We’ve always loved the burst of summer flavors in our Cherry Blueberry Jam Recipe, a delightful twist on classic homemade preserves that brings together juicy cherries and plump blueberries. It’s an easy way to capture the season’s best fruits, turning them into a spread that’s perfect for toast, desserts, or gifts.
This jam isn’t just tasty—it’s a nod to simple, time-honored techniques with a fresh spin. We’ll guide you through the process so you can whip up a batch that’s bursting with natural sweetness and vibrant color, elevating your everyday meals with minimal effort.
Ingredients
In our Cherry Blueberry Jam Recipe, we gather fresh, vibrant ingredients that capture the essence of summer fruits. Below, we list them in the order they’ll be used, with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes to ensure your jam turns out perfectly tart, sweet, and spreadable.
- Fresh cherries: 2 cups, pitted and halved, as these form the base and provide a juicy, tangy flavor.
- Fresh blueberries: 2 cups, washed and gently mashed, to release their natural juices and blend seamlessly with the cherries.
- Lemon juice: ¼ cup, freshly squeezed, which we add next to enhance acidity and help the jam set naturally.
- Granulated sugar: 3 cups, to balance the fruits’ tartness and achieve that classic jam consistency.
- Pectin: 1 packet (about 1.75 ounces), optional but recommended for first-time jam makers, as it ensures a firm set without overcooking.
For the best results, we source organic fruits when possible, as their flavors shine brightest in this simple yet delightful preserve. Always check for ripeness to maximize the natural sweetness in your Cherry Blueberry Jam Recipe.
Equipment and Tools
Now that we’ve gathered our fresh cherries, blueberries, and other ingredients, we need the right equipment and tools to prepare our Cherry Blueberry Jam safely and efficiently. These items ensure precise measurements, even cooking, and proper preservation for a delicious, shelf-stable result.
Here’s a list of the essential tools, organized by their role in the process:
- Large Stock Pot or Jam Pan: We recommend a heavy-bottomed pot with at least 8 quarts capacity to prevent scorching and allow for boiling the fruit mixture without overflow. This is crucial for reaching the jam’s setting point.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the jam as it cooks, this tool helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the fruit from sticking to the pot. Opt for heat-resistant materials to avoid melting during high temperatures.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate stainless steel or heatproof sets are essential for measuring ingredients like sugar and lemon juice precisely, ensuring our jam achieves the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Candy Thermometer: This tool monitors the jam’s temperature (typically 220°F for setting), helping us confirm when it’s ready without guesswork. Attach it to the pot for reliable readings.
- Mason Jars and Lids: Use 8-ounce glass jars with airtight lids for storing the jam. We suggest sterilizing them in boiling water to prevent contamination and extend shelf life.
- Funnel and Ladle: A wide-mouthed funnel paired with a stainless steel ladle makes filling the jars neat and mess-free, reducing waste and ensuring even portions.
- Canning Pot or Water Bath Canner: For proper sealing, this large pot with a rack allows us to process the filled jars in boiling water, creating a vacuum seal for long-term storage.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Necessary for pitting and chopping cherries and blueberries. Choose a sturdy board and a serrated knife for efficient prep without bruising the fruit.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to move seamlessly into the preparation steps, making our Cherry Blueberry Jam a straightforward and enjoyable process.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh cherries, blueberries, and other ingredients along with the necessary tools, we guide you through creating our vibrant Cherry Blueberry Jam step by step. Follow these precise instructions to achieve a perfectly sweet-tart spread bursting with summer flavors.
Prep
Before we begin cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything is fresh and ready for the jam-making process. Start by rinsing 4 cups of cherries and 2 cups of blueberries under cold water to remove any dirt or debris then pat them dry with a clean towel. Pit the cherries using a sharp knife or cherry pitter to yield about 3 cups of pitted fruit releasing their juicy, ruby-red centers. In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries and blueberries with 1/4 cup of lemon juice for a bright tang and 4 cups of granulated sugar to enhance the natural sweetness—stir gently until the sugar begins to dissolve creating a glossy mixture. If you prefer a firmer set, add 1 packet of pectin and mix thoroughly. Measure all ingredients accurately using your measuring cups and spoons to avoid any inconsistencies in our Cherry Blueberry Jam.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, it’s time to cook the mixture into a luscious jam. Transfer the fruit mixture to a large stock pot and heat it over medium-high heat stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking and to release the fruits’ aromatic essence. As the mixture comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes or until it reaches 220°F on your candy thermometer—watch as the colors deepen to a rich purple hue and the scent of sweet-tart berries fills the air. To test for doneness, spoon a small amount onto a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, our Cherry Blueberry Jam is ready. This step ensures a thick, spreadable consistency perfect for your favorite toast or desserts.
