Cherry Jam Recipe
If you are ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fresh fruit and sweetness, this Cherry Jam Recipe is a personal favorite that will charm your taste buds and elevate your breakfast or snack time. Evoking the perfect balance of tartness and natural cherry goodness, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luscious, spreadable treasure. Whether slathered on toast, dolloped on yogurt, or gifted in charming jars, this homemade jam is sure to become a beloved staple in your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cherry Jam Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role to create that perfect texture and flavor. Fresh cherries bring vibrant color and a delightful tang, sugar adds the right amount of sweetness, lemon juice highlights the fruit’s natural brightness, and fruit pectin guarantees a thick, jammy consistency every time.
- 4 cups fresh cherries (pitted): Choose ripe, firm cherries to promise full-bodied flavor and a beautiful deep red color.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the jam balanced perfectly against the tartness of cherries.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Enhances the fresh fruit flavor and helps the jam set.
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin: Essential for achieving that classic jam texture without hassle.
How to Make Cherry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cherries
Start by washing and pitting your cherries. If you have a cherry pitter, this will speed things up, but slicing them in half works just as well. Properly pitted cherries ensure a smooth jam and prevent any bitter bites from pits.
Step 2: Macerate the Fruit
Combine the pitted cherries with sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a large pot. Stir them together well and then let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. This resting period draws out the natural juices and helps the sugar dissolve, creating a juicy base for cooking.
Step 3: Heat and Bring to Boil
Place your pot over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. As the mixture warms, the fruit softens and releases even more flavor. Keep a close eye until it reaches a gentle boil—that’s when the transformation truly begins.
Step 4: Add the Pectin and Boil Again
Once boiling, stir in the fruit pectin and follow the package instructions carefully. The mixture will bubble vigorously—this rolling boil is crucial for activating the pectin and thickening the jam. Keep stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Check for Jam-Ready Texture
To test if your jam is ready, try the cold plate test: place a spoonful on a chilled plate, let it sit for a minute, then push it gently with your finger. If it wrinkles and doesn’t flood back, you’ve achieved that perfect set—time to jar it up!
Step 6: Jar and Seal
Spoon your hot, fragrant cherry jam into sterilized jars, leaving a small gap at the top. Seal them tightly and process in a boiling water bath for 5 to 10 minutes to ensure preservation. This step locks in freshness and lets you enjoy your jam long after cherry season ends.
How to Serve Cherry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
While the jam itself is delightful, adding a few fresh cherries on top when serving enhances the presentation and brings an extra burst of sweetness. A sprinkle of finely chopped mint or a dusting of cinnamon can also add a surprise twist that your guests will adore.
Side Dishes
Cherry jam shines alongside buttery croissants, toasted baguettes, or even warm pancakes. It’s also incredible paired with creamy cheeses—think brie or goat cheese—where the sweet and tart flavors mingle into something truly irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering cherry jam between cake layers for a fruity surprise or swirl it into vanilla yogurt for a quick, vibrant dessert. You can even use it as a glaze for roasted meats or a topping on ice cream for a tangy-sweet finish. The versatility of this Cherry Jam Recipe opens up so many delicious possibilities.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once opened, store your cherry jam in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to a month. Properly sealed jars kept in a cool, dark place can last even longer, making this jam perfect for gifting or stocking your pantry.
Freezing
If you want to keep your cherry jam for even longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer the jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen jam can last several months and is just as delicious thawed.
Reheating
When ready to use frozen or refrigerated jam, gently warm it in a small saucepan over low heat to restore its spreadable consistency. Stir occasionally and avoid overheating to keep the fresh cherry essence intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for this Cherry Jam Recipe?
Yes, frozen cherries can work well, especially when fresh cherries are out of season. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before starting the jam to avoid overly watery results.
What if I don’t have fruit pectin? Can I still make the jam?
Without pectin, the jam may take longer to set and could be a bit runnier. You can let the mixture cook down more to thicken naturally, but for guaranteed results, pectin is recommended.
How long will the sealed jars of cherry jam last?
Properly sealed and processed jars can last up to one year stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, consume the jam within a month for the best quality and taste.
Is it necessary to use lemon juice in the recipe?
Lemon juice is key because it balances the sweetness and helps the pectin set properly. It also boosts the jam’s shelf life by adding acidity that prevents spoilage.
Can I reduce the sugar in the Cherry Jam Recipe?
You can reduce sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar affects the texture, sweetness, and preservation. Experiment carefully if you prefer a less sweet jam, but it might need a bit longer cooking time to set correctly.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Jam Recipe is a delightful way to capture the joyful essence of summer cherries in a jar. It’s straightforward, rewarding, and endlessly delicious—a recipe that will have you reaching for the bread just to spread more of this luscious fruit preserve. I can’t wait for you to experience how this jam turns ordinary moments into something truly special.
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Cherry Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 half-pint jars (about 2 servings) 1x
Description
A classic homemade cherry jam recipe that captures the vibrant flavor of fresh cherries with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. This easy-to-make jam uses fresh cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and fruit pectin to create a delicious spread perfect for toast, desserts, or as a gift.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
Instructions
- Prepare Cherries: Wash and pit the cherries using a cherry pitter or by cutting them in half to remove the pits completely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, mix the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice thoroughly. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes so the cherries release their juices, which helps with cooking and setting the jam.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and stir frequently until the mixture begins to boil. This helps dissolve the sugar evenly and activates the pectin later.
- Add Pectin: Stir in the fruit pectin according to the package instructions. Continue cooking until the mixture returns to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.
- Test Jam Set: Use the cold plate test by placing a small spoonful of jam on a cold plate, chilling it briefly, and then pushing the jam with a finger; if it wrinkles, the jam is set and ready.
- Jar the Jam: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, seal them tightly with lids, and process the jars in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes to ensure preservation and food safety.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Pitting cherries can be done easily with a cherry pitter or by cutting them in halves to remove pits manually.
- The cold plate test is a reliable way to check if your jam has reached the proper gel consistency.
- Process jars in boiling water to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage.
- If you prefer a smoother jam, you can crush the cherries slightly before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Jam
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
