For generations, the art of preserving fruits through canning has been a cherished tradition, allowing us to relish the vibrant flavors of summer long after the harvest season comes to a close. At its core is the reliable formula of Sure-Jell, a trusted name that has stood the test of time. Its pectin-based recipes ensure the perfect set and capture the essence of fruits, yielding jams, jellies, and marmalades that are always perfectly balanced.
Interestingly, Sure-Jell’s pectin comes from citrus fruits, which are processed into a powder or liquid form for easy use in various recipes. Whether you’re looking to create classic strawberry jam or unique flavor combinations like blueberry-lime marmalade or peach-ginger preserves, this collection of easy Sure Jell recipes offers inspiration and guidance for any occasion.
Top 5 Picks
Need a quick fix? We’ve got you covered! Here are the top 5 picks from our comprehensive collection of Sure Jell Recipes, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Start with Watermelon Jelly (#4), perfect for pairing with bread, pancakes, or waffles. Then, explore Orange Marmalade (#13) and its zesty lemon-orange fusion. Next up is Red Pepper Jelly (#18), a sweet and spicy masterpiece featuring red bell peppers, jalapenos, and apple cider vinegar.
For a taste of the unusual, try Mountain Dew Jelly (#22), bursting with citrusy freshness. And finally, bring some sunshine to your table with Satsuma Jelly (#30).
Things To Consider When Using Sure Jell
To achieve optimal results when using Sure Jell or similar pectin products, several key factors must be considered. Notably, each brand of pectin has its unique guidelines, making it crucial to follow the specific instructions provided. This includes preparing the fruit according to the recipe’s specifications, which may involve peeling, removing pits, or chopping the fruit to ensure proper texture and consistency.
Additionally, measuring the correct amount of pectin is vital, as too little can result in a runny jam or jelly, while too much can lead to an overly firm product. Furthermore, it is essential to consider the acid content of the mixture, as pectin requires acidity to set properly. Some fruits naturally possess sufficient acid levels, whereas others may require the addition of lemon juice or citric acid.
Once all ingredients are combined, the mixture must be cooked and boiled according to the recipe’s instructions to activate the pectin and facilitate its setting. Finally, it is necessary to test the jam or jelly for its set by performing a gel test, either by placing a small amount on a cold plate or utilizing a thermometer to verify the temperature.
Proper Storage For Sure Jell Recipes
To preserve the quality and shelf life of Sure Jell recipes, proper storage is crucial. Here are some essential tips to ensure your jams and jellies remain fresh for an extended period:Firstly, canning is a great way to store Sure Jell recipes. Follow the provided instructions, sterilize jars, fill them with hot preserves, seal them tightly, and process in boiling water or a pressure canner. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place to prevent spoilage.
Alternatively, you can refrigerate your Sure Jell recipes. Cool the jam or jelly to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Use it within a few weeks for optimal flavor and texture. If you prefer to freeze your preserves, use freezer-safe containers and leave some space for expansion. Cool the preserves to room temperature before transferring them to the freezer.
Frozen Sure Jell recipes can be stored for several months, making this method ideal for long-term preservation. Lastly, labeling is a crucial step in storing Sure Jell recipes. Always label your containers with the name of the recipe and date to keep track of how long each batch has been stored. This simple habit will help you maintain organization and ensure that you use the oldest batches first.
Easy Sure Jell Recipes
Raspberry Jam
Crafted with a focus on preserving the natural essence of raspberries, this jam boasts an unparalleled flavor profile. The judicious use of pectin, combined with a moderate amount of sugar, yields a product that is both vibrant and nuanced. Although its shelf life may be slightly shorter compared to high-sugar jams, the resulting texture is delightfully softer and more approachable. This unique characteristic only serves to enhance the overall experience.
The carefully selected ingredients include raspberries, sugar, and Sure-Jell, all of which work in harmony to create a truly exceptional jam.
Strawberry Banana Jam
The union of strawberries and bananas yields a distinctive jam that balances sweetness and tanginess. The result is a complex flavor profile with a one-of-a-kind texture, combining the richness of regular jam with the silky smoothness of banana. A trifecta of ingredients – lemon juice, butter, and sugar – harmonizes to create this delectable treat.
