Craft this rich, sweet, and unique spread for your morning toast or a dazzling dessert.
As a fruit lover, I’ve learned that almost any fruit can be turned into a decadent and spreadable jam. But lately, I’ve been surprised by how many variations there are! The farm I work at sells 42 different flavors of jam, and that’s just the beginning. As we approach the colder seasons, they’ll be getting more canned and jarred goods in for the community. One of the more delectable flavors I’ve discovered is cherry jam, a thick and sweet spread that makes a simple slice of toast taste like a piece of cake.
Crafting cherry jam from scratch isn’t hard at all. Just remember to remove the stems and pits before you start cooking! The rest of the recipe is much like any berry jam, with a blend of lemon juice and sugar to bring out the juices and harmonize the flavors. Cherry jam turns out glossy and deep red, with a rich and tart taste that goes great with breakfast dishes as well as desserts. Truthfully, I wasn’t a fan of cherries when I was little, but as an adult, this jam hits the spot. If you’ve got a fruity sweet tooth, this is a great way to satisfy it.
Which type of cherry is best for jam?
There are two main types of cherry—sweet cherries, which are easy to eat fresh, and sour cherries, which are better for cooking into recipes like this one. You can use either type for cherry jam, but keep in mind that sour cherries will lead to a brighter and stronger flavor. The acidity in them blends well with the sugar, creating a beautiful balance of tartness and sweetness. That being said, if you like it sweeter and less tangy, use sweet cherries.
How do I store leftovers?
Once your jars have cooled to room temperature, store them in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. Alternatively, transfer the jam to freezer-safe jars and freeze for up to 6 months before thawing in the fridge overnight. Fresh out of the fridge, use the cherry jam in your favorite breakfast dishes or desserts.
Serving suggestions
Craving a quick breakfast to start the busy day ahead? Spread cherry jam on some Air-Fryer Toast and serve a side of Broiled Bacon. That’s an easy, sweet and savory win right there! On the other hand, if you’re preparing a large brunch for you and some loved ones, top Silver Dollar Pancakes or French Toast Bagels with cherry jam for a burst of fruity flavor. But if you’d like to bake a bedazzled dessert with this jam as a filling or topping, try Ricotta Cheesecake or Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh cherries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash the cherries well. Remove the stems and pits, then set aside the prepared fruit.
- Place the pitted cherries in a heavy pot. Stir in the granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to help draw out the natural juices.
- Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to medium-high and let it boil gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Check the consistency by placing a small drop of jam on a chilled plate; if it holds its shape, the jam is ready.
- Remove the pot from heat. For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to lightly mash the cherries, leaving some chunks for texture if desired.
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars and seal immediately. Allow the jars to cool at room temperature before refrigerating.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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