Tangy Sour Cherry Jam Recipe: Homemade Summer Sweetness

Sweet memories dance through my grandmother’s cherished sour cherry jam recipe, weaving nostalgia into every spoonful.

Sunlight streaming through kitchen windows always reminds me of summer mornings spent pitting cherries together.

Crimson fruits burst with vibrant flavor, promising a delectable spread that captures seasonal magic.

My hands still recall the gentle rhythm of transforming ripe cherries into silky, glistening preserve.

Tart notes blend perfectly with subtle sweetness, creating a complex taste that sings of traditional craftsmanship.

Homemade goodness beats store-bought versions every single time, infusing love into each carefully crafted jar.

Trust me, you’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful of this irresistible jam.

FAQs

• What makes sour cherries different from sweet cherries?

Sour cherries have a more intense, tart flavor and are typically smaller with softer flesh, making them perfect for cooking and baking compared to sweet cherries.

• Can I use frozen sour cherries for this jam recipe?

Yes, frozen sour cherries work perfectly. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before using in the recipe to maintain the right consistency.

• How do I know when the jam has reached the right consistency?

The jam is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it, or when it reaches about 220°F on a candy thermometer.

• Is it necessary to use pectin in this sour cherry jam?

No, sour cherries naturally contain enough pectin to help the jam set, so additional pectin is not required for this recipe.

Sour Cherry Jam For Bold Fruity Flavor

Savor Summer Sweetness: Quickly Create Homemade Jam with Minimal Effort

• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Perfect for novice cooks, this recipe requires only basic kitchen skills and simple steps that anyone can master without advanced culinary techniques.
• Quick Preparation Delight: Whip up delicious sour cherry jam in under 40 minutes, making it an ideal weekend project or spontaneous cooking adventure for busy home chefs.
• Versatile Flavor Customization: Easily adjust sugar levels to create a personalized jam that suits your taste preferences, from tangy to sweet, ensuring a perfect spread every time.
• Preserve Summer's Bounty: Transform fresh sour cherries into a delightful preserve that captures the essence of seasonal fruit, allowing you to enjoy summer flavors long after the season ends.

What You Use For Sour Cherry Jam

• Sour Cherries: Tart and vibrant fruit that provides the primary flavor and texture of the jam. Choose ripe, deep red cherries for the best taste and color.

• Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Bean Paste or Seeds or Extract: Natural sweetener that balances the cherries' tartness and adds depth of flavor. Vanilla enhances the overall taste with its warm, aromatic notes. Pure cane sugar works best for consistent sweetness.

Sour Cherry Jam Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Cherry Mixture

Gather fresh sour cherries and sugar in a large saucepan.

Gently mix the cherries and sugar together, allowing them to mingle and release their natural juices.

Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes, watching as the cherries begin to soften and create a beautiful ruby-red liquid.

Step 2: Enhance Flavor

• Vanilla bean paste
• Vanilla bean seeds
• Vanilla extract

Stir the vanilla into the cherry mixture, creating a fragrant and rich base for your jam.

Step 3: Bring to Boiling Point

Place the saucepan over medium heat.

Stir the mixture consistently to prevent burning.

Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, watching as the bubbles become vigorous and the jam starts to take shape.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Reduce the heat to low.

Continue stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Let the jam simmer for 20-25 minutes, watching it gradually thicken and develop a rich, glossy texture.

Step 5: Cool and Preserve

Remove the saucepan from heat.

Allow the jam to cool slightly.

Carefully transfer the warm jam into sterilized jars.

At this point, you can taste and adjust sweetness if desired.

Step 6: Storage Options

• Refrigerate for up to two weeks
• Process in a water bath canner for extended storage

Pro tip: The jam will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t overcook.

