Honey Jam (Naturally Sweetened Strawberry Jam Recipe)
Honey jam is my go-to for a naturally sweet, refined sugar–free jam you can make with any berry. This version uses strawberries, honey, and lemon juice—all you need is three ingredients and no pectin. Optional for a fun fourth flavor enhancer too! It’s bright, fruity, and ready in under 1 hour.
If you love homemade jam but want to skip the refined sugar, this honey jam is the perfect alternative. Made with fresh strawberries, honey, and a squeeze of lemon, it’s sweet, bright, and naturally simple — no pectin or special equipment required. Let’s make it!
Ingredients you’ll need
This honey jam is simple, wholesome, and uses just three ingredients:
- Fresh strawberries – ripe, juicy berries give the jam its natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Honey – naturally sweetens the jam without refined sugar. Use your favorite mild-flavored honey for the best balance.
- Lemon juice – adds bright acidity to balance the sweetness and helps the jam set naturally.
- Vanilla extract – this is optional but I absolutely LOVE the flavor it adds.
Optional: If you want, you can swap strawberries for other berries like blackberries or blueberries — the method is the same, and it works beautifully.
That’s it! Three ingredients, a short stovetop cook, and you’ll have jam ready in no time.
How to make honey jam
Making this honey jam is quick, simple, and doesn’t require any special equipment. Here’s how:
- Combine the ingredients.
In a medium saucepan, add the strawberries, honey, and lemon juice. - Cook over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the berries start to soften. - Mash the berries.
Use a potato masher (or a fork) to crush the strawberries once they’re very soft. You can also use an immersion blender if you want it less chunky. - Simmer until thick.
Continue cooking the jam until the syrup drips off a spoon in thick, heavy drops. - Cool and store.
Let the jam cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a clean jar. Store in the fridge for up to 2 months.
Ways to use honey jam
This naturally sweetened honey jam is versatile and perfect for more than just toast. Here are some ideas:
- Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal – adds natural sweetness and fruity flavor.
- Pancake or waffle topping
- Dessert filling – use it in thumbprint cookies, tarts, or layered cakes.
- and don’t forget about peanut butter & jelly sandwiches!
A note about consistency
I want to note that the consistency of this jam is more runny than some might expect. Is it still totally functional as a jam as you would use jam? Yes! But due to the honey and no added pectin, it’s just thinner. If you want to try adding pectin for a thicker consistency, by all means–try it.
PrintHoney Jam (Naturally Sweetened Strawberry Jam Recipe)
Making jam with honey instead of sugar is a great swap! Strawberries pair perfectly but try experimenting with other berries if you wish. The consistency of this jam will be thinner than your typical store-bought jam, but the flavor is amazing and it still functions 100% as any jam would.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 16 oz container fresh strawberries, washed + hulled
- 1/2 cup honey
- zest of one lemon
- juice from half a lemon
- optional: 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Combine strawberries, honey, zest, lemon juice (and vanilla if using), in a pot over medium heat.
- Cook until strawberries are soft, about 10 minutes. Use a potato masher or fork to mash strawberries.
- Continue to cook until the mixture thickens. The jam is done with the liquid drips off the back of the spoon in thick, heavy drops. About 15-20 minutes.
- Allow jam to cool and store in a jar in the fridge for up to two months.
Tried this recipe?
If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating below and let me know how it went. I’d love to hear from you! You can also find me on Pinterest!
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