This strawberry fig jelly recipe combines juicy strawberries with naturally sweet figs for a delicious homemade spread. The strawberries bring bright berry flavor, while fresh figs add a rich, jammy sweetness that makes every spoonful taste like summer in a jar.
It’s delicious spread on toast, biscuits, English muffins, or pancakes and also makes a lovely homemade gift.
Why This Recipe Works
Strawberries and figs complement each other beautifully. The berries add a fresh, slightly tart flavor, while figs provide natural sweetness and a soft texture.
A little lemon juice balances the fruit and adds acidity, while pectin helps the mixture set into a spoonable jelly without requiring a long cooking time.
Ingredients
Makes about 4–5 half-pint jars
For the jelly
- 2 cups finely chopped fresh figs
- 2 cups finely chopped strawberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 package powdered fruit pectin
- 5 cups granulated sugar
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Potato masher or wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Clean jelly jars with lids
- Canning funnel, optional
- Water-bath canner or large deep pot with a rack
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the fruit
Wash the strawberries and figs thoroughly. Remove the strawberry stems and trim the fig stems.
Finely chop both fruits into small pieces. If you prefer a smoother jelly, mash the fruit slightly with a potato masher.
Step 2: Combine the fruit and lemon juice
Add the chopped strawberries, figs, and lemon juice to a large saucepan.
Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Add the pectin
Stir the powdered pectin into the fruit mixture.
Bring it to a full rolling boil that continues bubbling while you stir.
Step 4: Add the sugar
Add all of the sugar at once, stirring continuously until it dissolves.
Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and boil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Step 5: Check the consistency
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Skim off any foam from the surface if needed.
The mixture will still look relatively loose while hot but will thicken as it cools.
Step 6: Fill the jars
Ladle the hot strawberry fig jelly into hot, clean canning jars, leaving the headspace specified by your tested canning recipe or pectin instructions.
Wipe the jar rims clean, then apply the lids and screw bands according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Step 7: Process the jars
Process the filled jars in a boiling-water bath following the processing time recommended by your pectin manufacturer’s instructions and an up-to-date tested canning recipe for your altitude.
Remove the jars carefully and let them cool undisturbed.
Step 8: Check the seals
Once the jars have cooled, check that the lids have sealed properly. Refrigerate any jar that does not seal and use it as a refrigerator jelly.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Fig Jelly
- Use ripe but firm fruit for the best flavor and natural color.
- Chop the figs and strawberries finely so the fruit distributes evenly throughout the jelly.
- Measure the sugar accurately, since changing the sugar-to-fruit ratio can affect how the jelly sets.
- Don’t double the recipe unless your pectin manufacturer specifically says it’s suitable for larger batches.
- Stir constantly once the sugar is added to prevent scorching.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, balanced flavor.
- Follow tested canning instructions when making a shelf-stable batch rather than improvising processing times.
How to Serve Strawberry Fig Jelly
This homemade jelly is delicious in plenty of ways. Spread it over:
- Toast
- Biscuits
- English muffins
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Scones
- Croissants
You can also spoon it over cream cheese and serve with crackers for an easy appetizer.
Storage
For shelf-stable storage, use properly prepared jars and follow current tested water-bath canning instructions, including the recommended processing time for your specific recipe, jar size, and altitude.
Once opened, refrigerate the jelly and use it according to the storage guidance for your tested recipe. Any unsealed jar should be refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
This strawberry fig jelly recipe is a wonderful way to combine two naturally sweet fruits into one flavorful homemade spread. The bright taste of strawberries balances the rich sweetness of figs, while lemon juice keeps the finished jelly fresh and vibrant.
Spread it over warm biscuits or toast for breakfast, pair it with cheese for an appetizer, or package a properly canned batch as a thoughtful homemade gift.
