10 Creative Recipes Using Sure Jell

Sure, Jell makes home canning simple and rewarding. This fruit pectin helps turn fresh fruits into tasty jams and jellies with minimal effort. Even first-time canners can create perfect preserves with Sure Jell’s help.

Most people only use Sure Jell for basic strawberry jam. But this handy product can do so much more in your kitchen! From sweet treats to savory sauces, Sure Jell works in many surprising ways.

In this guide, we’ll share ten creative recipes that use Sure Jell. Each one offers a fresh take on this common canning helper. You’ll find options for both beginners and skilled home cooks.

Ready to try something new with that box of Sure Jell in your pantry? Let’s get started!

10 Fun Recipes with Sure Jell for Every Occasion

1. Classic Strawberry Jam with a Twist

Regular strawberry jam gets better with fresh basil and black pepper. These extras create a more interesting flavor. The herbs add freshness, and the pepper gives a little kick.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh, crushed strawberries (about 2 pounds whole berries)
• 7 cups granulated sugar
• 1 box Sure-Jell fruit pectin
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon butter

Steps

First, clean the jars. In a pot, mix the berries, basil, pepper, sure-Jell, and butter. Boil, add sugar, and boil for 1 minute more. Skim foam and fill jars, leaving 1/4 inch space. Add lids and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

This jam tastes great on toast, goes well with cheese, and works in savory dishes, too.

2. Honey-Lavender Blueberry Jelly

This fancy jelly mixes sweet blueberries with floral lavender and honey. It looks pretty in jars and tastes even better on morning bread. The purple-blue color is very nice.

Ingredients

• 4 cups blueberry juice (from about 8 cups fresh or frozen blueberries)
• 1/4 cup dried culinary lavender buds
• 1 cup pure honey (local if possible)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 box Sure-Jell fruit pectin
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Steps

Cook blueberries with water and strain. Heat juice, steep with lavender for 10 minutes, and strain. Mix with Sure-Jell and lemon. Boil, add honey and sugar, and boil for 1 minute more. Skim foam, fill jars, and process in a water bath.

This jelly is perfect on scones, English muffins, or plain toast. The honey adds depth, and the lavender brings a light floral note.

3. Spicy Mango Habanero Jam

This bold jam balances sweet mango with fiery habanero peppers. It starts sweet and ends with heat. The bright orange-yellow color looks great in jars.

Ingredients

• 4 cups finely chopped ripe mangoes (about 4-5 large mangoes)
• 1-2 habanero peppers, seeded and finely diced (wear gloves!)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
• 5 cups granulated sugar
• 1 box Sure-Jell fruit pectin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps

Prepare jars. Mix mangoes, peppers, lime juice, zest, salt, and Sure-Jell in a pot. Boil, add sugar, boil 1 minute more. Skim foam and fill jars, leaving 1/4-inch space. Add lids and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

This jam is great with cheese or crackers. It also makes a nice glaze for grilled chicken or pork.

4. Homemade Fruit Gummy Treats

Make your fruit gummies with Sure-Jell instead of gelatin. These treats have no fake colors or flavors. Both kids and adults love these sweet, chewy snacks.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup 100% fruit juice (grape, apple, or berry juices work well)
• 1 tablespoon Sure-Jell pectin
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1-2 drops food coloring (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Steps

Mix juice and Sure-Jell in the pot. Heat, add sugar, food coloring, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Pour into molds or dishes. Chill for 2 hours, cut into shapes if needed. Store in fridge.

Try fun flavor mixes like raspberry-lemon or strawberry-lime. These make great lunch box treats with better stuff than store-bought ones.

5. Cranberry-Orange Holiday Jelly

This seasonal treat mixes tart cranberries with bright orange and warm cinnamon. Its ruby red color looks beautiful in gift jars and brings a festive touch to any table.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cranberry juice (from about 8 cups fresh or frozen cranberries)
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 7 cups granulated sugar
• 1 box Sure-Jell fruit pectin
• 1/4 teaspoon butter

Steps

Cook cranberries with water and strain—mix juice with orange zest, juice, cinnamon, Sure-Jell, and butter.Boil, add sugar, and boil for 1 minute more. Skim foam, fill jars, and process for 10 minutes in a water bath.

Use this jelly on toast, biscuits, or as a glaze for holiday ham or turkey. The bright flavor balances rich holiday foods.

6. Chia-Infused Raspberry Jelly (Low Sugar)

This healthier jelly uses less sugar and adds good-for-you chia seeds. The seeds create a nice texture and make it more nutritious. This recipe uses the low-sugar Sure-Jell version.

Ingredients

• 4 cups raspberry juice (from about 8 cups fresh or frozen raspberries)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 3 cups granulated sugar (instead of the usual 7 cups)
• 1 box Sure-Jell for low-sugar recipes (pink box)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon butter (optional)

Steps

Cook raspberries with water and strain. Mix the juice with lemon juice, butter, and Sure-Jell. Boil, add sugar, and boil for 1 minute. Skim foam and stir in chia seeds. Fill jars and process for 10 minutes in a water bath.

The chia seeds add omega-3 fats and fiber. This jelly tastes fresher with less sugar, which is good for people who don’t like very sweet spreads.

