Treat yourself to this delicious Mango Freezer Jam! This delightful, homemade jam is an easy way to preserve fresh mango, and it has a tasty tropical flavor you won't be able to resist!
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Ginnie's Take
I'm a huge freezer jam fan! It's one of those fun kitchen projects that's super simple, and so fun, too. Plus, the payoff is a freezer full of homemade jam. What could be better? I love experimenting with different flavors, and this scrumptious Mango Freezer Jam is a winner. You won't be able to resist the fresh mango flavor!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Super Tasty - These yummy mango preserves tastes just like the fresh fruit, so sweet and fragrant. It's perfect way to enjoy a unique tropical flavor right in your own home!
- Simple to Make - The recipe uses just four ingredients, plus it's very easy to prepare. And apart from briefly heating the pectin, there's no cooking required.
- Treat for Mango Lovers - This homemade jam is a unique way to use and preserve fresh mango, and it's sure to make any breakfast more special.
- Free Printable Label - I've created a free printable label just for you! It's perfect for decorating jars for gift giving and for keeping track of different jam flavors in your own freezer.
Jump to:
Ingredients
You need just a few basic ingredients to make these homemade mango preserves:
- Mango - Of course, you'll need some fresh mangos, and the recipe will work with different varieties. Tip: Mangos can vary in size. I recommend purchasing an extra mango or two (especially if your mangos are small), that way, you'll be sure to have enough fruit. If you end up with extra, check out my other mango recipes!
- Sugar - You'll use granulated sugar to sweet the jam and to help it set (thicken). Do not reduce the amount of sugar (or use a different type or a sugar substitute), because you jam will not turn out correctly.
- Pectin - Although there are other brands, this recipe uses Sure Jell Original Premium Fruit Pectin, which is easy to find in most U.S. grocery stores. Note: If you purchase a different brand, you can use this recipe as a guide, but you should follow the directions in the box.
- Lemon - A little fresh lemon enhances the preserve's flavor, and it also helps the jam set up properly.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan (as long as you use vegan sugar), dairy free, gluten free, and nut free!
You'll Also Need
Gather the following tools before you get start:
- Two large bowls - You'll use one to prep the mango and the other to mix the jam ingredients together.
- Potato Masher - Grab a potato masher to mash the fruit.
- Measuring Cups - You'll also need dry measuring cups to measure the mango and sugar, as well as a liquid measuring cup for the lemon juice and water.
- Utensils - You'll use a sharp knife to prep the mango, along with a large spoon to mix everything together.
- Small Pot - A small pot is needed to cook the pectin.
- Ladle + Funnel - While these two tools aren't 100% required, they'll make the job of transferring jam to jars much easier and less messy! I used this canning funnel, and it's actually one of my fave kitchen tools. Use it for this recipe, then later for making Overnight Oats and more.
Best Jam Storage Containers
Any small, freezer safe container can be used for storing the jam. Here are the ones I recommend:
- Half-Pint Jars - These half-pint mason jars hold about one cup of jam, which in my opinion, is the perfect amount!
- Pint-Sized Mason Jars - Do you eat lots of jam? These larger pint-sized jars will each hold about two cups.
- Plastic Containers - If you're worried about glass breaking, reusable plastic containers are the perfect solution! Each one holds about one cup.
How to Make Mango Jam
Homemade Mango Jam couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Prep mango. Start by peeling and roughly chopping the mango. Then use a potato masher to mash the fruit into small pieces.
- Mix in lemon and sugar. Measure the mango, then transfer it to a large bowl. Stir in the lemon juice. Add the sugar and mix well, then set the mixture aside for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip: Stirring the mango as it rest, helps to dissolve the sugar.
- Combine pectin and water. Next, you'll mix the pectin and water together in a small pot. Tip: Don't worry if it looks lumpy! The lumps will disappear as the mixture heats.
- Cook pectin. Bring the pectin and water to a boil over high heat, then continue to boil for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Add pectin to the fruit. Stir the hot pectin into the mango mixture, then mix for three minutes or until the sugar has dissolved. Tip: This process can take longer than three minutes. It's okay if a few tiny crystals remain when you're done, but the mixture shouldn't be grainy.
- Transfer to jar. When the sugar has dissolved, transfer the mixture to your storage containers, making sure to leave ½-inch of empty headspace at the top. Let the jam sit at room temperature for 24 hours (or until set), then refrigerate it for three weeks, or freeze it for up to one year.
Wasn't that easy? And trust me, you are going to love waking up to this delicious Mango Freezer Jam all year long!
Freezer Jam Tips
This Frozen Mango Jam is virtually foolproof. Just follow the recipe closely, avoid substitutions, and keep these tips in mind:
- Prep your jams jars ahead of time. Before you get started, make sure to thoroughly clean and dry your jars and lids, either by hand or in your dishwasher. Although you do not need to boil the jars, I like to rinse the clean jars with boiling water as an extra precaution.
