Sugar-Free Cherry Jam

Sugar-Free Cherry Jam is a delightful way to enjoy the sweetness of cherries without any added sugar. This recipe is perfect for those looking to indulge in a guilt-free treat while ensuring their jam is shelf-stable for up to a year. With its rich flavor and ideal texture, this cherry jam can elevate your breakfast toast, serve as a filling for desserts, or be used in various savory dishes. Plus, it’s an excellent option for keto and low-carb diets.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: This jam uses allulose instead of sugar, making it suitable for low-carb and keto lifestyles.
• Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of fresh cherries and lemon juice results in a vibrant, delicious taste that you won’t want to miss.
• Easy Preparation: Making Sugar-Free Cherry Jam is simple and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned canners alike.
• Versatile Uses: Spread on toast, use as a topping for yogurt or desserts, or add to savory dishes for a unique twist.
• Long Shelf Life: Once canned properly, this jam can last up to a year on your pantry shelf without losing its flavor or freshness.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Sugar-Free Cherry Jam, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment makes all the difference!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Water bath canner
• Jam jars with lids
• Large saucepan
• Potato masher or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Water bath canner: This tool ensures safe sealing of your jars during the canning process.
• Jam jars with lids: Proper jars are crucial for preserving your jam’s freshness and preventing spoilage.
• Large saucepan: A spacious saucepan allows you to cook down the cherries evenly without spills.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Sugar-Free Cherry Jam:

Cherries

• 4 cups of cherries (pitted, chopped)

Other Ingredients

• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup allulose
• 2 tsp Pomona’s Universal Pectin
• 2 tsp calcium water (provided in the pectin box)
• 1 tsp vanilla (optional)

How to Make Sugar-Free Cherry Jam

Step 1: Prepare Your Jars

Wash jars, bands, and lids well. Place jam jars in a water bath canner filled halfway with water. Bring water to a rolling boil. Turn off the burner and leave jars in the canner until ready to use.

Step 2: Heat Lids and Bands

Place lids and bands in water in a small saucepan and heat until water simmers. Keep lids and bands in warm water until you’re ready to use them.

Step 3: Prepare Cherries

If using fresh cherries, pit them before adding them to a large saucepan. If using frozen cherries, measure them out and pour directly into the pan.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add lemon juice and calcium water to the cherries, blending well.

Step 5: Mix Sweetener and Pectin

In a bowl, combine allulose and pectin; blend well.

Step 6: Cook Cherries

Heat the cherries in the saucepan over medium heat. As they begin to soften, mash them with the back of a fork or use a potato masher. Leave some whole cherries if desired but mash them to your preferred consistency. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7: Add Pectin Mixture

Add the pectin-sweetener mixture while continuously stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until dissolved. Allow it all to come back up to a boil. Boil for one full minute once boiling resumes.

Step 8: Fill Jars

Fill each jam jar up to ¼ inch from the top. Clean rims with a clean cloth before placing lids on top. Twist bands until they are finger-tight.

Step 9: Process Jars

When the water in your canner reaches a full boil again, add jars carefully. Boil for 10 full minutes (add an additional minute for every 1,000 feet above sea level).

Step 10: Cool Jars

Remove jars from water bath canner. Let them cool undisturbed for 24 hours on a clean towel or cooling rack.

Step 11: Test Seals

After cooling, check each jar for seals. If any jar did not seal properly, reprocess it again in the canner for another 10 minutes or place that jar in the refrigerator where it will last up to three weeks.

How to Serve Sugar-Free Cherry Jam

Sugar-Free Cherry Jam is a versatile topping that can enhance various dishes. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this jam adds a burst of flavor without the added sugar.

On Toast

• Whole Grain Bread: Spread on toasted whole grain bread for a hearty breakfast.
• Sourdough: Pair with sourdough for a tangy twist.

With Cheese

• Cream Cheese: Serve with cream cheese on crackers for a delightful appetizer.
• Goat Cheese: The tartness of the jam complements the creaminess of goat cheese beautifully.

In Desserts

• Yogurt Parfait: Layer with yogurt and granola for a delicious parfait.
• Ice Cream Topping: Drizzle over vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert.

In Baking

• Muffins: Swirl into muffin batter before baking for a fruity surprise.
• Pancakes: Use as a syrup alternative on pancakes or waffles.

How to Perfect Sugar-Free Cherry Jam

To ensure your Sugar-Free Cherry Jam turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Choose ripe cherries: Select cherries that are fully ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Use fresh lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice enhances the taste and helps with the jam’s gel consistency.
• Measure ingredients accurately: Precise measurements are crucial for achieving the right texture.
• Follow pectin instructions: Adhere to the guidelines provided with your pectin for optimal results.
• Test your seal: Always check if the jars have sealed properly after processing to prevent spoilage.

Best Side Dishes for Sugar-Free Cherry Jam

Sugar-Free Cherry Jam pairs well with various side dishes, enhancing their flavors. Here are some great options you can enjoy alongside this delightful jam.

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie and cheddar complements the sweet-tart notes of the jam.
2. Mini Croissants: Flaky croissants make an excellent base for spreading cherry jam at brunch.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits harmonizes well with spoonfuls of cherry jam drizzled on top.
4. Oatmeal: Stir into warm oatmeal for a naturally sweetened breakfast option.
5. Pancake Bites: Tiny pancakes served with cherry jam create fun finger foods at parties.
6. Savory Crackers: Pair with whole grain or seed crackers to balance sweetness with crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sugar-free cherry jam can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the pectin: Not using pectin or using an incorrect type can lead to a runny consistency. Always use Pomona’s Universal Pectin as specified in the recipe for the right texture.

• Ignoring jar preparation: Failing to properly wash and sterilize your jars can lead to spoilage. Make sure all jars, lids, and bands are cleaned thoroughly before use.

• Incorrect fruit measurement: Using too many or too few cherries can affect the jam’s flavor and texture. Stick to the 4 cups of cherries for optimal results.

• Not boiling long enough: A short boil can prevent the jam from setting correctly. Ensure you boil the mixture for at least one full minute once it reaches the boiling stage.

• Overfilling jars: Filling jars too high can cause spills during processing. Leave a ¼ inch headspace at the top of each jar to allow for proper sealing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Sugar-free cherry jam will last up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sugar-Free Cherry Jam

• Use freezer-safe containers or jars.
• The jam can be frozen for up to 1 year without losing quality.

Reheating Sugar-Free Cherry Jam

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the jar on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer jam to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Place jam in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about making sugar-free cherry jam? Here are some common inquiries.

How do I know if my Sugar-Free Cherry Jam is sealed?

You can check if your jam is sealed by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it pops back, it hasn’t sealed properly and should be reprocessed or refrigerated.

Can I use other fruits for sugar-free jam?

Yes! You can substitute cherries with other fruits like strawberries or blueberries while using the same recipe technique.

What is the best way to serve Sugar-Free Cherry Jam?

Sugar-free cherry jam pairs wonderfully with whole-grain toast, yogurt, or as a topping for low-carb desserts!

How long does Sugar-Free Cherry Jam last?

When stored correctly, this jam lasts up to one year when canned and about three weeks when refrigerated after opening.

Final Thoughts

This Sugar-Free Cherry Jam is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, adding to desserts, or even giving as gifts. Feel free to customize this recipe by experimenting with different fruits or spices! Give it a try today and enjoy a guilt-free treat!