Cherry Vanilla Jam: Easy Homemade Summer Preserve

A Memory in a Jar: Why This Jam Deserves a Place in Your Pantry

Every summer, my grandmother and I would roam the local orchards with baskets in hand, chasing that sweet, sun-kissed aroma of ripe cherries. We’d eat as many as we picked—sticky fingers, purple-stained smiles, and all. When the sun started to wane, we’d retreat to the kitchen and start what I now cherish as a ritual: making jam.

There’s something timeless and therapeutic about preserving fruit at its peak. With this cherry vanilla jam, you capture the essence of summer in a spoon. Whether you’re a busy parent, a baking enthusiast, or someone just diving into homemade preserves, this homemade cherry vanilla jam is easy, aromatic, and absolutely unforgettable.

And if you’re already obsessed with cherries, you’ll want to slather this on our buttery cherry cobbler muffins for a truly indulgent combo.

Gather Your Goodies: Ingredients & Smart Prep Tips

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a small batch of this luscious cherry vanilla conserve:

Ingredients:

• 5 cups dark sweet cherries, pitted and chopped (fresh or thawed frozen)
• 2½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 3 teaspoons vanilla extract)
• 1 packet low-sugar pectin (about 49g)

Ingredient Notes:

• Dark sweet cherries: Think Bing or Lapins. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain thoroughly—extra water is your jam’s enemy.
• Vanilla: A vanilla bean jam gives intense flavor, but extract works just as beautifully for a quick option.
• Lemon juice in jam: This isn’t just for tartness—it helps set the pectin and keeps the fruit vibrant.
• Pectin for cherry jam: Cherries are naturally low in pectin, so a commercial one is essential here. A low-sugar pectin jam lets that vanilla aroma shine through.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cherry Vanilla Jam

Roll up those sleeves! This easy jam recipe comes together in under an hour and requires no advanced skills—just a bit of patience and love.

Instructions:

1. Prep the cherries: Pit and coarsely chop. Double-check for rogue pits—they’re sneaky!
2. Combine the base: In a large pot, stir together cherries, lemon juice, pectin, vanilla (beans or extract), and ¼ cup sugar.
3. Bring to a boil: Stir constantly over medium-high heat until it hits a vigorous, rolling boil.
4. Add remaining sugar: Stir in the rest of the sugar and return to a rolling boil. Boil exactly 1 minute, then remove from heat.
5. Skim and cool: Skim off foam. Let the jam cool slightly before jarring.

Note: For a freezer jam method, boil for 45 seconds instead of 1 minute, cool completely, and store in freezer-safe fruit jam containers.

Now you’ve got a pot of cherry jam infused with vanilla that’s as glossy and fragrant as a summer sunset.

Preserve the Magic: Canning Instructions

Want this jam to last through winter snowstorms and surprise guests? Here’s how to can cherry vanilla jam for long-term storage:

Tools You’ll Need:

• 4 x 8 oz mason jars
• Canning pot
• Jar lifter
• Funnel
• Clean cloth

Water Bath Canning Steps:

1. Heat jars in boiling water while you prep the jam.
2. Fill jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims, place seals and tighten lids fingertip-tight.
3. Process in boiling water for 10 minutes.
4. Cool and check seals: Let rest for 24 hours. Listen for the “pop”—that’s a good seal!

Stored properly, your shelf-stable cherry jam can last up to 18 months in a cool pantry.

Want to try other techniques? Compare this with our strawberry rhubarb jam recipe for different fruit pairings and canning nuances.

FAQs & Jam-Saving Tips

How long does it last?

• Fridge: 1 month
• Freezer: 1 year
• Pantry (canned): up to 18 months

Cherry on Top: Creative Serving Ideas

This jam isn’t just for morning toast. Here’s how to savor every drop:

• On scones and biscuits: Sweet meets buttery perfection.
• With cheese: Try it on a goat cheese crostini or baked brie—ideal for cherry jam on cheese boards.
• Yogurt or ice cream: A dollop of this on vanilla gelato? Game over.
• Savory twist: Use as a glaze for duck or pork chops—it’s a secret weapon.

Craving more cherry creations? Check out our refreshing fresh cherry sorbet or pair this jam with easy cherry pie bars for a layered dessert platter.

For more pairing ideas, discover sweet and savory recipes on Pinterest or follow our kitchen creations on Facebook.

More to Explore: Related Cherry Recipes

Love this jam? You’ll adore our other seasonal favorites like:

• Loquat Vanilla Jam
• Apricot Almond Preserves
• Mixed fruit summer jams

Be sure to explore our full collection of cherry recipes for more inspiration.

Homemade Cherry Vanilla Jam

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• Author: Kai
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 jars 1x

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Description

You’re going to love this one—imagine the burst of flavors, the vibrant textures, and that secret twist that makes this recipe absolutely irresistible; trust me, you need to try this ASAP!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 cups dark sweet cherries, pitted and chopped (fresh or thawed frozen)
• 2½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 3 teaspoons vanilla extract)
• 1 packet low-sugar pectin (about 49g)

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Instructions

1. Pit and coarsely chop cherries. Double-check for rogue pits.
2. In a large pot, stir together cherries, lemon juice, pectin, vanilla (beans or extract), and 1/4 cup sugar.
3. Bring mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in the remaining sugar and return to a rolling boil. Boil exactly 1 minute, then remove from heat.
5. Skim off any foam and let the jam cool slightly before jarring.

Notes

For freezer jam, boil for only 45 seconds, let cool completely, and store in freezer-safe containers. Want it shelf-stable? Process filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes and store in a cool pantry for up to 18 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Preserves
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tbsp
• Calories: 75
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cherry, jam, vanilla, summer, preserve