Description
This homemade Cherry Jam recipe transforms fresh or frozen cherries into a luscious, sweet spread perfect for toast, desserts, or gifts. The process involves gently cooking cherries with sugar and lemon juice to unlock their natural flavors, then simmering until thickened to create a smooth, rich jam infused with an optional hint of almond extract.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 cups cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted, about 16 ounces)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cherries: If using fresh cherries, remove the stems and pits carefully to prepare them for cooking.
- Thaw Frozen Cherries: For frozen cherries, place them in a heavy-bottomed 4-quart pot and cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly to thaw quickly. Skip this step if using fresh or already thawed cherries.
- Add Sugar and Cook: Add fresh cherries to the pot along with ½ cup of granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 7 to 9 minutes, allowing the cherries to release their juices and soften.
- Boil the Mixture: Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the cherries to a boil. Maintain a rolling boil between 205 to 212°F (96 to 100°C) and continue cooking for another 7 to 9 minutes while stirring.
- Break Up Cherries: As the cherries soften, press and break them up gently while stirring to encourage even cooking and release juices.
- Simmer and Mash: Reduce heat to low and simmer the jam for 5 to 7 minutes. Use a potato masher to crush any larger cherry pieces, ensuring a smooth consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add Flavorings and Cool: Stir in ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice and ½ teaspoon almond extract if desired, then remove from heat. Allow the jam to cool in the pot for 15 minutes.
- Jar the Jam: Pour the cooled jam into sterilized mason jars. Let the jars sit at room temperature for 1 hour before sealing with lids.
- Refrigerate: Store the sealed jars in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy or gift.
Notes
- Use firm but ripe cherries for the best flavor and texture.
- Almond extract adds a nice complementary flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Ensure consistent stirring during cooking to prevent burning or sticking.
- Sterilize jars properly before jarring to extend shelf life.
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor boiling temperature for ideal jam consistency.
- Frozen cherries should be fully thawed for best results or rapidly thawed on the stovetop as described.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
