Cranberry Cherry Jam Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

When the holiday season approaches, nothing evokes cozy feelings quite like the sweet-tart flavor of cranberry cherry jam. This delightful preserve combines the bright tanginess of fresh cranberries with the rich, deep sweetness of ripe cherries, creating a harmonious blend that’s perfect for spreading on warm toast, dolloping over yogurt, or even incorporating into festive desserts.

Making your own jam at home is not only incredibly rewarding but also allows you to control the sweetness and texture, ensuring a fresh, vibrant taste every time. Whether you’re a seasoned jam maker or a curious beginner, this cranberry cherry jam recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, offering a burst of seasonal flavor all year round.

In this post, we’ll guide you through each step, from selecting the best ingredients to tips on storing and serving your homemade jam. Get ready to fill your pantry with a jar (or three) of this luscious, jewel-toned spread that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cranberry cherry jam recipe stands out for its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The natural pectin found in cranberries helps the jam set beautifully without the need for additional gelatin or pectin powders, making it a simple and wholesome preserve.

Plus, fresh cherries add a lovely depth and natural sweetness that complements the cranberries perfectly.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. It’s excellent on breakfast favorites like bagels and pancakes, yet sophisticated enough to serve alongside cheese platters or roasted meats.

The recipe is straightforward, requiring only a handful of ingredients and common kitchen equipment, making it accessible for jam enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Lastly, this jam keeps well for months when canned properly, making it a wonderful homemade gift idea during the holidays or a special treat to enjoy throughout the year.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh cranberries (about 12 oz)
• 3 cups pitted fresh cherries (sweet or tart, about 18 oz)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (optional for extra zing)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for warmth)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot for cooking the jam
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, if you prefer a smoother jam)
• Sterilized glass jars with lids for storing the jam
• Jar funnel (optional, but helpful for filling jars)
• Pot for water bath canning (if you plan to preserve long-term)

Instructions

1. Prepare the fruit: Rinse the cranberries and cherries thoroughly. Pit the cherries using a cherry pitter or by carefully slicing and removing the pits.
2. Combine fruit and sugar: In your large pot, combine the cranberries, cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest if using. Stir well to coat the fruit evenly.
3. Let the mixture macerate: Allow the fruit and sugar mixture to sit for about 30 minutes. This helps draw out the juices and dissolve the sugar, creating a juicy base for your jam.
4. Cook the jam: Place the pot over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. As the fruit softens and breaks down, use your spoon to mash the fruit slightly, encouraging a jam-like consistency.
5. Add cinnamon: If desired, stir in the ground cinnamon once the mixture is boiling. This adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the jam’s flavor profile.
6. Continue cooking: Allow the jam to boil gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring often. The mixture should thicken and become glossy. To test for doneness, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate—if it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it’s ready.
7. Optional straining: If you prefer a smoother jam, pass the hot mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove skins and seeds, then return to the pot and reheat briefly.
8. Sterilize jars: While the jam is finishing, sterilize your glass jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Keep them hot until you’re ready to fill.
9. Fill the jars: Using a jar funnel if available, ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal tightly with lids.
10. Process jars (optional): For long-term storage, process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove and cool on a towel-lined surface. You should hear the lids pop as they seal.
11. Cool and store: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 weeks.

Tips & Variations

“To avoid jam that’s too runny, make sure to cook it long enough for the pectin to activate. Adding lemon juice not only brightens flavor but also helps the jam set.”

• Sweetener alternatives: Swap out granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different flavor, but note that the jam may be softer.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for a holiday twist.
• Fruit swaps: Try mixing in raspberries or blueberries for a berry medley jam.
• Chunky vs. smooth: For chunkier jam, mash less; for smooth, strain thoroughly.
• Low-sugar option: Use a low-sugar pectin and reduce sugar by half to make a diet-friendly version.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry cherry jam is wonderfully versatile. Spread it thickly on warm, buttered toast or English muffins for a bright breakfast treat.

It also pairs beautifully with cream cheese on bagels or crackers for a savory-sweet snack.

For dessert lovers, spoon it over vanilla ice cream or swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal for a pop of flavor. The jam also shines as a condiment alongside roasted turkey or pork, adding a festive fruity note that complements savory dishes.

Don’t hesitate to get creative by using this jam as a filling for thumbprint cookies, swirled into cheesecake, or layered in parfaits. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

Making your own cranberry cherry jam is a delightful way to capture the essence of the season in a jar. The blend of tart cranberries and sweet cherries offers a unique flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a homemade jam that elevates your breakfasts, snacks, and culinary creations.

Whether you gift it to loved ones or keep it for yourself, this jam brings joy and warmth to any occasion. We hope this recipe inspires you to explore the art of preserving and to enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor.

Happy jam making!

For more delicious homemade preserves and spreads, check out our Strawberry Basil Jam, Peach Ginger Chutney, and Blueberry Lavender Jam recipes!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cranberry Cherry Jam”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A tangy and sweet jam combining tart cranberries and juicy cherries. Perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 cups”, “recipeIngredient”: [“3 cups fresh cranberries”, “3 cups pitted fresh cherries”, “2 cups granulated sugar”, “1/4 cup water”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1 teaspoon grated lemon zest”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1 pouch (1.75 oz) fruit pectin”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine cranberries, cherries, and water in a large pot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook over medium heat until berries soften, about 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring mixture to a boil and boil hard for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add fruit pectin and stir well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Boil hard for another minute, then remove from heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour jam into sterilized jars and seal.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool completely before storing.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120”, “proteinContent”: “0.5g”, “fatContent”: “0g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30g”}}