Sweet Cherry Freezer Jam

4.96 from 21 votes

A delicious taste of fresh cherries on your toast, sandwiches or dinner rolls - all year long!

Prep Time30

Cook Time3

Total Time33

Course: Jams and Jellies

Servings: 1 tablespoon servings

Calories: 42kcal

Author: Chris Scheuer

1½-2 pounds fully ripe red sweet cherries you'll need 2 cups pitted and chopped cherries
4¼ cups sugar measured into separate bowl
¾ cup water
1 box SURE-JELL Fruit Pectin (1.75-ounces) see notes above in post
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Start with clean dry plastic containers or glass jars.
Stem and pit cherries. I love using this cherry pitter. Coarsely chop fruit with a sharp knife or chopper. You can also give a few pulses in the food processor - not too many though, you want chunks of fruit in your jam. Measure exactly 2 cups of cherries into large microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the sugar. Let stand 10 min., stirring occasionally.
Place bowl in microwave and cook on high power for 3 minutes. Remove and stir. Most of the sugar should be dissolved. Taste the jam. If it still has a grainy texture, return to microwave for another minute or two.
Combine water and pectin in small saucepan and stir till pectin is dissolved. Bring to boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add to fruit mixture along with the lemon juice and stir 3 full minutes.
Fill prepared containers immediately to within ½ inch of tops. Wipe off top edges of containers and cover with lids right away. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours. Jam is now ready to use. Refrigerate up to 3 weeks or freeze extra containers up to one year. Thaw in refrigerator before using.

This recipe makes 5 cups of jam.