Cherry Freezer Jam

Short description

Cherry freezer jam is a delightful spread made from fresh cherries and sugar, preserved in the refrigerator freezer rather than boiled. It captures vibrant fruit flavor with a soft, spreadable texture—perfect for toast, biscuits, or simply enjoying by the spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings out the bright, authentic taste of cherries without spending hours cooking. It’s sweet, summery, and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy cooks. Plus, freezing helps retain the cherries’ fresh color and flavor while providing a naturally thickened, smooth texture. Store it in the freezer and enjoy homemade jam anytime with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh cherries, pitted and halved

• Granulated sugar

• Fruit pectin (designed for freezer jam)

• Lemon juice

Directions

1. Wash, pit, and halve the cherries. Place them in a mixing bowl.

2. Stir in the granulated sugar, coating all pieces. Cover and let macerate at room temperature for about 10 minutes, until juices run.

3. Meanwhile, dissolve the fruit pectin and lemon juice together in a small bowl.

4. Add the pectin–lemon mixture to the cherries and stir thoroughly.

5. Continue stirring for 3–5 minutes until the mixture begins to set.

6. Ladle the jam into sterilized freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.

7. Seal tightly, label with the date, and place in the freezer.

8. After 24 hours, transfer the jam to the refrigerator. It is ready to serve once fully chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 standard 8‑ounce (about 240 ml) jars of jam.
Prep time: ~15 minutes (plus 10 minutes maceration)
Set time: Requires 24 hours in freezer before transferring to fridge
Total time until ready to eat: 24 hours

Variations

• With other fruits: Substitute cherries partially or entirely with mixed berries like strawberries or raspberries using the same proportions.

• Less sugar: Reduce sugar by up to 25 %—jam will be less sweet and may have softer set.

• Spiced version: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or a few whole cloves during maceration for warm spice notes. Remove cloves before bottling.

• Honey-sweetened: Swap half the sugar for honey, adjusting pectin amount to compensate for lower acidity.

Storage/reheating

Store unopened jam in the freezer for up to 12 months. Once thawed and transferred to the refrigerator, it will keep for about 3 weeks. Do not refreeze after opening.
To thaw, place the sealed container in the refrigerator for 6–8 hours or overnight. Once thawed, stir before using to ensure a uniform texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweet cherries or tart cherries for this jam?

Yes. Tart cherries produce more traditional jam flavor with gentle tang, while sweet cherries yield a milder, sweeter result. You can use either or a mix.

2. Do I need a special type of pectin?

Yes. Use pectin labeled for freezer jam, which sets without cooking. Regular pectin is not suitable and may not set properly.

3. Can I make this jam with frozen cherries?

Yes. Thaw fruit fully and drain some juice before proceeding. Adjust sugar as needed since frozen fruit may release more liquid.

4. What container is best for storing freezer jam?

Use clean, airtight, freezer-safe glass jars or plastic containers. Leave headspace for expansion during freezing.

5. Can I halve or double the recipe?

Absolutely. Simply maintain the same fruit‑to‑sugar proportions and use an appropriate amount of pectin.

6. My jam isn’t setting well—is it too liquidy?

It may need more pectin or more stirring time. Ensure you used the correct pectin type and followed stirring instructions fully.

7. Is this jam safe for canning instead of freezing?

No. The method and pectin are intended for freezer jam. Do not process it in a water bath cooker.

8. How can I tell when the jam is ready to bottle?

When stirred for the recommended time, it should thicken and glossy liquid will reduce. It should coat a spoon consistently.

9. Can I reduce sugar even more or use artificial sweeteners?

Reducing sugar too much may prevent proper setting, and artificial sweeteners won’t interact with pectin like sugar does, so those changes are not recommended.

10. What are creative ways to serve cherry freezer jam?

Use it as a topping over pancakes, swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal, layer it in parfaits, or pair with cheese and crackers for a sweet-savory appetizer.

Conclusion

This cherry freezer jam is a simple, flavorful way to preserve the taste of cherries year‑round. With minimal prep and no cooking required, it’s approachable even for first‑time jam makers. Whether slathered on bread, stirred into breakfast bowls, or shared with friends, it delivers fresh fruit goodness at your convenience

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