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Cherry Jam Recipe recipe photo - Cherry Jam Recipe by Jan

Cherry Jam Recipe

Published: June 8, 2025 Prep Time: About 30 minutes Cook Time: About 25 minutes Total Time: About 55 minutes Serves: 4 half-pint jars Difficulty: Medium Category: Dessert Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
  • 1/2 teaspoon butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare water bath canner and sterilize 4 half-pint jars
  2. In a large pot, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice
  3. Let mixture stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally
  4. Stir in pectin and butter
  5. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly
  6. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat
  7. Skim off any foam from the surface
  8. Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace
  9. Remove air bubbles and wipe jar rims
  10. Place lids and rings on jars, tightening finger-tight
  11. Process in water bath canner for 10 minutes
  12. Remove jars and let cool completely before storing

Special Notes

This homemade cherry jam captures the sweet-tart flavor of fresh cherries. The lemon juice adds brightness and helps with the setting process. For best results, use ripe but firm cherries. The jam will keep for up to 1 year when properly canned and stored. This jam is perfect on toast, scones, or as a filling for pastries. You can also use it as a glaze for meats or as a topping for ice cream.

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