Homemade Cherry Jam

1. Prepare the Cherries

First wash the cherries thoroughly, pit them, and cut them in half. If you prefer smaller pieces in your jam, quarter the cherries.

2. Cook the Cherries

Place the sliced or quartered cherries in a large saucepan. Add 450 grams of caster sugar, the zest of 1 lemon, and the juice of 1 lemon. Stir the mixture until well combined and the cherries are evenly coated with sugar.

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Simmer the Homemade Cherry Jam, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. This takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

3. Blend the Jam

For smoother consistency, blend the jam either with an immersion blender or a regular blender. Allow the jam to cool for a few minutes to avoid possible burns. Blend until the desired consistency is achieved.

4. Jar the Jam

Carefully pour the Homemade Cherry Jam into a sterilized jar, leaving about half a centimetre (¼”) of space. Wipe the rim of the jar clean and close it with a lid.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Jam

Ripe Cherries: For the best flavour, use fresh, ripe cherries. Avoid cherries that are too soft or bruised.

Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice ensures the best flavour and helps the jam set.

Constantly Stirring: Stir the Cherry Jam frequently, especially towards the end of cooking, to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

Bread Spread: Spread Homemade Cherry Jam on toast or bread for a classic breakfast treat.

Topping for Waffles and Pancakes: Use the jam as a topping for waffles or pancakes, either on its own or with whipped cream.

Yogurt: For a fruity parfait, mix a spoonful of the jam into the yogurt and top it with granola.

Baking: Use it as a filling for pastries, cakes, or cupcakes, such as croissants or wreaths.

Scones: Serve the Homemade Cherry Jam with freshly baked scones and clotted cream for a delicious teatime treat.

Variations

Cherry Vanilla Jam: Split, scrape out, and add the seeds of 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Cherry and Berry Jam: Replace half of the cherries with berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.

Cherry Ginger Jam: While cooking, add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger.

Cherry Mint Jam: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves while cooking, and remove them before jarring.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Homemade Cherry Jam, you might also like the following recipes:

Plum Jam

Mixed Berry Chia Jam

Homemade Strawberry Jam

Conclusion

With its vibrant colour and bold flavour, cherry jam is a standout preserve that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. From morning toast to elegant desserts, its versatility is unmatched. This recipe ensures that you can enjoy the taste of fresh cherries long after the season is over. Enjoy the simple pleasure of Homemade Cherry Jam and the joy it brings to your table.