Name: Instant Pot Jam Strawberry Rhubarb
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Ingredients: 250 grams strawberries; 125 grams rhubarb; 375 grams sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Bottle the sweet taste of summer with the most amazing strawberry and rhubarb jam that is made in the instant pot pressure cooker with only 4 ingredients. It is made without pectin, without corn starch and takes under an hour and 3 steps to make.

Learn how to make easy homemade jam in your pressure cooker that is perfectly set.

Instant pot strawberry jam in a small jar with a butter knife

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam in Instant Pot

Strawberry and rhubarb are a match made in heaven and complement each other so well as one is tart and the other is delicate and sweet.

In this instant pot jam recipe, fresh strawberries and rhubarb are cooked with sugar and lemon juice only - no pectin is needed as the lemon juice helps set the jam.

I'm guilty of buying way too much fruit especially when I go to a pick-your-own-farm. Rows and rows of fresh plump strawberries - I mean it's just too tempting! The only caveat to this is that the fruit spoils easily, leaving you in a mad rush to get it all eaten!

This jam is a great way to use up extra fruit as it preserves it. It is also a great way to use strawberries that are bought out of season and thus tend to be less sweet. Have you tried this Christmas Jam yet?

Instant Pot jam or pressure cooker jam

To qualify as jam, the total sugar content needs to be higher than 60% (sugar plus the natural sugar found in the fruit). Traditionally, jam is made in copper pots as copper is highly conductive allowing the maker to control the temperature.

The beauty of the instant pot is that less stirring is required and you can reduce the time it takes to make.

Instant Pot Jam without pectin

You do not need added pectin in this recipe because the lemon juice acts in the same way. Often using shop bought pectin makes it difficult to get the jam to set exactly right.

Instant Pot Jam with frozen fruit

Frozen fruit is convenient and works well in making jam because you can make it any time of the year. You can easily buy fruit chunks in the frozen aisle of most supermarkets and are a handy way to cook with fruit that is out of season.

You will not need added pectin apart from that naturally in the frozen fruit and lemon juice. Simply follow the first step and allow the fruit to defrost with the sugar so that it macerates.

Two jars filled with strawberry and Rhubarb jam made in the Instant pot

Why you should make this recipe

great gift idea

a great way to use up leftover fruit

no pectin

without corn starch - no need to make a corn starch slurry to thicken the jam

no need for specialist jam sugar

easy to customise - use whichever fruit you like or have to hand - all you need to do is adjust the amount of sugar as some fruit is sweeter than others

easily control the sweetness of the jam

better than shop bought

no preservatives

only 4 easy ingredients

easy to adjust the servings

vegan/naturally plant based

Ingredients for Strawberry and Rhubarb Jam

You will be amazed at how easily you can make homemade jam that does not require any special ingredients.

Strawberries - I have used Sweet British Strawberries at the peak of their season but you can use any strawberries both fresh or frozen.

Rhubarb - rhubarb can be tart and sour but red varieties are sweeter.

Sugar - I have used white granulated sugar

Lemon juice - preserves and helps set jam as it adds pectin as strawberries and rhubarb are a low pectin fruit. Do not worry, you cannot taste the lemon juice!

alternatives to lemon juice:

apple juice works well as apples are high in pectin

you can also use orange juice but this imparts its own flavour into the jam so is not as suitable

Optional:

Vanilla extract - add a few drops of vanilla extract or vanilla essence. I have added vanilla extract in this recipe for a subtle flavour but you can leave it out

You can absolutely make Strawberry Instant Pot Jam only if you wish or do not have rhubarb to hand - just three easy ingredients!

You may also add a few fresh Basil or Thyme leaves too (add them whilst the jam mixture is on sauté mode)

Instant Pot Sugar Free Jam

It is possible to make jam with no added sugar.

I should note when I say "sugar free" I mean no added sugar as the fruit will contain natural sugars but we are simply not adding extra sugar into the recipe.

Macerating the jam is really key here as it allows the natural sugars in the fruit to form a syrup.

Sugar free jam will not keep as long as the absence of sugar prevents preservation.

I use 100% natural sweetener erythritol and stevia. Other sugar free sweets include:

How to make Rhubarb and Strawberry Jam in the Instant Pot

The first step is to macerate the fruit. Leave all ingredients in Instant Pot for 30 mins (cover with the lid at this point)

The longer you leave this stage the better as the sugar draws out a lot more juice and saves you having to stir loads later

Then put the vent on seal and pressure cook for 1 min on high pressure. Allow natural pressure release

Open the lid and select Sauté on Normal heat for 5 minutes. Crush the fruit slightly as you cook the jam.

Test the setting of the jam by putting on back of spoon

Tips:

It is important to macerate the fruit first as putting in dry sugar in the inner pot can lead to burning

Make sure the ring you are using for this recipe is free from any strong smell.

How to Test for Jam Setting Point

Wrinkle test. Place a plate in the freezer for 10 minutes. Once the jam is boiling, drop a small amount onto the cold plate. Allow it to cool and then push a finger through the jam. If it wrinkles, the jam is ready.

If it does not wrinkle, continue to saute for a bit longer.

Whilst you are waiting for the jam to cool, remember to turn off the heat as it will keep cooking

Spoon test. Once jam coats the back of a spoon (check in the video) turn off the Saute mode and remove the inner pot from the Instant Pot.

How to fix runny jam?

If after 48 hours your jam is still runny, add it back to the pot and heat for a few minutes. Run the jam set point test again.

A close up shot of strawberry jam bottle with a butter knife

How to serve Strawberry and Rhubarb Jam

Lets start with the obvious ... on toast!

Biscuits/Scones or maybe my Easy Eggless Lavender Scones! But the real question is...jam or cream first? Have your say in the comment below 🙂

Swirled in rice pudding - reminds me of my school dinners puddings!

In porridge/oatmeal

With plain yogurt

In peanut butter and jelly/jam sandwiches

Make Indian style chutney using Jam to accompany Indian snacks such Dabeli, Pakora or Samosa.

FAQs

What does macerated fruit mean?

Macerating fruit is to soak it in sugar and/or lemon juice to soften it and release its juice. Fruit can also be macerated in balsamic vinegar or liquer.

Why do you macerate fruit before making jam?

Macerating fruit draws out the juices from the fruit which together with sugar makes a sugar syrup

How long do I need to macerate fruit before making jam?

Anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. The longer you do it, the better the results.

What is jam sugar?

Jam sugar has added pectin and citric acid. When making jam using low-pectin fruit such as strawberries, often jam sugar is used.

Why add lemon juice to jam?

Lemon juice contains pectin and so aids in the setting of jam, particular for fruit that is naturally low in pectin.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can. As long as you do not fill the Instant Pot above MAX line. The cooking time will remain the same which is 1 minute on High. The SAUTE time may increase.

Can I reduce the amount of Sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar in this recipe if you wish.

What is the best time of the year to make Strawberry Jam?

You can make strawberry jam any time of the year but the best fresh Strawberries in the UK are during late spring and summer.

Scones or Biscuits with strawberry jam and clotted cream

Other Strawberry recipes

Eggless Strawberry Pastel de Tres Leches

Rose and Strawberry Fool

Black Pepper and Strawberry Kulfi

Strawberry, Goats' Cheese Crostini

Fresas Con Crema (Mexican Strawberries and Cream)

As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!

Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can't wait to see you all there!