Go Back

Easy Cherry Jelly Recipe - 5 Ingredients, Perfect Results Every Time!

Capture summer’s essence in every spoonful with this classic homemade cherry jelly recipe — smooth, vibrant, and bursting with flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 -7 jars
Course: Preserves & Canning
Cuisine: American
Calories: 94
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups tart cherry juice from 3 lbs fresh sour cherries
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice optional
  • 4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 box powdered pectin 1.75 oz regular or 6 tbsp

Method
 

  1. Place clean, ripe cherries in a saucepan with ½ cup water.
  2. Cook on medium-high until cherries pop and release juice.
  3. Simmer 10 minutes to extract maximum flavor.
  4. Strain mixture through cheesecloth or jelly bag; do not squeeze.
  5. Measure juice, add lemon juice if using.
  6. Bring cherry juice to a full rolling boil.
  7. Stir in powdered pectin; boil 1 minute.
  8. Add sugar slowly while stirring; return to hard boil.
  9. Boil 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  10. Pour hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving ¼" headspace. Wipe rims and process in water bath canner for 10 minutes (15 at high altitude).

Notes

Yields about 6–7 jars. Properly sealed jars last up to one year in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening and consume within a few weeks.