Pepper Jam
Indulge in the simplicity of this flavorful jam recipe, perfect for elevating everyday moments. Its vibrant hue and sweet heat make it an excellent addition to sandwiches, snacks, or even a savory meat glaze. To craft this delectable spread, combine red peppers, green peppers, jalapeno peppers, sugar, and cider vinegar.
Watermelon Jelly
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of summer with this Watermelon Jelly recipe. This sweet treat is reminiscent of classic watermelon candies from days gone by. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can opt for a crystal-clear jelly or a chunky jam, depending on your personal preference.
The ingredients are straightforward and simple: pureed watermelon juice, a splash of lemon juice, granulated sugar, and Sure-Jell pectin to bring it all together.
Mango Freezer Jam
Transform your kitchen into a tropical oasis by creating a deliciously sweet mango jam that requires no cooking! This refreshing treat is perfect for savoring the taste of summer all year round. With its 3-week shelf life in the fridge or up to a year in the freezer, you can enjoy it at any time. Pair this luscious jam with toasted bread and some crunchy crackers for the ultimate snacking experience.
To create this sweet delight, simply combine ripe mangos, lemon juice, sugar, and Sure-Jell – the perfect ingredients to bring out the natural sweetness of the mangos.
Peach Vanilla Jam
What sets this vanilla peach jam recipe apart is the unconventional addition of whiskey, which not only adds depth to the flavor but also allows the jam to be preserved for up to a year. The unique blend of peaches, lemon juice, vanilla, sugar, and Sure-Jell creates a truly exceptional taste experience that will leave you wanting more.
Blackberry Freezer Jam
In just 15 minutes, you can create a deliciously tart Blackberry Freezer Jam using only five ingredients. The star of the show is fresh blackberries, which provide a perfect flavor profile for spreading on bread. To bring out the best in these luscious berries, we’re combining them with lemon juice, white sugar, corn syrup, and Sure-Jell.
Apricot Jam
Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade apricot jam, characterized by a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Its subtle floral notes will leave you wanting more. Use it to elevate your morning toast, fill flaky pastries, or top your favorite scoop of ice cream. To make this scrumptious spread, gather just four ingredients: plump apricots, refined white sugar, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and the essential pectin-rich Sure-Jell.
Muscadine & Scuppernong Jelly
Indulge in the unique flavor profile of Muscadine & Scuppernong Jelly, crafted from native American grape varieties. The distinctive characteristics of Muscadine grapes – their sweet-tart taste and chewy skins – pair harmoniously with the extra sweetness of Scuppernong grapes to create a scrumptious spread. To bring this jelly to life, you’ll need just four ingredients: fresh Muscadine and Scuppernong grapes, lemon juice, white sugar, and a touch of Sure-Jell.
Mulled Cider Jelly
This innovative recipe seamlessly blends the cozy aromas and flavors of mulled cider with the richness of a luscious jelly, perfectly encapsulating the essence of autumn’s warmth. As you prepare this dish, you’ll be transported to a cozy setting where the scents of cinnamon and apple cider mingle with the subtle tang of lemon juice.
To achieve this delightful fusion, simply combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, butter, lemon juice, and Sure-Jell, allowing their unique properties to harmonize and create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Peach Freezer Jam
This innovative recipe addresses the common challenge of peach freezer jam not reaching its ideal consistency. By reducing the amount of sugar and extending the boiling time, you can create a jam that sets beautifully. The key to this method lies in the thoughtful combination of peaches, apple juice, cinnamon, white sugar, and Sure-Jell, which work together to produce a jam that’s both flavorful and firm.
Dandelion Jelly
Transforming the humble dandelions that dot your backyard into a sweet and tangy homemade jelly is an effortless process. Dubbed ‘sunshine in a jar’, this delightful preserve boasts a flavor profile reminiscent of light floral honey, expertly crafted from a mere handful of ingredients. To create this sunshine-infused delight, simply combine dandelion flowers, white sugar, lemon juice, and Sure-Jell, allowing the natural beauty of your surroundings to take on a new and delicious form.