Cool and Store
Once cooking is complete, remove the pot from the heat and let the jam cool slightly for about 5 minutes allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken naturally. While it’s still warm, ladle the jam into sterilized mason jars using a funnel leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top to prevent overflow during sealing. Wipe the jar rims clean, apply the lids and rings, then process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes to create a shelf-stable preserve. After processing, remove the jars and let them cool completely on a clean towel for 12-24 hours where you’ll hear the satisfying pop of the lids sealing—store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year ensuring our Cherry Blueberry Jam stays fresh and flavorful for all your culinary adventures.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To streamline our Cherry Blueberry Jam preparation, we can plan ahead and handle certain steps in advance, ensuring fresh flavors and efficient cooking without compromising safety or quality.
Preparing Ingredients in Advance
We suggest prepping the fruits and other components up to 24 hours before cooking. This keeps everything ready while maintaining optimal freshness:
- Rinse and pit the cherries: Wash 2 pounds of fresh cherries under cold water, remove pits, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents oxidation and keeps the cherries firm.
- Prepare the blueberries: Gently rinse 2 pounds of blueberries, pat them dry, and refrigerate in a sealed bag. Check for ripeness to ensure they contribute their natural sweetness.
- Measure other ingredients: Combine 4 cups of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of optional pectin in a bowl. Cover and store at room temperature until needed.
Making the Jam Ahead
For full make-ahead convenience, we can cook the entire batch and store it properly. Follow these steps to prepare a larger quantity that lasts:
- Cook and jar the jam: After following our step-by-step instructions, ladle the hot jam into sterilized mason jars, seal them, and process in a boiling water bath as detailed. This yields up to 8 jars of jam, each holding about 8 ounces.
- Cool and store: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature, then label and store in a cool, dark place. For immediate use, refrigerate one jar while keeping others for longer-term storage.
- Reheating for use: If the jam sets too firmly, warm a jar in a water bath on low heat for 5-10 minutes to achieve a spreadable consistency, preserving its vibrant tart-sweet taste.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage extends the shelf life of our Cherry Blueberry Jam, allowing us to enjoy its rich, fruity aroma and glossy texture over time. Below is a breakdown of storage options and durations for easy reference:
| Storage Method | Duration | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature (Canned) | Up to 1 year | In a cool, dark pantry; ensure jars are sealed properly to prevent spoilage. |
| Refrigerator (Opened Jar) | Up to 3 weeks | Keep covered; the jam retains its fresh, berry-forward flavor when chilled. |
| Freezer (Uncooked Mixture) | Up to 3 months | Freeze prepped fruit mixture in freezer-safe bags; thaw in the fridge before cooking for the best results. |
By planning these make-ahead steps, we ensure our Cherry Blueberry Jam is always on hand to enhance breakfasts, desserts, or gifts with its irresistible blend of cherry and blueberry essence.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Cherry Blueberry Jam recipe with you
It’s a fantastic way to preserve summer’s vibrant flavors
and add a homemade touch to your meals or gifts
Give it a try and enjoy the fresh burst it brings to your table
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for Cherry Blueberry Jam?
The main ingredients include fresh cherries and blueberries as the base, along with lemon juice for acidity, granulated sugar for sweetness, and optional pectin for a firmer texture. Using organic, ripe fruits ensures the best flavor and natural sweetness, making the jam tart, sweet, and spreadable.
How do I prepare and cook the jam?
Start by rinsing and pitting the cherries, then mix with blueberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Heat the mixture in a large pot until it reaches a rolling boil and the desired thickness, typically at a specific temperature. Once cooked, ladle into sterilized jars and process in a boiling water bath for safe preservation.
What equipment do I need for making Cherry Blueberry Jam?
You’ll need a large stock pot for cooking, measuring cups for precise ingredients, and mason jars for storage. These tools ensure even heating, accurate measurements, and proper sealing, helping you make a safe, shelf-stable jam efficiently.
Can I make this jam ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the fruits and mix ingredients up to 24 hours in advance to keep them fresh. For larger batches, cook and store by cooling, labeling jars, and using a boiling water bath. This makes it easy to have jam ready for meals, gifts, or desserts with minimal last-minute effort.
How should I store the Cherry Blueberry Jam?
Store the jam in sterilized, sealed mason jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year if processed in a boiling water bath. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a month. Proper labeling and cool storage help maintain its fresh flavor and extend shelf life.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely, it’s beginner-friendly with simple steps and common ingredients. The article provides clear guidance on preparation, cooking, and storage, making it easy to achieve a delicious result. Just follow the precise measurements and safety tips for a successful first try.