Description
This easy homemade Cherry Jam recipe combines fresh cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and fruit pectin to create a sweet and tangy spread that’s perfect for toast, pastries, and desserts. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can make delicious cherry jam at home in just around 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cherry Jam 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 thoroughly, either using a cherry pitter or by cutting them in half to remove the pits.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture well and let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the cherries to release their natural juices.
- Heat Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and heat the mixture while stirring frequently until it begins to boil.
- Add Pectin and Boil: Once boiling, stir in the fruit pectin according to the package instructions. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture reaches a full rolling boil again.
- Test for Doneness: Use the cold plate test by placing a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. Push the jam with your finger; if it wrinkles and does not run, the jam is ready.
- Jar the Jam: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, sealing them tightly. Then process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 to 10 minutes to preserve the jam and ensure safety.
Notes
- Make sure to sterilize jars properly before filling to prevent spoilage.
- The cold plate test is a reliable way to check jam consistency without special equipment.
- You can adjust the sugar quantity slightly depending on the sweetness of your cherries.
- If you don’t have fresh cherries, frozen cherries can be used; thaw them first and drain excess liquid.
- Store opened jam in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks for best quality.