- Use ripe fruit. If you use unripe fruit, it won't contain enough juice, and the sugar won't dissolve. If your fruit is over-ripe and mushy, there may be too much juice and an unpleasant texture.
- Wash and dry your fruit before starting. Make sure to rinse your mangos thoroughly to remove germs and pesticides. Then dry the fruit well, so you don't add excess moisture to the recipe.
- Use Sure Jell Pectin. Each pectin brand works a little differently, and this recipe was specifically created for Sure Jell Original Premium Fruit Pectin. It's fine to use this recipe as a guide if you've purchased another brand, but for best results, you should follow the directions that come in the box.
- Follow the directions + measure precisely. If you want the jam to set, follow the recipe exactly as written and measure your ingredients accurately. Use a dry measuring cup for the fruit and sugar, along with a liquid measuring cup for the lemon juice and water. Tip: If you have extra fruit, don't be tempted to throw it in! Use it for another recipe.
- Avoid reducing the sugar or using sugar substitutes. It may seem like there's a lot of sugar, but you need to use it all for the recipe to work properly. Avoid cutting back on the sugar, and don't use any substitutes. Tip: If you prefer jam with less sugar, use Sure Jell Low Sugar Pectin instead, and follow the recipe on the box.
- Prep double batches separately. Although you can make more than one batch at a time, the recipe works best when you make each batch in a separate bowl.
Storage
You can store this raw Mango Jam in your refrigerator for up to three weeks, or you can freeze it for up to one year.
Related Recipes
Are you look for more freezer jam ideas? You'll love these recipes, too:
- This yummy Freezer Raspberry Jam is the best and easiest way to preserve fresh berries!
- You won't be able to resist this homemade Strawberry Freezer Jam! It's a crowd-pleasing classic.
- If you a peach lover, add making this delightful Peach Freezer Jam to your summer bucket list!
- Grab some fresh cherries to make the mouthwatering Cherry Freezer Jam.
- This tasty Blackberry Freezer Jam is another classic breakfast favorite you're sure to love!
- You won't be able to resist this fresh Blueberry Freezer Jam (so delish).
Craving more mango breakfast ideas? Try this homemade Mango Juice, Mango Overnight Oats, Mango Parfait, or Tropical Trail Mix next!
Printable Label
These cute Mango Freezer Jam labels make keeping track of jam flavors in your freezer fun, and they're perfect for decorating jars for friends and family, too.
For best results, print the labels on white cardstock or sticker paper. Here are a few ways to use them:
- Place the labels on the jar lids, under the ring.
- Attach them to the jars with decorative string, ribbon, or twine.
- Stick adhesive labels right onto the front of the jar.
You can download the free printable labels by clicking here or by clicking anywhere on the image below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Freezer jam is a type of homemade jam that's made with fresh fruit, sugar, and pectin. The fruit is typically uncooked, and you don't need to can the jam. Instead, you store it in your refrigerator or freezer.
Freezer jam is a type of uncooked jam that's made with fresh fruit, sugar, and pectin. It isn't canned, and therefore it must be refrigerated or frozen. Regular jam is made by cooking fresh fruit with sugar (and other ingredients). Once it's thickened, the jam is usually canned using a hot water bath. Because of this, regular jam is shelf stable, although you should refrigerate it after opening.
If your freezer jam didn't set up, you may not have measured your ingredients accurately, causing the ratio of sugar to fruit to be off. It's also possible that the sugar didn't dissolved completely, or your pectin may be expired. You can either eat the jam as-is (it will still taste great), you can try following these remake directions.
Pectin is a soluble fiber that's naturally found in fruits and vegetables. It's used to thicken and stabilize jams and jellies. When combined with fruit and sugar, pectin will thicken your jam and help to create a spreadable consistency. Learn more about how pectin works here.
Mango Freezer Jam will last for up to three weeks when stored in your refrigerator, or you can store it in your freezer for up to one year.
No, you don't need to boil jars when making freezing jam. You should clean them thoroughly though, either in your dishwasher or by hand.
Mango Freezer Jam
Ingredients
- 4 mangos, peeled and roughly chopped
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large, juicy lemons)
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 (1.75 ounce / 49 gram) box Sure Jell Original Fruit Pectin
Equipment
- Potato Masher
- Mason Jars (6 half-pint jars or 3 pint jars)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, use a potato masher to mash the chopped mango into small pieces.
- Measure out exactly 3 cups mashed mango, then add to a large bowl. (If you have extra mango, reserve it for another use.)
- Stir lemon juice into mango, then add sugar and mix well. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 10 minutes, combine pectin and ¾ cup water in a small pot. Bring mixture to a boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute (continuing to stir), then remove from heat.
- Add hot pectin to mango mixture, then stir for 3 minutes, or until the sugar is completely dissolved. (This may take longer than 3 minutes.)
- Transfer jam to jars, leaving ½-inch of empty headspace at top. Cover with lids.
- Let jam stand at room temperature for 24 hours, or until set.
- Once jam is set, refrigerate it for up to 3 weeks, or freeze it for up to 1 year. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
