Description
This cherry jelly recipe no pectin proves that exceptional homemade preserves require nothing more than quality fruit, minimal sugar, and proper technique. In just 30 minutes, you’ve created a vibrant, naturally-set jelly that surpasses store-bought alternatives in both flavor and nutritional value.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- Optional: Stevia (2 tbsp), monk fruit sweetener (¼ cup), or agave nectar (¼ cup)
- Optional flavor enhancers: splash of vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon juice
Instructions
- Place a glass plate in the freezer for jelly testing.
- Pit cherries and optionally halve or dice them.
- Add cherries and sugar to a small heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until sugar dissolves and cherries release their juices.
- Bring mixture to a rolling boil, stirring continuously.
- Cook and stir for about 25 minutes until thickened.
- Test jelly by placing a dollop on the frozen plate. Properly set jelly slides slowly.
- Spoon jelly into an airtight container and let cool before refrigerating.
Notes
For smoother jelly, strain the cherry mixture through cheesecloth before final cooking to remove fruit pieces.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Homemade
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 13
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg