Delicious Homemade Black Cherry Jelly Recipe | Easy Step-By-Step Guide

Looking for a sweet and tangy treat that will leave your taste buds craving for more? Look no further! Today, we’re diving straight into the delectable world of black cherry jelly recipe, a delightful concoction that combines the richness of black cherries with the smooth texture of jelly. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to elevate your culinary skills and impress your friends and family. So, grab your apron and let’s get started on mastering the art of crafting this luscious black cherry jelly!

Black Cherry Jelly Recipe

Introduction

Jellies have always been a favorite treat, and the flavor possibilities are endless. One flavor that stands out is black cherry. The rich and bold taste of black cherries adds a delightful burst of sweetness to any dish. One popular way to enjoy the vibrant flavor of black cherries is through black cherry jelly. In this article, we will explore a step-by-step guide on how to prepare homemade black cherry jelly that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

To make black cherry jelly, you will need the following ingredients:

• 5 cups of fresh black cherries
• 4 cups of granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• 1 package of powdered pectin

Notes on Ingredients:

– Fresh black cherries: It is important to use ripe, fresh black cherries for the best flavor. You can either pit the cherries manually or use a cherry pitter to make the process easier.
– Granulated sugar: The sugar acts as a natural preservative and helps achieve the right consistency of the jelly.
– Lemon juice: Lemon juice provides acidity, which is necessary for the jelly to set properly.
– Powdered pectin: Pectin is a natural thickening agent that helps the jelly achieve its gel-like texture.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious black cherry jelly:

Step 1: Prepare the Black Cherries

– Wash the black cherries thoroughly under running water.
– Remove the stems and pits from the cherries. You can use a cherry pitter or pit them manually.
– Chop the cherries into smaller pieces to make them easier to work with when cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Cherries

– Place the chopped black cherries in a large saucepan over medium heat.
– Add the lemon juice and stir well to combine.
– Cook the cherries for about 15 minutes, or until they become soft and release their juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 3: Strain the Cherry Juice

– Once the cherries have cooked down, use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the juice from the cooked cherries.
– Press the cherries gently to extract as much juice as possible.
– Discard the leftover cherry solids or save them for other recipes.

Step 4: Prepare the Jelly Mixture

– Measure the extracted cherry juice. You should have around 4 cups of juice. If you have less, add enough water to make up the difference.
– Pour the cherry juice into a clean saucepan.
– Gradually stir in the powdered pectin until it is fully dissolved.
– Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.

Step 5: Add Sugar and Cook

– Add the granulated sugar to the boiling cherry mixture.
– Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
– Return the mixture to a rolling boil and cook for an additional minute.

Step 6: Test for Jelly Doneness

– To test if the jelly has reached the desired consistency, perform the “wrinkle test.”
– Place a small plate in the freezer to chill.
– Spoon a small amount of the jelly onto the chilled plate and let it sit for a few moments.
– Push the edge of the jelly with your finger. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, the jelly is ready. If not, continue cooking for another minute and test again.

Step 7: Jar and Seal the Jelly

– Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully skim off any foam from the surface of the jelly.
– Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
– Wipe the rims of the jars clean and place the lids on top.
– Process the jars in a water bath canning method for about 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.

Step 8: Enjoy!

– Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
– Once cooled, label the jars with the date and store them for up to a year.
– Spread the black cherry jelly on toast, biscuits, or use it as a topping for desserts. Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of homemade black cherry jelly!

Tips and Variation Ideas

– For a twist on the traditional black cherry jelly, consider adding a hint of almond extract to the mixture for a delightful flavor combination.
– Experiment with different sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup for a more natural alternative.
– If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the cooked cherries before adding the pectin.
– Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the jelly for a warm and cozy flavor.
– Serve the black cherry jelly alongside a cheese platter for a delicious sweet and savory combination.

Making your own black cherry jelly is a rewarding and enjoyable process. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious homemade treat that can be enjoyed for months to come. Whether spread on a piece of toast or used as a versatile ingredient in various recipes, black cherry jelly is sure to elevate your culinary creations. So grab some fresh black cherries and embark on a jelly-making adventure that will impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones.

Step By Step To Making Cherry Jelly

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make black cherry jelly?

To make black cherry jelly, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups of black cherries
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 package of powdered pectin

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Wash and remove the stems from the black cherries. Puree the cherries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the cherry puree, sugar, and lemon juice. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
3. Add the powdered pectin to the saucepan and continue to boil for another minute, stirring constantly.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface of the jelly.
5. Pour the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
6. Seal the jars with sterilized lids and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
7. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. The jelly will thicken as it cools.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries for making black cherry jelly. Just make sure to thaw the cherries completely before using them in the recipe. Frozen cherries may release more liquid during the cooking process, so you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?

The amount of sugar in the recipe is important for the preservation and setting of the jelly. It is not recommended to reduce the amount of sugar as it can affect the texture and shelf life of the jelly. However, you can try using a low-sugar or no-sugar pectin to achieve a similar result with less sugar.

How long will the black cherry jelly last?

When properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, black cherry jelly can last for about 1 year. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.

Can I double the recipe to make more jelly?

Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe to make a larger batch of black cherry jelly. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and have enough sterilized jars to accommodate the increased quantity of jelly.

Final Thoughts

The black cherry jelly recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make treat. The rich flavor of black cherries adds a burst of sweetness to every bite. Simply combine fresh black cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin in a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the mixture reaches the desired consistency. Pour it into sterilized jars, let it cool, and enjoy this delicious homemade jelly on toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for desserts. Indulge in the fruity goodness of black cherry jelly, and savor the taste of summer all year round.