Sweet Summer Magic: Homemade Cherry Jam Recipe Everyone Loves

Sweet summer memories burst through every spoonful of this homemade cherry jam that connects generations of kitchen wizards.

Ripe cherries from local orchards shine in this simple preserve.

Grandma’s wooden spoon and patience whisper through each carefully crafted batch.

Pectin and sugar dance together, creating a vibrant spread that captures seasonal magic.

Pure ingredients and minimal processing ensure an authentic taste experience.

Smooth crimson goodness awaits you on warm toast or delicate pastries.

Each jar promises a delectable journey into pure, concentrated fruit bliss.

Homemade Cherry Jam That’s Sweet And Simple

• Quick Weekend Delight: Whip up this cherry jam in under an hour, perfect for lazy weekend cooking adventures.
• No-Fuss Preservation: Create a delicious homemade preserve with minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques that even beginner cooks can master.
• Versatile Kitchen Magic: Transform fresh cherries into a spreadable treat that jazzes up breakfast toast, pairs wonderfully with cheese platters, or makes an impressive homemade gift for friends and family.
• Budget-Friendly Flavor Bomb: Save money by making your own jam instead of buying expensive store-bought versions, while controlling exactly what goes into your delicious spread.

What You Need For Cherry Jam At Home

• Cherries: Sweet and tangy base of the jam, ripe and fresh cherries provide the best flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Helps balance sweetness and adds natural pectin for better jam setting.

• White Sugar: Primary sweetener that helps preserve and thicken the jam, granulated works best.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cherry flavor.
• Butter: Helps reduce foaming during cooking and creates smoother texture.
• Pectin: Natural thickening agent that helps jam set more quickly and consistently, especially useful with low-pectin fruits like cherries.

Homemade Cherry Jam Steps

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Cherries

Wash the cherries thoroughly under cool running water.

Remove the pits carefully using a cherry pitter or a small knife.

Chop the cherries into small, bite-sized pieces to help them break down easily during cooking.

Step 2: Create Jam Base

• Chopped cherries
• Granulated sugar
• Fresh lemon juice

Mix the ingredients gently to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Bring to Boiling Point

Place the pot on the stove over medium heat.

Stir the mixture continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Watch as the cherries start to release their juices and the mixture begins to bubble.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor

• Vanilla extract
• Unsalted butter (optional, helps reduce foaming)

Stir these ingredients into the bubbling cherry mixture.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Continue cooking, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

The mixture will slowly thicken and become less liquid-like.

This process typically takes about 20-25 minutes.

Step 6: Check Jam Consistency

Perform the gel test by placing a small spoonful of the jam on a chilled plate.

Let it sit for a moment.

If the jam wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready to be jarred.

Step 7: Jar the Jam

Carefully ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized glass jars.

Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during cooling.

Step 8: Seal and Cool

Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth.

Secure the lids tightly.

Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 9: Store and Enjoy

Once cooled, store the jam in a cool, dark pantry if you plan to use it within a few weeks.

For longer storage, keep the jars in the refrigerator.

Smart Tips for Homemade Cherry Jam

• Use a cherry pitter for quick, clean removal of seeds without crushing the delicate fruit.
• Adjust sugar levels based on cherry ripeness and personal preference, keeping the natural fruit flavor intact.
• Freeze a plate beforehand for accurate gel testing, ensuring your jam sets perfectly without overcooking.
• Sterilize jars thoroughly with boiling water to prevent bacterial growth and extend jam's shelf life.
• Add a splash of almond extract or a cinnamon stick during cooking to enhance the cherry's natural sweetness.

Homemade Cherry Jam – Best Storage for Long-Lasting Freshness

• Store homemade cherry jam in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Keep sealed tightly to prevent contamination and preserve freshness.
• Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Freeze for 6-12 months, ensuring you label containers with date and contents.
• Properly sealed, sterilized jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for 12-18 months before opening. Check seals periodically for any signs of spoilage.
• Gently warm refrigerated jam in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to maintain texture and prevent burning.

