How Do You Preserve Cherry Jam? Full Recipe!

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your own cherry jam and preserve it for the whole year, you're in the right place. Today, we’re sharing a cherry jam recipe, which is not only simple but absolutely delicious. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this guide walks you through every step, from fruit prep to long-term storage.

🍒 The Charm of Homemade Cherry Jam

There’s something magical about opening a jar of cherry jam in the middle of winter — a reminder of sunny days and ripe, sweet cherries. Making cherry jam preserves at home gives you control over ingredients and flavor while creating a lovely homemade gift or pantry staple.

How Do You Make Cherry Jam?

Here’s a quick ingredient list:

1.2 kg fresh sweet cherries (pitted; ~1 kg after)
600 g white granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest for brightness

Yield: 1 liter (approx. 4 x 250 ml jars)

📸 Step-by-step Visual Guide

Start with fresh sweet cherries. Wash, stem, and pit 1.2 kg of cherries — you’ll have about 1 kg after pitting.
Optional but recommended: Maceration. Mix the cherries with 600 g of white granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and optionally, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.

Let it sit for 2–4 hours (or overnight) in the fridge. This helps extract juice and dissolve the sugar.
Cook the jam. Transfer everything to a wide saucepan or jam pan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
Simmer and reduce. Lower the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 25–35 minutes. Stir often and skim off any foam. The cherry jam will thicken as it reduces.
Test the set. Use the cold plate method: place a small amount of jam on a chilled plate and let it sit for 30 seconds. If it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.
Jar the jam. Ladle the jam into sterilized 250 ml jars, leaving 0.5 cm (¼ inch) headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal tightly.
Preserve it properly (highly recommended). Process the sealed jars in a water bath for 10 minutes. Let them cool for 24 hours.

How Long Does Cherry Jam Last?

Unopened: up to 12 months in a cool, dark place
Opened: refrigerate and enjoy within 1 month

These cherry jam preserves stay flavorful and rich when stored properly, making them a beautiful addition to your pantry.

Benefits of Making Your Own Cherry Jam

Making your own cherry jam recipe means:

You control the sweetness and consistency.
You avoid preservatives and artificial flavorings.
You get to enjoy a rich, seasonal taste all year long.
It’s perfect for gifting — who doesn’t love a jar of homemade cherry jam?

And best of all, you can tweak the cherry jam recipe with spices like cinnamon or a dash of vanilla!

☀️ Bonus Tip: Store Your Jam Right — with Sympl Sunny Cap!

Once your cherry jam is sealed, don’t forget the importance of proper jar closure. The Sympl Sunny Cap is a reusable stainless-steel lid with a vacuum-safe seal that keeps your jams, preserves, and sauces fresh longer.

Why choose Sympl Sunny Cap?

BPA-free and sustainable
Leakproof seal — even for water bath canning
Durable, reusable, and dishwasher safe
Designed for long-term preservation of homemade goods

Your cherry jam preserves deserve a storage solution that’s as thoughtful as the recipe itself. Choose Sympl Sunny Cap and keep your pantry naturally delicious and eco-conscious.