Cherry Jam

This cherry jam is packed with sweet, juicy flavor and comes together easily using just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, gifting or adding to desserts.

You might also like blueberry jam, blueberry jam seltzer, strawberry jalapeno jam, jam sandwich cookies, or cherry slab pie.

Why You’ll Love It           

Easy to make: No special equipment or pectin needed.
Versatile: Great on toast, desserts, yogurt, or cheese boards.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or flavor with lemon or almond.
Perfect for gifting: Beautiful in jars and made with love.
Works with fresh or frozen fruit: Use whatever you have on hand.

Homemade Cherry Jam Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Pitted cherries: The cherry jam cherries bring a rich color and natural sweetness. You can use fresh or frozen pitted cherries. Frozen cherries provide more consistency when making this jam, as well as allow you to make it whenever you want since fresh stemmed cherries are seasonal for a limited amount of time during early summer, depending on your location. Frozen ones don’t have to be thawed first, although more time in simmering, boiling then re-simmering should be added, to allow the moisture to cook down and the jam to thicken. Fresh cherries look slightly lighter in color than frozen cherries, but the flavor is the same.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the jam thicken.
Lemon juice: The lemon juice adds brightness and balances the flavor of your jam.
Almond extract: Optional, but enhances the fruitiness with a subtle nutty note.

How to Make Cherry Jam

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Prepare the cherries: Pit the cherries and remove the stalks or begin thawing frozen ones in a large pot over a medium heat.
Cook the fruit: Add pitted cherries and sugar to the pot, then cook until the sugar dissolves and the fruit softens and releases juices.
Boil the mixture: Increase the heat and bring the cherries to a rolling boil.
Mash the cherries: Stir and gently break up the cherries with a potato masher as they cook and thicken.
Simmer and finish: Lower the heat, continue cooking and mashing the cherry pieces, and then stir in lemon juice and almond extract.
Cool and jar: Let the jam cool slightly before transferring into canning jars or sterilized jars. Seal and chill before using.

Substitutions and Variations

Use honey instead of sugar: For a natural sweetener and different flavor. You could also use an artificial sweetener or monk fruit.
Add spices: Try a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for warmth.
Try other fruit: Combine cherries with raspberries or strawberries for a mixed berry version.
Almond extract: This ingredient is optional. You could add some vanilla extract instead though.

Serving Suggestions

Spread on toast: Spread it on toast, perhaps making your own soda bread for it. This jam is also delicious on crackers, English muffins or scones.
Enjoy with oatmeal: Add a spoonful to your morning oatmeal.
Great for gifting: Homemade jam recipes make lovely, thoughtful gifts. Other great gift ideas include orange sugar scrub, whipped shea butter and jalapeno hot honey.

How to Store Cherry Jam without Pectin

Store: Store the unopened jars in the refrigerator for up to a month after cooking or up to two weeks in the pantry or somewhere dry and cool.
Freeze: You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Allow some room in the container for expansion.
Thaw: Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.