Handy Advice for Sour Cherry Jam

• Add a splash of almond extract to enhance the natural taste of sour cherries and create a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Stir constantly during the cooking process to avoid scorching and ensure an even, smooth texture throughout the jam.
• Experiment with different sugar levels or try alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to suit your taste preferences.
• Use the cold plate test by placing a small amount of jam on a chilled plate to see if it wrinkles when pushed, indicating it's ready to be jarred.
• Process jars in a water bath canner for shelf-stable storage, extending the jam's life beyond two weeks in the refrigerator.

Sour Cherry Jam – How to Keep It Perfect in the Fridge

• Store your sour cherry jam in clean, airtight glass jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Always use a clean spoon when scooping to prevent contamination.
• Pour cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top. Freeze for up to 6 months, ensuring you label with the date.
• Gently warm refrigerated jam in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Microwave in short 15-second intervals if you prefer, stirring between each burst.
• Let jam sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance its spreadable texture and release more vibrant cherry flavors.

Options with Sour Cherry Jam

• Pair Crusty Artisan Bread: Spread the sour cherry jam on thick, rustic slices of freshly baked artisan bread for a delightful breakfast or snack that highlights the jam's vibrant tartness.
• Complement Creamy Goat Cheese: Serve the jam alongside a creamy, tangy goat cheese for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and rich flavors that dance beautifully on the palate.
• Match with Champagne or Prosecco: Enjoy the jam with a glass of bubbly champagne or prosecco, letting the effervescence cut through the jam's sweetness and create a luxurious tasting experience.
• Drizzle over Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream with a generous spoonful of the sour cherry jam for a decadent dessert that combines cool creaminess with bright fruit flavor.

Sour Cherry Jam Recipe Recipe Switches You Can Try

• Low-Sugar Cherry Delight: Replace regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version with reduced calories and lower glycemic impact.
• Spiced Cherry Preserve: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to enhance the jam's warmth and complexity, creating a more aromatic spread.
• Boozy Cherry Spread: Incorporate a splash of kirsch, bourbon, or red wine during the cooking process to introduce sophisticated adult flavor notes.
• Pectin-Free Vegan Option: Use chia seeds or cornstarch as a natural thickening agent for those avoiding traditional pectin, ensuring a gluten-free and plant-based alternative.

Sour Cherry Jam Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade Sour Cherry Jam celebrates summer’s bounty with intense fruit flavors and delightful sweetness. Polish kitchens inspire this simple preserve that delivers pure seasonal magic you can enjoy long after harvest ends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups sour cherries, pitted and chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Flavoring Ingredient:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, seeds from 1 vanilla bean, or vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gently merge sour cherries with sugar in a spacious cooking vessel, allowing the fruits to macerate and release their vibrant crimson juices.
2. Infuse the cherry mixture with delicate vanilla essence, introducing depth and aromatic complexity to the developing preserve.
3. Elevate the pan to medium temperature, stirring consistently to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
4. Allow the mixture to surge into an enthusiastic, bubbling boil, signaling the transformation from raw ingredients to luscious jam.
5. Reduce the thermal intensity, permitting the liquid to gently simmer and concentrate, gradually thickening into a luxurious spread.
6. Monitor the consistency closely, observing the jam’s gradual viscosity as it transforms from liquid to a spreadable texture.
7. Exercise culinary vigilance by continuously stirring, preventing any potential adherence to the pan’s bottom and maintaining a smooth, uniform texture.
8. Taste and adjust the sweetness profile, balancing the cherries’ natural tartness with additional sugar if desired.
9. Once the desired consistency is achieved, carefully transfer the molten jam into sanitized glass receptacles.
10. Preserve the jam through refrigeration for short-term enjoyment or utilize professional canning techniques for extended preservation.

Notes

• Experiment with different vanilla flavors like bourbon or Madagascar vanilla to enhance the cherry’s natural tartness.
• Gradually reduce sugar for a more intense, natural fruit flavor that highlights the sour cherries’ unique taste.
• Use a candy thermometer to ensure the jam reaches the perfect gel point around 220°F, preventing runny or overly thick consistency.
• Consider adding a splash of almond extract to complement the cherry’s deep, rich flavor and create a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg