Homemade Sweet Cherry Jam Recipe
Enjoy Cherry Season Longer With This Sweet Cherry Jam Recipe
Preserve the flavor of summer with this cherry jam recipe. Made with fresh sweet cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin, this jam is perfect for spreading on toast, filling pastries, or topping ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade sweet cherry jam captures the vibrant, fresh flavor of summer cherries in every spoonful. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, perfect for beginners and experienced canners alike. The recipe offers flexibility with optional spices and flavorings to customize your jam. Plus, it preserves the season’s bounty so you can enjoy cherry goodness year-round.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped sweet cherries (Bing or Rainier)
- 6 Tablespoons powdered pectin
- 4 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Cherries
- Wash and pit cherries before chopping.
- If using frozen cherries, thaw completely before chopping.
2. Cook the Jam
- In a large pot, combine cherries, lemon juice, cinnamon, clove and pectin.
- Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
- Add sugar all at once and return to a boil for 1 minute.
3. Canning Process
Cool jars slowly under a towel to prevent breakage.
Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
Wipe rims, apply lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes (adjust for altitude).
FAQs About Cherry Jam
Can You Use Frozen Cherries?
Yes, but thaw them first. Chopping frozen cherries is unsafe and they take longer to reach cooking temperature.
Do You Have To Pit Cherries?
Yes. Pitting cherries before cooking ensures no pits remain in the jam.
Creative Ways To Use Cherry Jam
- Add to muffin batter for cherry muffinsin a hot water bath for 15 minutes and bring to a boil (that is when your time starts). This time may need to be adjusted depending on your elevation.
- Spread on toast or bagels
- Fill pastries like scones or danishes
- Swirl into ice cream or yogurt
- Mix into frosting for cherry flavor
More Homemade Jam Recipes
Try these other favorites:
- Blueberry Jam
- Strawberry Jam
- Blackberry Jam
- Cherry Chocolate Jam
Different Ways to Use Jam
Tips for the Best Cherry Jam Recipe
- Test jam set by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate.
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor.
- Measure ingredients carefully for proper set.
Homemade Sweet Cherry Jam Recipe: Easy Canning Instructions
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped pitted sweet cherries
- 6 Tablespoons Pectin
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 4 ½ cups sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Fill the water bath canner with water (to give the jars water 1 inch above the jars. Start heating the water while you process the cherries.
- Wash the cherries.
- Remove the stems, pits and cut the cherries into small pieces (rough chop).
- Place the cherries and lemon juice and pectin into the Dutch oven.
- Stir to blend the pectin evenly through the cherries.
- Add the cinnamon and ground cloves and mix together.
- Bring the mix to a boil over medium heat.Stir to keep the mix from burning.
- Add the sugar and stir until the sugar melts.
- Bring to a rolling boil, stirring to keep from boiling.
- Stir the mix for a minute while it boils (rolling boil is a boil you cannot stir down). Stir. Stir. Stir.
- After a minute, remove from heat.
- Place the funnel on the jar and with the ladle, fill the jars, leaving 1/4" head space from the top.
- Clean the top of the jar with a clean wet towel.
- Place a seal on the jar and hand tighten.
- Place the jars in hot water in the water bath canner.
- Repeat filling each jar and placing into the water bath canner, water 1" over top of jars.
- Bring the water to a boil and water bath jars for 15 minutes.
- After the time is up, turn off the heat and allow the jars to sit for 5 minutes.
- Remove the jars and place on a towel.
- Cover the jars and allow them to cool for 12 hours.
- Check to ensure they have sealed. Label and date the jars.
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