If you love chocolate-covered cherries or a rich, fruity treat, this Chocolate Cherry Jam is a perfect addition to your homestead kitchen. Not only is it delicious on toast, biscuits, or pancakes, but it’s also ideal for canning, making it a long-lasting homemade treat you can enjoy year-round or share with friends and family.
Why Chocolate Cherry Jam?
If you love cherries and chocolate, this jam is basically your dream come true. The natural sweetness of the cherries blends beautifully with the rich, smooth chocolate, creating a spread that’s not just jam.
It’s a little indulgence in a jar. Every spoonful feels like a mini celebration, which makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day, a cozy breakfast, or any special moment where good food and a touch of sweetness make everything feel extra special.
We’re using sweet cherries for these recipes. I like Bing cherries for their rich, deep color and flavor. Canning your jam ensures you can savor the sweet, chocolatey cherry flavor long after cherry season. A few half-pint jars are perfect for gifting, while the rest can be used in breakfasts, desserts, or layered in cakes.
Easy Chocolate Cherry Jam Recipe from Scratch
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Ingredients
- 6 Cups Dark Sweet Cherries fresh or frozen, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 6 Tablespoons Pectin
- 1/4 Cup Bottled Lemon Juice
- 6 Cups Sugar
- 2/3 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa
Instructions
- Sterilize half pints or desired jars in a steam canner or boiling water. Ensure there’s enough water in your water canner and that the jars are hot. Remove carefully using jar tongs and place jars on a damp cloth.
- Wash, pit, and chop cherries into smaller pieces.6 Cups Dark Sweet Cherries
- In a 4-qt. stainless steel or enameled Dutch oven add the cherries, pectin, and lemon juice. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, over high heat, stirring constantly.6 Tablespoons Pectin, 1/4 Cup Bottled Lemon Juice
- Meanwhile, stir together sugar and cocoa until blended. Add all of it to the boiling cherry mixture. Return mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim foam, if necessary.6 Cups Sugar, 2/3 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa
- Carefully ladle hot jam into hot jars, leaving ½-inch headspace. Use a non-metallic spatula or chopstick to remove air bubbles. Wipe jar rims clean with a paper towel dampened with vinegar. Place lids and screw bands, and adjust to fingertip-tight.
- Place jar in boiling-water canner. Repeat until all jars are filled.
- Using a boiling water bath, process jars for 10 minutes. Make sure that the water in the water bath covers the jars by 1-2 inches. I set a timer. Processing time ensures the jam is safe for long-term storage. Remove jars carefully and let cool completely before storing.
- Remove jars from the water bath and let them cool completely. Check seals after 24 hours. Check lids for seal, they should not flex when center is pressed.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening. Refrigerate after opening.
Nutrition
Tips for the Best Chocolate Cherry Jam
- Use ripe, sweet cherries for the richest flavor and color.
- Skim foam for clear, attractive preserves.
- Use a food processor to break cherries into smaller pieces if you prefer smoother jam.
- Stir constantly to prevent scorching the cocoa.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle, warming twist.
- Perfect homemade gift. decorate jars with ribbons and handwritten labels for Valentine’s Day or special occasions.
Choosing the Best Cherries
The flavor of your jam starts with the cherries, so picking the right ones is key. For the sweetest, richest jam, look for dark, sweet cherries like Bing cherries. They’re naturally juicy and have a deep color that makes your chocolate cherry jam look as good as it tastes.
Here are a few simple things to look for when selecting cherries:
- Plump and firm fruit. Avoid cherries that are soft or wrinkled. They won’t cook down as nicely.
- Deep color. Richly colored cherries are often riper and sweeter, giving your jam that perfect natural sweetness.
- Shiny skin. A glossy appearance is usually a good sign of freshness and flavor.
You can even mix varieties for something unique. Fresh cherries are always best if you can get them, but frozen cherries work just as well and are a great way to make jam when fresh cherries aren’t in season.
Just be sure to pit and coarsely chop them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
A tip from the homestead kitchen: smaller, ripe cherries cook down more evenly, giving you a smooth, luscious jam without hours of stirring. Your jam will taste like a homemade treat straight from the farm, every time.
Serving Suggestions
- Spread on toast, bagels, or biscuits
- Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt for a chocolatey breakfast
- Layer in a pound cake or cake layer for a decadent dessert
- Top ice cream for a rich, indulgent treat
- Use as filling for tarts or thumbprint cookies
- Gift jars to friends and family as a homemade treat
Why Canning is Worth It
Canning your chocolate cherry jam using hot jars and a boiling water bath preserves the fresh, sweet flavor so you can enjoy your bounty months after cherry season.
Half-pint jars are perfect for gifts, and processing ensures your jam stays safe and shelf-stable. This method is a practical way for homesteaders to make the most of seasonal fruit, reduce food waste, and share delicious homemade products with loved ones.
There’s something truly special about the sweet, juicy flavor of dark cherries combined with the richness of chocolate. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to preserves, this Chocolate Cherry Jam recipe is simple, satisfying, and incredibly versatile.
