Sweet & Tangy Sour Cherry Jam Recipe: No Pectin, Small Batch Magic

Sweet memories dance through my sour cherry jam, bursting with childhood nostalgia and pure seasonal delight.

Grandma’s kitchen whispers secrets of preserving summer’s bounty in each glistening spoonful.

Deep ruby colors peek from glass jars, promising intense fruit flavor without commercial pectin.

Simple ingredients blend perfectly with minimal cooking time.

Small batches guarantee maximum freshness and concentrated taste.

Homemade preserves always beat store-bought versions hands down.

Sour Cherry Jam Small Batch, Big Taste

• Simplify Jam Making: Craft delicious sour cherry jam without complicated pectin, perfect for home cooks wanting a straightforward preserving experience.
• Quick Kitchen Project: Create a small batch of homemade jam in under an hour, transforming fresh cherries into a delightful spread with minimal ingredients.
• Customize Your Flavor: Enhance the jam with a splash of vanilla, giving a personal touch and depth to the classic fruit preserve that elevates breakfast toast or dessert toppings.
• Versatile Seasonal Treat: Capture summer's bounty by preserving sour cherries in a rich, tangy jam that can be enjoyed throughout the year and shared as a heartwarming homemade gift.

Ingredients For Small Batch Sour Cherry Jam

• Sour Cherries: Tart and vibrant fruit that provides the primary flavor and texture for the jam.

• Granulated Sugar: Helps create sweetness and assists in the jam's thickening process.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, rich undertone that complements the sour cherry's natural tartness.

Steps To Make Sour Cherry Jam At Home

Step 1: Prepare Cherries and Sugar

Grab a saucepan and toss in your fresh sour cherries.

Sprinkle the sugar over the cherries, creating a sweet-tart base.

Gently stir to coat every cherry with sugar, helping them release their natural juices.

Let the mixture rest and mingle for half an hour, allowing the flavors to develop and the sugar to draw out the cherries’ vibrant essence.

Step 2: Simmer and Thicken

Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat.

Watch as the cherry-sugar mixture begins to bubble and transform.

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Keep a close eye on the jam as it slowly thickens and develops a rich, glossy texture.

This process will take about 20-30 minutes, so be patient and enjoy the amazing aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Essence

When the jam starts to look thick and syrupy, introduce a splash of vanilla.

Stir the vanilla into the bubbling mixture, letting it infuse its warm, comforting flavor throughout the jam.

Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vanilla to blend seamlessly with the sour cherries.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the jam cool down naturally.

Once it reaches room temperature, carefully transfer the jam into clean, sterilized jars.

Pop these jars into the refrigerator to chill and set.

Your homemade sour cherry jam is now ready to spread on toast, swirl into yogurt, or enjoy straight from the spoon!

Tips To Nail Sour Cherry Jam Texture

• Use a cherry pitter or paperclip to quickly remove seeds without messy hands.
• Soft-ball stage (240°F) ensures perfect spreadable consistency for your jam.
• Stir occasionally during cooking to break down sugar and create smooth texture.
• Add a splash of almond extract or cinnamon for complex, complementary taste notes.
• Keep jam in sterilized jars in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, ensuring food safety and freshness.

Fresh Ways To Use Sour Cherry Jam Up

• Low Sugar Version: Replace half the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a healthier, less sweet jam with natural sweeteners.
• Spiced Cherry Preserve: Add ground cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom during cooking to create a warm, aromatic flavor profile with depth.
• Boozy Cherry Spread: Incorporate a splash of bourbon, brandy, or rum during the final cooking stage for an adult-friendly, complex taste.
• Herb-Infused Jam: Steep fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs during cooking for an unexpected herbal undertone that complements the cherries' tartness.

Serving Sour Cherry Jam With Breads

• Sweet Morning Breakfast Delight: Spread this tangy jam generously on warm, buttered toast or freshly baked croissants for a delightful breakfast experience.
• Dessert Companion: Swirl the jam into Greek yogurt, layer it between cake layers, or use as a topping for cheesecake to elevate your dessert game.
• Cheese Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a cheese board with creamy brie, sharp cheddar, or soft goat cheese for a sophisticated appetizer that balances sweet and savory flavors.
• Gourmet Gift Idea: Package the jam in small, decorative jars with a ribbon for a homemade gift that shows personal care and culinary skill.

How To Store Sour Cherry Jam Properly

• Store jam in airtight glass containers for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. Keep sealed and away from direct sunlight.
• Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before using.
• Process jam in sterilized jars using water bath method for long-term storage. Sealed jars can last up to 1 year in a cool, dark pantry.
• Once opened, consume refrigerated jam within 7-10 days to maintain best quality and prevent spoilage.

FAQs

• Are sour cherries different from sweet cherries?

Sour cherries have a tart, intense flavor and are smaller and softer than sweet cherries. They’re perfect for making jam because of their high pectin content and bright, tangy taste.

• Do I need to remove cherry pits before making the jam?

Yes, remove the pits before cooking. You can use a cherry pitter or carefully cut the cherries and remove pits by hand to ensure a smooth jam texture.

• How can I tell if the jam is ready and has reached the right consistency?

The jam is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear trail when you run a finger through it. The mixture will also look thicker and slightly glossy.

• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Sugar is crucial for preservation and setting the jam, so reducing it significantly might affect the texture and shelf life.

Sour Cherry Jam (No Pectin, Small Batch) Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade sour cherry jam brings rustic European charm to your breakfast table, singing with tart and sweet notes. Polish grandmothers would proudly share this simple, pure preserve that celebrates summer’s most beloved fruit.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Fruits:

• 2 cups sour cherries, pitted and chopped

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, seeds from 1 vanilla bean, or vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Gently mix pitted sour cherries with granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, allowing the fruit to macerate and release natural juices for half an hour at room temperature.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally and bringing the mixture to a gentle boil, which helps dissolve sugar crystals and intensify fruit flavors.
3. Reduce heat to low, maintaining a soft simmer and continuously stirring to prevent scorching, allowing the liquid to gradually thicken and reduce for approximately 25 minutes.
4. Observe the jam’s consistency, watching for a glossy, slightly viscous texture that coats the back of a spoon without immediately running off.
5. Incorporate pure vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to distribute the aromatic essence evenly throughout the jam.
6. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, which helps meld the flavors and further concentrate the jam’s texture.
7. Remove from heat and let the jam cool naturally for 10-15 minutes, during which it will continue to set and thicken.
8. Carefully transfer the warm jam into sanitized glass containers, leaving a small headspace to allow for potential expansion.
9. Seal the jars and refrigerate, where the jam will maintain its vibrant flavor and smooth consistency for several weeks.

Notes

• Adjust sugar levels to control sweetness, using less for tart cherries or more for a sweeter spread.
• Check jam consistency by placing a small amount on a cold plate; it should wrinkle when pushed with a finger, indicating it’s ready.
• Consider adding a splash of lemon juice to enhance flavor and help with natural pectin activation.
• For a smoother texture, gently mash cherries during cooking or use an immersion blender to break down fruit chunks.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 162 kcal
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg