This St. Dalfour spread is already remarkably clean with just black cherries, fruit juice concentrates, pectin, and lemon juice - completely free of seed oils and artificial ingredients. Making it DIY allows you to source certified organic ingredients and control sweetness levels while potentially saving money buying in bulk.
Based on: Black Cherry Spread
· Makes approximately 25 servings
· Serving: 1 tablespoon (20g)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Black Cherry Spread from St. Dalfour often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
The original Black Cherry Spread may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
Ingredients
Organic black cherries
500g (about 3.5 cups) · Stahlbush Island Farms Organic Frozen Black Cherries
Primary fruit base providing natural cherry flavor, color, and some natural fruit sugars
Organic grape juice concentrate
60ml (4 tablespoons) · Lakewood Pure Organic Grape Juice Concentrate
Natural sweetener that adds fruity sweetness without refined sugar
Replaces date juice concentrate with natural fruit sweetness and helps thicken the spread
Organic fruit pectin
1 tablespoon (10g) · Pomona's Universal Pectin
Natural gelling agent that creates the proper jam-like consistency
Organic lemon juice
2 tablespoons (30ml) · Santa Cruz Organic Lemon Juice
Provides natural acidity for pectin activation and helps preserve the spread while brightening flavors
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare your workspace by sterilizing a 16-oz glass jar and lid in boiling water for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid - you should have about 500g of drained cherries (measure after thawing). Pat cherries dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture which can make the spread too thin.
Step 2. Create date paste by soaking 4 pitted Medjool dates in 60ml warm water for 15 minutes until softened. Blend with an immersion blender or food processor until smooth - this replaces commercial date juice concentrate. The paste should be thick but pourable; add 1-2 tablespoons more water if needed. Strain through fine mesh if you prefer completely smooth texture.
Step 3. Combine cherries and natural sweeteners: In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, add the 500g drained cherries, 60ml grape juice concentrate, and your homemade date paste. Stir gently to combine without crushing the cherries yet. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow fruit to release natural juices - this maceration step helps create the right consistency and prevents burning.
Step 4. Cook the fruit mixture: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. Cook for 15-20 minutes, gently crushing cherries with the back of your spoon as they soften - aim for a chunky texture with some whole pieces remaining. The mixture should reduce by about one-third and become jammy. Stir every 2-3 minutes as the natural sugars can burn easily on the bottom of the pan.
Step 5. Activate the pectin: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon Pomona's pectin with 2 tablespoons cold water until completely dissolved with no lumps visible. Remove cherry mixture from heat and immediately stir in the pectin mixture and 2 tablespoons organic lemon juice. Stir vigorously for 60 seconds to ensure even distribution - proper mixing is crucial for consistent gelling throughout the spread.
Step 6. Test for consistency and adjust: Drop a small spoonful onto a cold plate and let cool for 30 seconds. It should hold its shape when tilted but still spread easily when nudged with a spoon. If too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon water. If too thin, return to medium heat for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly. Remember the spread will thicken further as it cools completely.
Step 7. Jar and store properly: Immediately transfer hot spread to your sterilized jar using a ladle and wide-mouth funnel if available, leaving 1/4 inch headspace at the top. Wipe jar rim clean with a damp cloth to ensure proper seal, then seal tightly with the sterilized lid. Cool to room temperature on the counter (about 2 hours) before refrigerating - this prevents condensation inside the jar.
Step 8. Storage and usage instructions: Store in refrigerator after cooling completely. Use 1 tablespoon (20g) per serving, same as commercial version. Refrigerate for up to 6 weeks - the lemon juice acts as a natural preservative but without artificial preservatives, shelf life is shorter than commercial versions. Stir gently before each use as natural separation of fruit pieces is normal. The spread will taste less sweet initially but more complex in flavor due to the whole date pieces and fresh lemon juice.
Storage
Refrigerate immediately after cooling to room temperature. Keeps for 6 weeks refrigerated. No artificial preservatives mean shorter shelf life than commercial versions. Freezes well in ice cube trays for portion control, keeps up to 6 months frozen.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.29
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.45
Savings36%
Higher upfront cost due to quality organic ingredients, but significant bulk savings over time. The grape concentrate and pectin will last many batches, bringing per-serving cost down substantially with repeated making. Quality control and organic certification justify the investment.