Bing Cherry Freezer Jam Recipe

Easy Bing Cherry Freezer Jam Recipe: Sweet Summer Magic

Sweet summer memories burst through every spoonful of this bing cherry freezer jam that captures pure fruit essence.

Juicy berries from local orchards provide an irresistible canvas for homemade preservation.

Minimal cooking means maximum flavor retention in this simple spread.

Pectin and sugar dance together, creating a luscious texture that brightens morning toast.

Chilling transforms fresh cherries into a vibrant, spreadable delight you can enjoy months after harvest.

Preservation becomes an art form with this straightforward technique that celebrates seasonal abundance.

Let’s unlock the secret to capturing summer’s sweetest moments in one delectable jar.

FAQs

  • What are Bing cherries and why use them for this jam?

Bing cherries are sweet, dark red cherries originating from Oregon, known for their rich flavor and high sugar content, making them perfect for creating a naturally delicious freezer jam.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this freezer jam?

No special canning equipment is required. You’ll just need a large bowl, clean jars, spoon, and basic measuring tools to create this simple freezer jam.

  • How long will this freezer jam last?

When stored properly in the freezer, this jam can last up to 12 months. In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for about 3-4 weeks after preparation.

  • Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

While sugar helps with setting and preservation, you can slightly reduce it, but too little sugar might affect the jam’s texture and shelf life.

Bing Cherry Freezer Jam Bursting With Summer

  • Burst with Fresh Flavor: Capture the vibrant, sweet-tart essence of Bing cherries in a homemade jam that delivers an explosion of summer taste.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Whip up this no-cook recipe with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for beginners and busy home cooks.
  • Preserve Summer's Bounty: Store your jam in the freezer to enjoy the rich, natural taste of fresh cherries long after the season has passed, creating a delightful taste memory.
  • Versatile Culinary Companion: Spread this luscious jam on toast, swirl into yogurt, top desserts, or use as a glaze for meats, adding a gourmet touch to everyday meals.

Freezer Jam Ingredients For Bing Cherry Bliss

Fruit Base:
  • Bing Cherries: Sweet and juicy summer cherries that provide the primary flavor and texture for this freezer jam.
Sweeteners:
  • Sugar, Raw Honey: Natural sweeteners that balance the tartness of cherries and help create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Instant Pectin, Lemon Juice, Salt: Essential ingredients that help the jam set properly, add brightness, and enhance the overall flavor profile of the preserves.

Steps For Easy Bing Cherry Freezer Jam

Step 1: Prepare Cherry Base

Grab your freshly pitted Bing cherries and slice them in half.

Toss the cherries into a spacious mixing bowl and sprinkle with sugar.

Add a splash of fresh lemon juice and a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Step 2: Allow Cherry Maceration

Let the cherry mixture rest quietly for about 10 minutes.

During this time, the cherries will release their gorgeous juices, creating a vibrant and flavorful base for your jam.

Step 3: Incorporate Binding Agents

Gently stir in instant pectin and raw honey.

Mix thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are beautifully blended.

Continue stirring for approximately 3 minutes to guarantee the pectin dissolves completely and creates a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Transfer to Storage Containers

Carefully pour the jam mixture into clean glass jars.

Leave about half an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.

Secure the jars with tight-fitting lids.

Step 5: Set and Store

Allow the jars to sit at room temperature for 24 hours, which helps the jam set properly.

After this period, you can either store the jam in the freezer for long-term preservation or move it to the refrigerator for immediate enjoyment.

Tips To Lock In Bing Cherry Flavor Fast

  • Toss cherries with lemon juice quickly to maintain their vibrant red color and prevent oxidation.
  • Stir continuously for the full 3 minutes to ensure smooth, even distribution and proper jam consistency.
  • Leave enough headspace in jars to allow for expansion when freezing, preventing potential cracking.
  • Halve cherries to create a more spreadable jam and release more natural juices during preparation.
  • Adjust honey and sugar ratio to control sweetness while maintaining the jam's natural fruit flavor.

Fun Variations On Bing Cherry Jam For All

  • Low-Sugar Version: Replace full sugar amount with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly option with reduced calories.
  • Spiced Cherry Variation: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warming flavor profile that enhances the natural cherry taste.
  • No-Honey Alternative: Substitute raw honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for different sweetness levels and unique undertones.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use erythritol or allulose as sugar replacement and ensure zero-carb pectin to create a low-carbohydrate jam option.

Freezer Jam Serving Suggestions For Brunch

  • Breakfast Bliss: Spread this vibrant jam on warm, buttered toast or English muffins for a delightful morning treat.
  • Dessert Delight: Swirl the jam into Greek yogurt, top vanilla ice cream, or use as a filling for homemade pastries and tarts.
  • Cheese Companion: Pair the jam with creamy brie or sharp cheddar on a charcuterie board for an elegant appetizer that bursts with fruity flavor.
  • Cocktail Twist: Mix a spoonful into sparkling wine or use as a garnish for craft cocktails to add a sweet, tangy dimension.

Keeping Freezer Jam Fresh In Storage

  • Transfer jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving 12 inch headspace. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 12 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Keep jam in sealed jars in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks. Store in the coldest part of the fridge away from the door.
  • Move from freezer to refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing. Use within 5-7 days after defrosting. Stir well before serving to restore consistency.
  • Gently warm small portions in microwave at 50% power in 15-second intervals. Alternatively, let jam sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften naturally.
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Bing Cherry Freezer Jam Recipe

Bing Cherry Freezer Jam Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sweet summer sunshine radiates through homemade Bing Cherry Freezer Jam, capturing pure fruit essence with minimal effort. Small-batch preservation brings garden-fresh flavor directly to your morning toast, delivering simple deliciousness you’ll savor all season long.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 1/2 cups (840 ml) bing cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar

Sweeteners:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) raw honey
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice

Thickening Agents:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) instant pectin
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Gently crush the halved and pitted bing cherries to release their natural sweetness and vibrant juices.
  2. Incorporate granulated sugar, stirring until the cherries begin to macerate and create a syrupy consistency.
  3. Add fresh lemon juice and a delicate sprinkle of salt to enhance the fruit’s natural flavor profile.
  4. Allow the cherry mixture to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the ingredients to meld and develop depth.
  5. Gradually introduce instant pectin, whisking continuously to prevent clumping and ensure smooth integration.
  6. Drizzle raw honey into the mixture, stirring vigorously for 3 full minutes to activate the pectin’s gelling properties.
  7. Carefully transfer the vibrant jam into sterilized glass containers, maintaining a small air pocket at the top for expansion.
  8. Secure the lids tightly and let the jam rest at room temperature for 24 hours to set properly.
  9. After the initial setting period, relocate the jars to the refrigerator for immediate enjoyment or the freezer for extended preservation.

Notes

  • Chill cherries before pitting to make the process easier and prevent staining clothes or cutting boards.
  • Use fresh, ripe cherries at peak season for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
  • For a lower sugar version, experiment with alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Consider adding a splash of almond extract for a deeper, more complex cherry flavor profile that enhances the natural fruitiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 107 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 0.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 0.3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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