recipe.
Why Regular Pectin Works Best
Both strawberries and watermelon contain low natural pectin. Because of that, regular powdered pectin helps the jam thicken correctly.
Without enough pectin, the jam may stay thin and runny.
Optional Butter for Less Foam
Butter does not change the flavor very much. However, it helps reduce foam while the jam cooks.
If you skip it, the recipe still works perfectly.
How to Make Strawberry Watermelon Jam
This Strawberry Watermelon Jam recipe feels simple once everything is prepped and measured ahead of time.
Prepare the Watermelon Juice
First, blend watermelon chunks until smooth.
Next, pour the mixture through a fine sieve to remove pulp. Collect 2 1/2 cups of watermelon juice.
Combine the Fruit, Lemon Juice, and Pectin
Place the watermelon juice, strawberries, lemon juice, pectin, and butter into a large pot.
Then cook over medium high heat while stirring often.
Bring the Jam to a Rolling Boil
Continue stirring until the mixture reaches a strong rolling boil.
The boil should continue even while you stir. This step matters because it helps the jam set correctly later.
Add the Sugar and Cook Until Set
Gradually pour in the sugar while stirring constantly.
Next, bring the jam back to a full rolling boil. Cook for 1 minute and 10 seconds while stirring the entire time.
Then remove the pot from the heat.
Fill the Jars
Carefully ladle the hot Strawberry Watermelon Jam into clean jars.
If you plan to can the jam, leave 1/4 inch headspace in each jar.
Let refrigerated jars cool fully before storing.
Canning, Refrigerating, and Freezing Options
This Strawberry Watermelon Jam gives you several easy storage choices.
How to Refrigerate the Jam
Store cooled jam jars in the refrigerator for up to 1 month after opening.
The flavor actually tastes even better after the jam chills overnight.
How to Freeze Strawberry Watermelon Jam
Freezing works great for longer storage.
However, leave 1 inch headspace in freezer safe jars because the jam expands slightly when frozen.
You can freeze the jam for up to 1 year.
How to Can the Jam Safely
Process filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, make sure the jars stay fully covered with boiling water during processing.
How to Tell If the Jars Are Sealed
After cooling, press gently on each lid.
If the lid no longer clicks, the jar sealed correctly.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Watermelon Jam
Small details make a big difference with homemade jam.
Use Ripe, Sweet Watermelon
Sweet watermelon gives the jam its fresh summer flavor.
If the watermelon tastes bland before cooking, the jam may taste flat too.
Measure the Sugar and Pectin Carefully
Jam recipes need accurate measurements.
Too much or too little sugar or pectin can affect the texture.
Stir Constantly During Boiling
The jam thickens quickly once boiling starts.
Therefore, constant stirring helps prevent scorching and uneven cooking.
Use Partially Thawed Frozen Strawberries for a Smoother Texture
Frozen strawberries soften nicely during cooking.
Also, they blend smoothly into the watermelon juice for an extra silky texture.
Serving Ideas for Strawberry Watermelon Jam
Spread Strawberry Watermelon Jam over warm toast, flaky biscuits, or English muffins.
It also tastes amazing swirled into yogurt or oatmeal.
Meanwhile, I love adding a spoonful onto pancakes during summer weekends.
For a fresh seasonal spread, pair this jam with Refreshing strawberry watermelon cucumber salad for summer BBQs.
You can also serve it beside Easy watermelon fruit salad packed with fresh summer berries.
On extra hot afternoons, enjoy it alongside Fresh watermelon lemonade recipe for hot summer days.
Helpful Recipe Details
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Yield
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Canning Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About six 8 ounce jars plus extra
Texture and Flavor
This Strawberry Watermelon Jam turns smooth, thick, and spreadable.
The flavor tastes sweet, juicy, and bright with fresh strawberry notes and light watermelon sweetness.
Calories Per Serving
Each 2 tablespoon serving contains approximately 122 calories.
Storage Tips
Good storage keeps Strawberry Watermelon Jam tasting fresh longer.
How Long It Lasts in the Refrigerator
Opened refrigerated jam lasts around 1 month.
Always use a clean spoon to keep the jam fresh.
How Long It Lasts in the Freezer
Frozen jam keeps well for up to 1 year.
For best texture, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
How Long Properly Canned Jam Lasts
Correctly canned jam can stay at room temperature for up to 18 months.
Store jars in a cool, dark place for best quality.
Before the FAQ section, follow Kai Recipes here for more summer recipe inspiration:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do watermelon and strawberry taste good together?
Yes, they taste wonderful together. Strawberries bring bold berry sweetness while watermelon adds a light, juicy freshness.
Does watermelon jam need pectin?
Yes, regular pectin helps watermelon jam thicken properly because watermelon naturally contains very little pectin.
What are common jam making mistakes?
Common mistakes include undercooking the jam, measuring ingredients incorrectly, and not stirring enough during boiling.
What fruit pairs well with watermelon?
Watermelon pairs nicely with strawberries, blueberries, mint, lemon, raspberries, and cucumber.
More Such Recipes
- Patriotic red white and blue fruit salad for summer parties
- No bake summer berry dessert for cookouts and gatherings
- Watermelon blueberry salad with fresh mint and juicy berries
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Watermelon Jam captures everything good about summer in one jar. It tastes bright, fruity, and fresh while staying smooth enough for easy spreading. Whether you refrigerate, freeze, or can it, this jam brings a little sunshine to breakfast and desserts all year long.
Print
Strawberry Watermelon Jam Recipe for Sweet Summer Flavor
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About six 8 ounce jars plus extra 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet, smooth, summery Strawberry Watermelon Jam made with fresh or frozen strawberries, ripe watermelon juice, lemon juice, sugar, and regular pectin. It has bright strawberry flavor with fresh watermelon sweetness and works for refrigerating, freezing, or canning.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups chopped strawberries, fresh or partially thawed frozen
2 1/2 cups watermelon juice
7 cups white sugar
1.75 ounces regular powdered pectin or 6 tablespoons bulk pectin
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon unsalted butter, optional
Instructions
1. Blend watermelon chunks and strain through a fine sieve to collect 2 1/2 cups watermelon juice.
2. Combine watermelon juice, strawberries, lemon juice, pectin, and butter in a large pot over medium high heat.
3. Stir often until the mixture reaches a strong rolling boil that continues while stirring.
4. Gradually add sugar while stirring continuously.
5. Return to a full rolling boil and cook for 1 minute and 10 seconds, stirring the entire time.
6. Remove from heat.
7. Transfer to jars and cool before refrigerating, or process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes if canning.
8. Leave 1/4 inch headspace in jars when canning.
Notes
Frozen strawberries create a smoother texture but should only be partially thawed, with excess liquid discarded.
Butter is optional and only helps reduce foam during cooking.
Half a large watermelon produces about 2 1/2 cups juice.
For freezing, leave 1 inch headspace in freezer safe jars and store up to 1 year.
Open refrigerated jam lasts about 1 month.
Properly canned jars can be stored at room temperature for up to 18 months.
Regular pectin is recommended because watermelon and strawberries are naturally low in pectin.
Jars are sealed correctly when lids pop and no longer click when pressed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 122
- Sodium: Small amount
- Fat: Small amount
- Carbohydrates: Contains carbohydrates