What to Eat with Homemade Cherry Jam

• Pair with Creamy Delights: Spread this homemade cherry jam on ricotta cheese or cream cheese for a luxurious breakfast or dessert experience that balances sweet and tangy flavors.
• Create Pastry Perfection: Complement the jam with buttery croissants, flaky scones, or delicate shortbread cookies to enhance its rich cherry taste and provide a delightful texture contrast.
• Sip and Savor Cocktails: Mix the jam into cocktails like a cherry bourbon smash or blend it with prosecco for a fruity, sophisticated drink that highlights the jam's deep, sweet notes.
• Match with Savory Cheese: Serve alongside aged cheddar, gouda, or brie to create a gourmet cheese board that showcases the jam's vibrant cherry flavor and provides a delicious sweet-savory combination.

Homemade Cherry Jam Recipe Different Blend Options

• Low-Sugar Version: Replace half the sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
• Pectin-Free Alternative: Use natural gelling agents like chia seeds or green apple to help thicken the jam without commercial pectin, creating a more rustic texture.
• Spiced Cherry Variation: Add warming spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger to enhance the jam's complex flavor profile and create a unique taste experience.
• Sugar-Free Option: Use sugar-free alternatives like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, perfect for diabetic or low-carb diets, while still preserving the rich cherry flavor.

FAQs

• What type of cherries work best for this jam?

Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier are ideal because they have higher sugar content and provide a rich, deep flavor for homemade jam.

• Do I need special equipment to make cherry jam?

No, you only need a large pot, wooden spoon, cherry pitter, and some sterilized jars. A candy thermometer can help but isn’t absolutely necessary.

• How can I prevent my jam from being too runny?

Use pectin or cook the jam longer to achieve the right thickness. Adding lemon juice helps activate pectin naturally and helps the jam set properly.

• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

While you can slightly reduce sugar, too little sugar can prevent proper setting and may impact preservation. Consider using low-sugar pectin if you want to lower sugar content.

Homemade Cherry Jam Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet summer cherries dance in this classic homemade cherry jam, bringing robust flavor and rich crimson color to breakfast tables. Preserving fresh fruit becomes simple with careful cooking and easy canning techniques that connect you directly to seasonal garden delights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Fruits:

• 1 kg (2 lbs) pitted cherries

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 400–500 grams (1 lb) white sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter (optional)
• Pectin (optional)

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Instructions

1. Rinse fresh cherries thoroughly under cool running water, then carefully remove the pits using a cherry pitter or a small knife, ensuring no stems remain.
2. Chop the pitted cherries into uniform, small pieces to promote even cooking and consistent texture throughout the jam.
3. Transfer the chopped cherries into a sturdy, heavy-bottomed saucepan, mixing in granulated sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice to enhance flavor and help with natural pectin development.
4. Position the saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring the mixture continuously to prevent scorching and promote even sugar dissolution.
5. Allow the cherry mixture to reach a rolling boil, maintaining a vigorous stirring pattern to prevent sticking and ensure proper heat distribution.
6. Incorporate vanilla extract and a small amount of unsalted butter to balance flavors and reduce potential foaming during the cooking process.
7. Continue cooking, reducing heat slightly, and monitor the mixture’s consistency, stirring frequently to prevent burning and promote thickening.
8. Perform a gel test by placing a small spoonful of the jam on a pre-chilled ceramic plate; if the jam wrinkles when pushed and doesn’t immediately run, it has reached the perfect setting point.
9. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving approximately half an inch of headspace to allow for potential expansion during cooling.
10. Securely seal the jars with clean lids, then allow them to cool completely at room temperature, creating a vacuum seal.
11. Once cooled, store the jam in a dark, cool pantry or refrigerate to maintain optimal flavor and prevent spoilage.

Notes

• Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the most flavorful jam, avoiding overripe or bruised fruits.
• Remove stems and pit cherries carefully to prevent any hard pieces in the final preserve.
• Use a candy thermometer to ensure the jam reaches the perfect consistency around 220°F for optimal setting.
• Swap white sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a lower-glycemic alternative that adds depth to the flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg