Sweet Cherry Jam
Indulge in the rich, fruity sweetness of homemade Sweet Cherry Jam, a seasonal preserve that combines the luscious flavor of ripe cherries with the bright zing of fresh lemon juice and zest. With just four simple ingredients—pitted cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and zest—this small-batch recipe is perfect for beginner jam makers and seasoned preservers alike. The jam's vibrant ruby hue and perfectly balanced sweetness make it an irresistible spread for morning toast, pastries, or even a tangy glaze for savory dishes. Ready in under an hour, this no-pectin recipe relies on natural fruit pectin and a gentle simmering process to achieve its luxurious, spreadable consistency. Whether you’re preserving summer’s bounty or gifting a jar to loved ones, this homemade cherry jam guarantees a taste of sunshine in every spoonful.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups cherries (pitted and halved)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Wash the cherries thoroughly under cold running water. Pit and halve the cherries using a cherry pitter or knife.
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the cherries begin to release their juices, about 8-10 minutes.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to crush the cherries slightly to your desired texture.
Continue simmering for 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the jam thickens. To test for doneness, place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. If it forms a gel-like consistency after a minute, it is ready.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the jam cool slightly. Transfer the jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal tightly with a lid.
Let the jars cool completely at room temperature, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath for long-term storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1908 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.3 g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 498.3 g | 181% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.0 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 477.2 g | ||
| Protein | 6.7 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 84 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 1363 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