Orange Marmalade
Tangy orange marmalade is just a few simple steps away, thanks to the magic of pectin. This citrusy delight gets an extra boost from lemon juice and zest, adding a delightful tanginess to each bite. The recipe requires just a handful of ingredients: fresh oranges, lemons, butter, sugar, and pectic-rich Sure-Jell. With these basics on hand, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a sweet and tangy spread that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Grape Jelly
This spread is a chameleon of flavors, capable of complementing an array of dishes. Whether you’re topping toast, pancakes, or waffles, this versatile concoction is sure to please. To create it, start by juicing a batch of grapes. Then, combine the juice with sugar and pectin, heating the mixture until it reaches the desired level of thickness.
The key ingredients in this spread are grape juice or fresh grapes, granulated sugar, and Sure-Jell – a trusted brand when it comes to pectin.
Pineapple Freezer Jam
Creating fresh pineapple freezer jam is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any cooking or complicated techniques. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, as it utilizes common ingredients you might already have on hand.
The essential components include fresh pineapple, granulated sugar, lemon juice, water, and the key ingredient Sure-Jell.
Blueberry Peach Jam
This delightful jam recipe is remarkably straightforward to prepare, producing a scrumptious spread that’s bound to satisfy. The harmonious blend of sweet blueberries, luscious peaches, and a hint of tanginess from the lemon juice creates an irresistible flavor profile. With just a handful of ingredients – including plump blueberries, juicy peaches, warm cinnamon, granulated sugar, and the trusty Sure-Jell pectin – you’ll be whipping up this tasty treat in no time.
Peach Pepper Jelly
Peach Pepper Jelly’s harmonious blend of sweetness and heat stems from the union of fresh peaches and jalapeno peppers. This unique fusion yields a smooth and spreadable consistency that can be enjoyed with crackers or used as a flavorful glaze for grilled meats. The carefully selected ingredients, which include jalapeno, peach, sugar, vinegar, and Sure-Jell, work in synergy to create a truly exceptional condiment.
Red Pepper Jelly
This versatile recipe is perfect for those new to cooking, as it can be easily preserved for long-term enjoyment. The recipe highlights the adaptability of this tangy condiment, which can be paired with creamy cheeses or added to sandwiches and glazes for a sweet and spicy kick. The ingredients required are straightforward: red and green bell peppers, jalapeños, apple cider vinegar, red sugar, and Sure-Jell, providing a simple yet effective combination for achieving the desired flavor profile.
Rhubarb Jam
To create this rhubarb jam recipe, we rely on the gelling properties of Sure Jell pectin to achieve the perfect consistency. The natural tartness of the rhubarb is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the sugar, while the orange juice injects a subtle citrus note. The combination of these ingredients – including rhubarb, orange juice, sugar, butter, and Sure-Jell – yields a uniquely flavorful jam that’s sure to please.
Elderberry Jelly
Elderberry’s rich, dark flavor and the subtle tartness of lemon juice combine harmoniously with the sweetness of sugar and the richness of butter, all bound together by the pectin-rich Sure-Jell. This versatile jelly can be enjoyed as a spread on toast, adding a burst of flavor to sweet treats or savory dishes alike. The ingredients that bring this delight to life are elderberry juice, lemon juice, sugar, butter, and the Sure-Jell that ties it all together.
Strawberry Jalapeno Jam
Indulge in the sweet and spicy delight of this Strawberry Jalapeno Jam, perfect for elevating your breakfast toast or scones to new heights. Alternatively, use it as a bold glaze for grilled meats, adding an unexpected twist to traditional pairings. The jam’s flavor profile is characterized by the sweetness of ripe strawberries, tempered by the fiery zest of jalapeno peppers.
To create this unique condiment, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: plump strawberries, spicy jalapenos, granulated sugar, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a hint of pectin from Sure-Jell.
