The 8 Best Substitutes For Red Currant Jelly

Do you ever find yourself craving a sweet and tart jelly, but don’t have any red currant jelly on hand?

Red currant jelly is a delicious condiment that can be used to add flavor to many dishes.

It also goes great with cheese and crackers or spread onto toast.

But if you don’t have any of this tasty treat in the pantry, there are plenty of alternatives that will do just as good a job.

In this article, I’ll share 8 of the best substitutes for red currant jelly – from cranberry sauce to raspberry jam – so you can continue enjoying your favorite recipes without having to make an extra trip to the store!

What is Red Currant Jelly?

Red Currant Jelly is a jam-like condiment made from the juice of red currants, which are small tart berries.

It has a deep ruby color with a glossy texture and an intense sweet-tart flavor that complements many dishes.

Red Currant Jelly can be used as a glaze for meats or vegetables, spread on toast for breakfast, stirred into yogurt or ice cream for added sweetness, or served alongside cheese platters as an appetizer.

The jelly is made by boiling the red currants in water until they burst open and releasing their juices.

The mixture is then strained to remove any seeds before adding sugar and cooking it over low heat until thickened and jelled.

To make sure you get the right texture when making your own Red Currant Jelly at home, use pectin powder to help it set up correctly.

A little bit of lemon juice also helps give the jelly its signature flavor profile by balancing out the sweetness of the sugar with some tartness.

The 8 Best Substitutes For Red Currant Jelly

There are several options that can be used as an alternative to this popular condiment.

We look at eight of the best substitutes here:

1. Grape Jelly

Grape jelly is a delicious and versatile condiment made from crushed grapes, sugar, and pectin.

It has a sweet yet tart flavor that pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes.

Grape jelly can be used in place of red currant jelly in recipes calling for it.

The grape-based spread will provide the same sweetness and tartness as red currant jelly but with a more subtle fruity flavor.

Grape jelly can be used to make glazes for meats like pork chops or ham, as well as fillings for pastries such as turnovers or tarts.

It’s also great on toast or English muffins!

2. Apple Jelly

Apple jelly is a sweet and tart condiment made from apples, sugar, and pectin.

It has a deep red hue that comes from the natural pigments found in apples.

The flavor of apple jelly is reminiscent of fresh-picked apples with notes of sweetness and tartness.

When substituting for red currant jelly, apple jelly can be used to add an extra layer of flavor to dishes such as pork chops or roasted vegetables.

It also pairs nicely with cheese plates or charcuterie boards.

Apple jelly can also be used as an alternative to jams in recipes like thumbprint cookies or scones for a unique twist on classic treats.

3. Dried fruit

Dried fruit is a great alternative to red currant jelly.

It can be used in place of the jelly as a topping for toast, waffles, or pancakes.

Dried fruits are naturally sweet and have a chewy texture that makes them perfect for baking into cakes, muffins, and other desserts.

They can also be added to salads for an extra burst of flavor.

The best part about using dried fruits instead of red currant jelly is that you can mix and match different types depending on your preference.

For example, you could use raisins, cranberries, dates or apricots to create a unique flavor combination.

You can also make your own homemade versions of jams and jellies by combining dried fruits with sugar and water.

This will give you the same sweetness as red currant jelly without having to buy it from the store!

4. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a tart and tangy condiment made from fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and water.

It has a thick jelly-like consistency with a sweet-tart flavor that pairs well with poultry dishes like turkey or chicken.

Cranberry sauce can be used as an alternative to red currant jelly in recipes that call for it.

The tartness of the cranberries helps cut through the richness of meats while adding sweetness to balance out the flavors.

It’s also great for making sauces, glazes, dressings, and even cocktails!

Try using cranberry sauce as a topping on pancakes or waffles for breakfast or as an accompaniment to roasted vegetables for dinner.

5. Blackcurrant jelly or jam

Blackcurrant jelly or jam is a delicious alternative to red currant jelly.

This dark, tart fruit has a unique flavor that’s slightly sweet and acidic with hints of vanilla.

It can be used as a topping for toast, waffles, pancakes, or ice cream; stirred into oatmeal or yogurt; or added to sauces and dressings.

The jam is also great for making homemade desserts like blackberry crumble or baked goods like scones and muffins.

When substituting blackcurrant jelly for red currant jelly in recipes, it’s best to reduce the amount of sugar since the former tends to be sweeter than the latter.

Additionally, you may need to adjust cooking times when using this type of jelly due to its higher moisture content.

6. Strawberry Jam

Strawberry jam is a delicious and versatile condiment made from fresh or frozen strawberries, sugar, and pectin.

It has a sweet-tart flavor that pairs well with just about anything.

The texture of strawberry jam can range from thick and spreadable to thin and syrupy depending on how much sugar is added.

When substituting for red currant jelly, it’s important to note that the taste will be slightly different due to the difference in tartness between the two fruits.

Strawberry jam can be used as a topping for toast or pancakes, stirred into oatmeal or yogurt, or even baked into pies and tarts.

It also makes an excellent glaze for meats like pork chops or chicken breasts.

7. Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener that has been used for centuries to add flavor and sweetness to dishes.

It is made from the nectar of flowers by honeybees and comes in a variety of flavors, depending on the flower source.

The thick consistency makes it great for glazing meats or adding sweetness to sauces.

When substituting honey for red currant jelly, you may need to adjust the amount depending on how sweet you want your dish to be.

Honey can also help bring out the tartness of other ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar in dressings or marinades.

It’s an excellent way to add depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

8. Frozen red currant jelly

Frozen red currant jelly is an easy way to enjoy the sweet-tart flavor of this classic condiment without having to make it from scratch.

This frozen version is made with real fruit and sugar, giving it a thick, jam-like consistency.

It’s perfect for spreading on toast or adding to recipes for a burst of flavor.

The jelly can also be used as a glaze for meats like pork chops or chicken breasts.

For those looking to substitute red currant jelly in recipes, frozen red currant jelly can make a great alternative – however, you may need to adjust the timing when adding it into cooking mixtures.

Its unique qualities make frozen red currant jelly an essential pantry staple that’s sure to bring out the best in any dish!

Conclusion

In conclusion, red currant jelly is a delicious condiment that adds a sweet and tart flavor to many dishes.

If you don’t have any on hand, there are plenty of alternatives that can be used in its place.

Grape jelly, apple jelly, dried fruit, cranberry sauce, blackcurrant jelly, strawberry jam, honey, and frozen red currant jelly are all excellent substitutes for red currant jelly.

These options can be used to make glazes, dressings, and sauces, as well as to top toast, waffles, and pancakes.

No matter which alternative you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy the same sweet-tart flavor of red currant jelly without having to make a special trip to the store!