This homemade cherry jam recipe is so quick and simple to make, and the flavor? Absolutely incredible! Whether you’re using sweet cherries or sour cherries, this easy cherry jam recipe has the perfect balance of tartness and natural sweetness.
Enjoy this cherry jam with our air fryer homemade granola and a glass of fresh apple, orange and carrot juice!
There’s something truly satisfying about making your own fresh jam. The first time I made this delicious cherry jam, I couldn’t believe how easy it was. And trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to the grocery store version again.
This delicious cherry jam is bursting with fruit flavor and makes every bite feel like a warm evening in the heart of cherry season.
Plus, like our strawberry jam recipe, this jam made with just a handful of ingredients and no added sugar - a wonderful way to enjoy fresh cherries during cherry season!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Easy and quick jam recipe – wone in under 30 minutes!
- Customizable sweetness – works with both sweet cherries and sour cherries, using maple syrup rather than refined sugar.
- Naturally thickened – Thanks to the chia seeds and no pectin needed.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Pitted cherries (fresh or frozen) – If using fresh, remove the pits with a cherry pitter for convenience. If using frozen, let them thaw slightly before blending.
- Maple syrup – Enhances the natural sweetness and cherry flavor in this jam (without using refined sugar). Use grade A refined sugar.
- Lemon juice – Essential for that perfect balance of sweet and tart. This also acts as a natural preservative and helps with the gelling process of the jam.
- Water – Helps blend the cherries before cooking.
- Chia seeds – A healthy thickener that also adds nutrients. Use black or white chia seeds. Chia seeds are a source of nutrients including fibre, antioxidants, omega-3 fats and minerals.
See recipe card for a full quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Almond extract: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a cherry pie taste.
- Lemon zest: for a tangier and refreshing twist (ensure you use unwaxed lemons).
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How to Make Cherry Jam
Step 1: Blend the cherries and add to pan – Use an stick blender or a food processor to puree the cherries with water. If using frozen cherries, rinse them in hot water first. Transfer into a pan.
Step 2: Cook the mixture – heat on medium heat until it reaches a rolling boil, approximately 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add the maple syrup, chia seeds. – Stir in the maple syrup, lemon juice, and chia seeds and lower the heat.
Step 4: Heat then allow to cool. Heat the jam and let it simmer on low heat for another 2 minutes, stirring intermittently. Allow the hot jam to cool, it can help to transfer onto a cold/chilled plate to allow the jam to come to room temperature. Once cooled, carefully transfer to a sterilized jar using a clean spoon. Seal and transfer the jar of cherry jam in the fridge once fully cooled. Serve cooled and enjoy
Expert Tips for the Best Cherry Jam
- Use high-quality fruit – Fresh ripe cherries will give the best results. Avoid overripe or bruised ones.
- For extra depth of flavor – A dash of almond extract for a cherry pie taste. You can also add lemon zest for a tangier and refreshing twist (ensure you use unwaxed lemons).
- Smoother jam – for a smoother jam, blend again with an immersion blender after cooking.
- Adjust according to taste: cherries can vary in their level of sweetness, so you can adjust the level of sweetness according to your preference, for more add ½ tablespoon of maple syrup.
- Select air-tight jars or glass containers which have been sterilised: make sure the jar and rim of the jars have been sterilised to prevent cross contamination. Use airtight glass jars and container. The best way to sterilise is using a water bath method or dishwasher/oven method (see recipe FAQs).
- Label and store: once your jam has completely cooled, label the jar with the date and contents and store in the fridge.
How to Serve This Cherry Jam
- Toast: Serve cherry jam with toast or sourdough French toast for a pop of flavor or in a sandwich for a refreshing twist.
- Muffins or pancakes: You can also serve this with our gluten-free coconut muffins, almond flour chocolate chip muffins, almond flour pancakes and Italian waffle cookies (pizzelles).
- Granola: enjoy with our air fryer healthy granola or rose and pistachio granola.
- Desserts: You can also use cherry jam in desserts, including no-bake desserts!
Recipe FAQs
Store filled jars in the fridge for up to a week, keep away from direct sunlight.
You can sterilize jars using an oven, microwave, stovetop, or dishwasher. In the oven, place washed jars and lids upside down on a baking tray and heat at 160-180°C for 15-20 minutes. For the microwave (glass jars only), wash, leave wet, and heat for 40-50 seconds. On the stovetop (water method), boil jars and lids for 10-15 minutes, then let them dry on a clean towel. A dishwasher on the hottest cycle also works, with jars placed upside down to dry. Ensure they are completely dry before filling with jam.
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Homemade Cherry Jam
Ingredients
- 280 g frozen cherries or fresh (pitted)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoon Chia seeds black or white chia seeds
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Blitz cherries into a mixture and heat in pan. If using frozen cherries, rinse with hot water first to remove any ice. In a food processor or blender, puree the cherries with water to form a mixture.
- Transfer into a pan and heat on medium-high heat.
- Stir and allow mixture to come to a boil once. Stir the mixture and allow it to come to boil once (this should take approximately 10 minutes).
- Add maple syrup, chia seeds and lemon juice. Lower heat and add maple syrup, lemon juice and chia seeds.
- Heat on low heat for another 2 minutes, stirring intermittently, then remove from heat to allow the jam to cool.
- Transfer onto a plate to allow to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, carefully transfer into a dry and sterilised jar, leaving ½ inch space at the top of the jar. Seal the jar with the lid and store in the fridge once completely cooled.
Notes
- Frozen cherries: If using frozen strawberries, rinse the cherries in a colander with hot water first to remove any ice.
- Adjust jam according to taste: cherries can vary in their level of sweetness, so you can adjust the level of sweetness according to your preference, for more add ½ tablespoon of maple syrup.
- Select air-tight jars or glass containers which have been sterilised: make sure the jar or container you use to store the jam is air-tight and has been sterilised to prevent contamination and keep the jam as fresh as possible. Make sure both the jar and lid has been sterilised (you can use any method to sterilise: oven, microwave, dishwasher or stovetop/boiling water, see recipe FAQs for details).
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