This Easy Homemade Cherry Vanilla Jam is a sweet treat that bursts with flavor! It’s made using ripe cherries, a touch of vanilla, and sugar—so simple and delicious!
I love spreading this jam on warm toast. It brings back memories of summer and makes breakfast feel special. Plus, who can resist that gorgeous cherry color? 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cherries: Ripe, sweet cherries are crucial for great flavor. If fresh cherries aren’t available, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw and drain them before cooking.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness and preservation. If you want a lower-sugar option, try using a sugar substitute like Stevia or a lower-sugar pectin to keep the consistency.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the jam and helps with setting. If you’re out, bottled lemon juice can substitute, but fresh is always best. Lime juice can work too!
Vanilla Bean vs. Extract: A vanilla bean gives a richer flavor, but pure vanilla extract is a good alternative and more convenient. I prefer the extract for simplicity!
How Do I Know When the Jam is Ready?
Testing the jam’s readiness can be tricky but is key to a successful texture. It’s about achieving that perfect consistency so it spreads well! Here’s how:
- Keep a plate in the freezer before you start cooking. When you think the jam is thickened, spoon a small amount onto the chilled plate.
- Let it sit for a minute and then run your finger through it. If it wrinkles or stays separated, it’s ready to jar!
- If it’s still runny, keep simmering and check again in a few minutes.
Taking the time to test will ensure your jam has the right spreadable consistency.
Easy Homemade Cherry Vanilla Jam
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract)
- 1/2 cup water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cherry vanilla jam recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you should plan for around 40 minutes from start to finish, plus time for cooling and sealing the jars.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherries
Start by washing and pitting your fresh cherries. After that, roughly chop them into smaller pieces. This helps them break down more easily while cooking and makes for a smoother jam.
2. Prepare the Vanilla
If you’re using a vanilla bean, carefully split it lengthwise with a sharp knife and scrape out the seeds inside. This adds wonderful flavor to your jam. If you’re using vanilla extract, you’ll add it later.
3. Combine Ingredients
In a large saucepan, combine the chopped cherries, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, water, and the vanilla bean seeds along with the pod. If you’re using vanilla extract, hold off on adding it until later.
4. Cook the Mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture often until the sugar completely dissolves into the cherries, which usually takes a few minutes.
5. Bring to a Boil
Once the sugar has dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to low so it can simmer. Cook this mixture for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency.
6. Finish the Jam
If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it in now and remember to remove the vanilla bean pod. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors!
7. Test for Readiness
To ensure your jam has reached the right thickness, place a small spoonful on a cold plate and let it cool for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it wrinkles and holds its shape, your jam is ready!
8. Jar the Jam
Carefully remove the saucepan from heat. Using a ladle, pour the hot jam into sterilized jars while it’s still hot, sealing them tightly to create a vacuum.
9. Cool and Store
Let the filled jars cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, store them in the refrigerator or keep sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year!
Enjoy your sweet, fragrant cherry vanilla jam on toast, biscuits, or as a delightful topping for desserts!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Jam?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in your jam. Run them under warm water for a few minutes if you need to speed up the thawing process.
How Long Does This Jam Last?
When properly sealed and stored, your cherry vanilla jam can last up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks.
Can I Adjust the Sugar Content?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a less sweet jam, feel free to reduce the sugar. Just keep in mind that sugar helps with preservation and affects the consistency, so it may alter the final texture slightly.
What Should I Do if My Jam Is Too Runny?
If your jam doesn’t thicken as expected, you can try cooking it a bit longer. Bring it back to a boil and simmer while stirring frequently until it reaches the desired thickness. Another trick is to mix a bit of cornstarch with water and add it to the simmering jam, keeping an eye on the consistency!