Mountain Dew Jelly
Bring a burst of citrusy fun to your table with this unique homemade jelly recipe, inspired by the iconic flavors of Mountain Dew. What sets this jelly apart from traditional jams is not only its bold and refreshing flavor profile but also its subtly sweeter taste. To create this sweet and tangy spread, you’ll need just four ingredients: Mountain Dew, freshly squeezed lemon juice, granulated sugar, and a touch of Sure-Jell.
Cranberry Jelly
Bring a touch of classic elegance to your holiday gatherings with this simple yet flavorful jelly recipe. Its signature smooth and gel-like consistency is perfectly balanced by the tartness of cranberries, creating a delightful sweet-and-sour flavor profile. To achieve this perfect harmony, you’ll need just four ingredients: fresh or frozen cranberries, water, granulated sugar, and a packet of Sure-Jell, a trusted pectin that helps to thicken the mixture to perfection.
Raspberry Or Strawberry Freezer Jam
Unlike traditional jams that often sacrifice flavor and texture for shelf stability, this recipe’s short preparation time and few ingredients yield a freezer jam that preserves the fresh, vibrant essence of the fruits. The result is a sweet treat that still retains the natural textures of the raspberries or strawberries, depending on your choice.
Mulberry Jelly
Crafting a sweet and tangy jelly from scratch requires minimal effort but yields maximum reward. This versatile condiment is perfect for topping toast, biscuits, or pancakes at any time of the year. Its unique flavor profile is characterized by a harmonious blend of sugary sweetness, citrusy tartness, and subtle hints of mulberry’s distinct taste.
To bring this delightful jelly to life, you’ll need just a few fundamental ingredients: pure Mulberry juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, granulated sugar, and the trusted pectin-based thickening agent Sure- Jell.
Sweet Cherry Freezer Jam
Indulge in the essence of summer with this tantalizing jam, infused with the juiciest cherries and a hint of zesty lemon. The velvety texture, slightly chunky for added depth, harmonizes perfectly with its sweet and tangy flavor profile.This delectable spread is crafted with a carefully selected blend of cherries, sugar, lemon juice, water, and Sure-Jell, ensuring an unparalleled balance of sweetness and tartness.
Pomegranate Jelly
Pomegranate jelly stands out for its unique characteristic – it’s made with the refreshing juice of fresh pomegranates. This distinct ingredient combination yields a product that not only boasts a silky-smooth texture reminiscent of traditional jellies but also presents a harmonious balance of sweet, floral, and tangy flavors. The carefully curated blend of ingredients features pomegranate juice, butter, sugar, and Sure-Jell, making it a truly special culinary creation.
Plum Jelly
Indulge in this delectable plum jelly, boasting a silky consistency that effortlessly glides onto toast or complements rich cheeses. The endearing quality of this recipe lies not only in its mouthwatering taste but also in the vibrant purple color it produces, reminiscent of luscious fruit. To craft this culinary delight, simply combine plums, sugar, butter, and Sure-Jell, allowing the sweet and tangy flavors to meld together.
Apple Jelly
This delectable jelly recipe relies on just four fundamental components. The foundation of its exceptional flavor is the use of fresh apple juice, which lends a natural sweetness. Feel free to savor it on its own or employ it as a scrumptious topping for a variety of treats, such as toast, pancakes, or waffles. The ingredients at play here are straightforward: apple juice, lemon juice, butter, sugar, and Sure-Jell.
Satsuma Jelly
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors in this Satsuma Jelly, which boasts a vibrant orange hue. Perfect for brightening up your morning, this spread pairs wonderfully with hot buttermilk biscuits or toasted bread. To create this tasty treat, simply combine Satsuma juice, lemon juice, sugar, and Sure-Jell.
The bottom line
Discover the world of homemade preserves with ease using Sure-Jell pectin! With a vast array of recipes at your fingertips, you can transform seasonal fruits into mouthwatering jams, jellies, and marmalades that are sure to delight. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these recipes provide the perfect opportunity to get creative with fresh fruits and add your own special touch. So why not start exploring?
With so many customizable options, you’re bound to find a new favorite recipe that becomes a staple in your kitchen.