Making your own homemade grape jelly recipe is easier than you think! This simple grape jelly recipe using Concord grapes eliminates unnecessary steps by using a juicer, saving you time while maintaining the deep, rich flavors of fresh grapes.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home canner, this quick Concord grape jelly recipe is the fastest way to make and preserve your own jelly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Experience Needed: Perfect for beginners in jam and jelly making.
- Uses Fresh Concord Grapes: Bursting with natural sweetness and antioxidants.
- Simple Ingredients: Only three essential ingredients required.
- Fast Preparation: Uses a juicer to extract grape juice efficiently.
- Canning Option: Preserve it for long-term storage with a water-bath canning method.
Homemade Grape Jelly Recipe Ingredients
To make this easy grape jelly recipe, you’ll need:
- 5 cups Concord grape juice (freshly juiced or bottled)
- 1.75 ounces Sure-Jell No Sugar Needed Pectin
- 3 cups sugar
Tip: Freshly juiced Concord grapes will give the best flavor and color. However, bottled 100% Concord grape juice can be used for convenience.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Grape Jelly at Home
Step 1: Prepare the Grapes
- Wash the Concord grapes thoroughly.
- Remove stems and discard any damaged grapes.
- If using fresh grapes, use a juicer to extract the juice (or use a steam juicer for a no-mess option).
Pro Tip: Concord grape juice stains easily—cover your workspace and wear gloves to prevent stains.
Step 2: Cook the Grape Juice and Pectin
- Pour the grape juice into a large pot.
- Stir in Sure-Jell pectin and mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Boil
- Gradually add sugar, stirring constantly.
- Once the mixture returns to a full rolling boil, continue boiling for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
Step 4: Test for Gelling
- Use a candy thermometer to check that the temperature reaches 220°F.
- If the jelly wrinkles when spooned onto a cold plate, it’s ready.
Step 5: Store or Can the Jelly
- Pour hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
- Wipe rims, add lids, and tighten bands fingertip tight.
- Store in the refrigerator for immediate use or process in a water-bath canner for long-term storage.
How to Can Grape Jelly (Water Bath Canning Method)
For long-term preservation, follow these steps:
- Prepare Jars: Sterilize mason jars by boiling them for 10 minutes.
- Fill & Seal: Pour hot jelly into jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe rims and secure lids.
- Process in Water Bath: Submerge jars in boiling water (ensuring water covers jars by 1 inch) and process for 10 minutes.
- Cool & Store: Remove jars, let them cool for 12-24 hours, and check seals. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Bonus: Check out the Ball Canning Recipe Book for more canning ideas and safety information for canning!
FAQs: Homemade Grape Jelly Recipe
Can I Use Bottled Grape Juice Instead of Fresh Grapes?
Yes! 100% Concord grape juice works well. Start the recipe at Step 2.
How Do I Make Sugar-Free Grape Jelly?
Use Sure-Jell No Sugar Needed Pectin and replace sugar with a sugar alternative like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Can I Freeze Concord Grapes for Later Jelly-Making?
Absolutely! Wash, dry, and freeze whole grapes in airtight bags for up to 12 months.
Can I Make Grape Jelly from Seeded Grapes?
Yes! You’ll need to strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove seeds.
Why Didn’t My Jelly Set?
Check that:
- You reached 220°F while boiling.
- The correct amount of pectin and sugar was used.
- The mixture was boiled for at least 1 minute at a rolling boil.
Ways to Use Homemade Grape Jelly
- Classic PB&J Sandwiches
- Spread on Biscuits & Toast
- Glaze for Meats Or Grape Jelly Meatballs (Pork, Chicken, or Turkey)
- Pair with Cheese & Crackers
- Drizzle Over Yogurt or Ice Cream
- Mix into Homemade Salad Dressings
- Use homemade Concord grape jelly in this Empire Biscuits Recipe
Try this Concord Grape Popsicles Recipe for another way to use fresh grapes!
Make Your Own Grape Jelly Recipe Today!
This homemade grape jelly recipe is the perfect way to enjoy fresh Concord grapes year-round. Whether you make a small batch for your family or preserve jars for gifting, this easy method ensures delicious results every time.
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Try this Concord Grape Pie Recipe for another delicious way to enjoy fresh grapes!
Once you learn how to grow Concord grapes in your backyard you will want to create a variety of delicious recipes that use Concord grapes.
Homemade Grape Jelly Recipe
Make the best homemade grape jelly recipe with just a few ingredients. Simple, delicious, and perfect for canning or fresh use!
Ingredients
- 5 Cups of Concord Grape Juice
- 1.75 Ounces of Sure Jell No Sugar Needed Pectin
- 3 Cups of Sugar
Instructions
Begin by thoroughly washing and inspecting your Concord grapes. Remove any stems and leaves, ensuring that only the luscious grapes find their way into your juicer. Load your juicer with the cleaned grapes.
Pour the freshly extracted grape juice into a large pot. As you introduce the pectin into the juice, you’re setting the stage for the perfect texture that will define your grape jelly. Gradually add the sugar to the pot.
Stir gently to dissolve the sugar, allowing it to become one with the grape juice and pectin. Place the pot over medium-high heat, stirring frequently as the mixture comes to a boil. As the mixture boils, monitor the temperature using a reliable candy thermometer.
You will want the grape juice to reach a temperature of 220 degrees. The precise gelling point is crucial for achieving the desired jelly consistency. Once you’ve reached the specific temperature, hold it for a brief moment, ensuring your jelly sets perfectly.
Remove the Concord grape jelly from the heat and skim off any foam if necessary. Store in refrigerator or follow canning directions for preserving longer.
Notes
If you want to learn how to can grape jelly, follow these instructions:
With your grape jelly expertly prepared, it’s time to pour this purple liquid gold into clean, sterilized jars.
Ladle hot jelly into hot jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace and be sure to clean jar rims. (NOTE: Using heated jars is essential to prevent glass thermal shock and potential jar breakage.)Center the lid on the jar and adjust the band to fingertip-tight. Place jar on the rack elevated over simmering water at 180 degrees F, in a boiling-water canner. Lower the jars on the rack to ensure that the water covers the jars by 1 inch.
Adjust the heat to medium-high, cover, and bring to a rolling boil. Process 16-ounce jars for 15 minutes and then turn off the heat, remove the cover, and allow the jars to cool for 5 minutes. Remove your homemade grape jelly from the canner and cool for 12 hours before storing jars.
You will hear that satisfying pop soon after removing jars from the hot water bath. Be sure to label the jars with dates before storing them for up to one year.
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