This easy-peasy cherry jam cooks to perfection in your slow cooker, taking around 5 hours to prepare using cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin.

To make Cherry Jam in your slow cooker or crockpot, just combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice, then sprinkle pectin on top without stirring. Cook on low for 2.5 hours, stir twice, then cook on high until thick.

The jam won’t look ready while it’s still hot; it should look syrupy, and that’s your clue. As it cools, it thickens up beautifully! If you try this out, I’d love to hear how it went—please comment below and share your experience!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Can I use frozen cherries for this Cherry Jam recipe?

Absolutely, you can use frozen cherries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to let them thaw and drain any excess liquid before you start, so you don’t water down your jam.

Slow Cooker Cherry Jam Ingredients

• 4 cups (about 600 grams) of pitted cherries
• 2 cups (400 grams) of sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of fresh lemon juice
• A pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of fruit pectin (dry type, such as Sure-Jel)

How To Make Slow Cooker Cherry Jam

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Place the pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt into your slow cooker. Stir everything gently to combine. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the sugar to start dissolving.
2. Add Pectin: Gently sprinkle the dry fruit pectin over the cherry mixture. Do not stir it in—this ensures even distribution as the cooking process begins.
3. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 2 and a half hours. Stir the mixture twice throughout this period to help integrate the pectin and prevent sticking.
4. Increase Heat: After the initial cooking period, remove the lid and switch the slow cooker to high. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 hours, or until the jam reaches a syrupy consistency.
5. Check Consistency: The final cooking time may vary depending on your preference for jam thickness. For a thicker jam, the liquid should coat the back of a spoon. Reduce the cooking time if you prefer a looser consistency.
6. Storage: Once done, carefully transfer the hot jam into sterilized half-pint mason jars. This recipe typically yields about 3 jars.

Recipe Tips

• Checking Consistency: To test if your jam has reached the right consistency, place a spoonful on a cold plate and wait a minute; if it doesn’t run, it’s perfectly done!
• Prevent Overcooking: Keep an eye on your slow cooker during the last hour of cooking; this will help you catch the jam at your ideal thickness without letting it become overly sticky or burnt.
• Enhance Flavor: Consider adding a vanilla bean or a cinnamon stick during the cooking process; this subtle addition can elevate the flavor profile of your cherry jam beautifully.
• Skim Off the Foam: If you notice foam forming on the surface during the initial cooking phase, gently skim it off with a spoon. This keeps your jam looking clear and glossy.

Recipe Variations

• Berry Delight: Try mixing in other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry jam; just ensure the total amount of fruit remains the same for the perfect set.
• Spice It Up: For a spicier twist, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg. It’s a small change that can give your jam a warm, intriguing flavor, especially nice in the colder months.
• Reduced Sugar Version: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the sugar by up to half and increase the pectin slightly. This will still give you a spreadable, delicious jam.
• Citrus Zing: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon for an added citrus zing. This brightens the jam’s flavor, making it a refreshing spread on morning toasts or desserts.

What To Serve With Cherry Jam

Serve your Cherry Jam with fresh scones, rich clotted cream, warm buttermilk biscuits, crispy croissants, and thick Greek yogurt.

You can also pair it with sharp cheddar cheese, crusty baguettes, and homemade almond pancakes for a delightful treat.

How To Store Leftover Cherry Jam

In The Fridge:

Transfer the leftover Cherry Jam into an airtight glass jar to maintain freshness. Ensure the lid is sealed tightly. This jam will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks if stored properly.

In The Freezer:

Cherry Jam should not be stored in the freezer as freezing can alter the texture and flavor, making it less enjoyable. The pectin may become less effective, resulting in a runnier jam once thawed.

Check out More Slow Cooker Jam Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Blueberry Jam
• Slow Cooker Green Tomato Jam
• Slow Cooker Rhubarb Jam