7. Pineapple-Coconut Jam (Tropical Inspired)

This sunny jam combines sweet pineapple and creamy coconut flavors. It tastes like a vacation in a jar. The tropical notes make plain toast or waffles much more fun.

Ingredients

• 4 cups crushed fresh pineapple (about one large pineapple)
• 1 cup coconut cream (pure, not cream of coconut with added sugar)
• 1 teaspoon rum extract (or 2 tablespoons real rum)
• 6 cups granulated sugar
• 1 box Sure-Jell fruit pectin
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps

Prepare jars. Mix pineapple, coconut cream, rum extract, lime juice, salt, and Sure-Jell in a pot. Boil, add sugar, boil 1 minute. Skim foam and fill jars, leaving 1/4-inch space. Add lids and process for 10 minutes in a water bath.

Try this jam on coconut bread or as cake filling. It’s also good stirred into plain yogurt or served with ice cream.

8. Homemade Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce

This BBQ sauce uses Sure-Jell to create the perfect thick texture. The pectin gives it a smooth, glossy look without hours of cooking. It sticks well to meat and veggies.

Ingredients

• 4 cups tomato sauce or strained crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 tablespoons Sure-Jell pectin
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps

Mix all items except Sure-Jell in a pot. Simmer for 15 minutes, then add Sure-Jell slowly. Simmer for 5-10 minutes more until thick. Cool slightly, pour into jars with tight lids. Store in the fridge for 2 weeks or process in a water bath for longer storage.

This sauce is great on ribs, chicken, pork, or veggies. Its thick texture won’t run off your food, and its sweet-tangy balance fits many tastes.

9. No-Sugar-Added Apple Butter

This rich, smooth apple spread uses Sure-Jell’s no-sugar formula. It lets the natural sweetness of apples shine. The long cooking creates deep flavor without added sugar.

Ingredients

• 6 pounds apples (mix of sweet and tart types like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith)
• 1 cup 100% apple juice or fresh cider
• 1 box Sure-Jell for no-sugar recipes (pink box)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Steps

Cook peeled chopped apples with juice until soft. Blend until smooth; add Sure-Jell, spices, and lemon juice. Cook in slow cooker 8-10 hours with lid cracked. Fill jars and process for 10 minutes in a water bath.

This apple butter is good for those watching sugar intake. It tastes great on toast, waffles, or in oatmeal.

10. Sparkling Wine Jelly

This grown-up jelly uses champagne or prosecco as its base. It’s a fancy addition to cheese boards or breakfast trays, and the subtle wine flavor makes simple crackers special.

Ingredients

• 3 cups champagne or prosecco (about one 750ml bottle)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 box standard Sure-Jell fruit pectin
• Few drops of food coloring (pale gold or pink, optional)

Steps

Let the wine sit for 30 minutes to reduce bubbles. Mix with lemon juice and Sure-Jell. Boil, add sugar, boil 1 minute more. Add food coloring if desired. Fill jars and process for 10 minutes in a water bath. All alcohol cooks off.

Serve this jelly with soft cheeses like brie or camembert. It also works well with plain crackers or cookies.

More Creative Ideas to Try with Sure-Jell

1. Vegan-friendly options – Sure-Jell contains no animal products. It works well in plant-based recipes that need thickening. Try it in fruit-based desserts that normally use gelatin.
2. Meat glazes and marinades – Add Sure-Jell to your favorite marinade for a thicker consistency. It helps glazes stick to meat during cooking. Mix with fruit juices for a sweet shine on ham or chicken.
3. Fruit candy making: Make homemade fruit jellies and other sweets. Sure-Jell helps create the right texture for fruit slices, gummy treats, and jelly candies. These make great gifts.
4. Wine-based preserves – Use red or white wine as a base for grown-up jellies and jams. Different wines create different flavor profiles. Pair with fruits that match the wine notes.
5. Better cake fillings and toppings: Add Sure-Jell to fruit fillings to prevent soggy cake layers. It stabilizes whipped cream for longer-lasting decorations. Use it in frosting for a smoother spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Sure-Jell

Mistake	Description
Not testing the set	Always test with a cold plate; if it wrinkles, it’s set properly.
Skipping proper sterilization	Clean jars to prevent bacteria; boil lids for 10 minutes before use.
Using the wrong type of pectin	Use the correct Sure-Jell formula based on the recipe (regular, low, or no sugar).
Boiling the mixture too long	Overcooking breaks pectin; follow the recipe’s timing exactly.
Not adjusting for high-altitude	Add 1 minute of processing time per 1,000 feet above sea level.
Changing recipe amounts	Stick to the exact measurements for pectin and sugar.

Conclusion

With these recipes and ideas, Sure-Jell becomes much more than just a jam maker. This versatile product deserves a permanent spot in your pantry. Try one of these recipes this weekend!

Sure, Jell offers more than just basic jam-making possibilities. This simple pectin opens doors to countless food creations in your kitchen. From fancy wine jellies to healthy fruit snacks, it helps you make treats that store-bought versions can’t match.

The recipes we’ve shared show how flexible Sure Jell can be. Use it to thicken sauces, create candy, or make spreads with less sugar. Each option brings new flavors to your table.

Next time you spot that small box in your pantry, think beyond standard recipes. Try a new fruit combination or add unexpected herbs and spices. Your cooking style might create the next family favorite.

What will you make first with Sure Jell? The options are as wide as your food imagination!