Vibrant Peach Jam Recipe

The Magic of Sweet Summer: Homemade Peach Jam Recipe Simplified

Summer’s bounty bursts with flavor in this delectable peach jam recipe that captures the essence of ripe, juicy fruit.

Sweet, golden peaches dance with sugar and create a luscious spread that sings of sunny orchards.

Each spoonful delivers a rich, velvety texture that melts on your tongue.

Local farmers’ markets overflow with perfectly ripened peaches during peak season, making this jam a true seasonal treasure.

The simple combination of fresh ingredients transforms ordinary fruit into an extraordinary preserve.

Slather this vibrant peach jam on warm toast or swirl into yogurt for an instant burst of sunshine.

You’ll fall in love with this homemade treat that preserves summer’s sweetest moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 124 kcal

Servings: 11

What Goes In Homemade Peach Jam

For Fruit Base:
  • Peaches: Juicy summer stars that bring sweet, tangy flavor to the jam; choose ripe, fragrant peaches with vibrant color and slight give when gently pressed.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus helper that balances sweetness and helps preserve the jam's gorgeous color by preventing browning.
For Sweetening and Setting:
  • Granulated Sugar: Magical crystalline ingredient that helps jam thicken and intensifies the natural peach flavor; use pure white sugar for clean, clear result.
  • Pectin: Natural fruit-derived thickening agent that helps jam reach perfect spreadable consistency; choose powdered pectin for easy mixing.
For Enhancing Flavor:
  • Vanilla Extract: Warm, comforting essence that adds depth and softens the sharp edges of fruit and sugar; use pure vanilla for best results.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Subtle spice that brings gentle warmth and complexity to the jam's flavor profile; choose high-quality, fresh ground cinnamon.

Tools Needed For Homemade Peach Jam

  • Large Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for peeling and dicing peaches safely.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for cleanly cutting and peeling peaches.
  • Potato Masher: Perfect for mashing peaches to desired consistency.
  • Food Processor: Alternative tool for creating smoother jam texture.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Helps collect and prepare peach pieces.
  • Measuring Cups: Accurate measuring of peach quantities.
  • Wooden Spoon: Good for stirring and mixing ingredients.

How To Cook Homemade Peach Jam

  • Prepare Peaches

Wash ripe peaches thoroughly and get ready to transform them into a delightful spread. Remove the skin by briefly dipping each peach in boiling water, then quickly transfer to an ice bath. The skin will slip off easily, revealing the juicy flesh underneath.

  • Break Down Fruit

Slice peaches into small chunks, discarding the pit. Use a potato masher or quick food processor pulses to create a rustic texture. Some chunky bits will add character to your homemade jam.

  • Cook Fruit Mixture

Pour peaches into a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and help release natural fruit juices. The mixture will start to bubble and thicken as it cooks.

  • Add Sweetness

Sprinkle in sugar and a splash of lemon juice to balance flavors and help the jam set. Keep stirring and watch the mixture transform into a glossy, rich preserve.

  • Test Jam Consistency

Drop a small amount of jam onto a chilled plate. Run your finger through the mixture – if it leaves a clear path and doesn’t immediately fill back in, your jam is ready to be jarred.

  • Preserve Your Creation

Carefully transfer the hot jam into clean glass jars. Let them cool completely before sealing. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy your homemade peach jam within a few weeks.

Tips For Smooth Homemade Peach Jam

  • Ripeness Matters: Choose perfectly ripe, fragrant peaches for the most flavorful jam. Slightly soft peaches with vibrant color will give your preserve the best natural sweetness.
  • Pectin Power: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to help the jam set and enhance the natural fruit flavors. Commercial pectin can also be used for a more consistent texture.
  • Texture Tricks: Use a potato masher for a chunky jam or blend in a food processor for a smoother spread. Mix some whole peach pieces back in for rustic appeal.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like honey or stevia, perfect for diabetic-friendly diets. Consider using low-sugar pectin to maintain proper consistency.
  • Storage Wisdom: Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2-3 weeks for the best flavor and quality.

Ways To Use Homemade Peach Jam

  • Rustic Breakfast Companion: Spread this luscious peach jam generously on warm, buttered toast or freshly baked scones for a delightful morning treat that bursts with sweet, fruity flavor.
  • Elegant Cheese Pairing: Serve alongside a creamy brie or goat cheese on a charcuterie board, creating a perfect balance between the jam's sweetness and the cheese's rich, tangy profile.
  • Baking Booster: Swirl into muffin batters, use as a filling for thumbprint cookies, or layer between cake layers to add a vibrant, homemade touch to your baked desserts.
  • Yogurt Enhancer: Dollop a spoonful over Greek yogurt or blend into smoothies for an instant burst of natural peach sweetness and a gorgeous golden color.

How To Store Homemade Peach Jam Right

  • Refrigeration Magic: Store your freshly made peach jam in clean, airtight glass jars and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, ensuring maximum flavor and quality.
  • Freezing Option: Transfer cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top, which will maintain the jam's delicious taste for up to 6 months.
  • Canning Technique: For long-term storage, process sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, creating a shelf-stable product that can last up to one year in a cool, dark pantry.
  • Serving Suggestion: Always use a clean, dry spoon when scooping jam to prevent introducing moisture or bacteria, which could reduce the overall storage life of your homemade treat.
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Vibrant Peach Jam Recipe

Vibrant Peach Jam Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Peach preserves bring summer’s sweetness to your kitchen with minimal ingredients and simple steps. Homemade jam delivers rich flavors and memories you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 milliliters / 32 fl oz) peaches, fresh, peeled, pitted, and diced (about 68 medium peaches)
  • 2 cups (400 grams / 14.11 oz) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 grams / 1.76 oz) sugar, additional
  • 2 tbsps (30 milliliters / 1 fl oz) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • ½ tsp (2.5 milliliters / 0.08 fl oz) vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 packet (1.75 oz / 49 grams) fruit pectin, powdered

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Cleanse peaches under cool running water, eliminating surface impurities and ensuring optimal fruit quality.
  2. Fruit Processing: Halve peaches using a sharp paring knife, delicately separating segments and extracting pits with precision, then dice into uniform cubes to guarantee consistent texture.
  3. Initial Mixture: Transfer diced peaches into a heavy-bottomed pot, capturing all released juices, and gently crush using a potato masher to create a slightly textured foundation.
  4. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate sugar and lemon juice, stirring meticulously to distribute ingredients uniformly and develop complex flavor profiles.
  5. Cooking Process: Elevate mixture to medium-high heat, initiating a rolling boil, then reducing temperature to maintain a gentle simmer while continuously stirring to prevent scorching.
  6. Jam Development: Continue cooking until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, glossy consistency that elegantly coats a spoon, indicating perfect jam texture.
  7. Preservation: Remove from heat, allowing slight cooling before carefully transferring to sterilized glass containers, then permit complete cooling at ambient temperature prior to sealing and refrigeration.

Notes

  • Choose Perfectly Ripe Peaches: Select peaches that are fragrant, slightly soft when gently pressed, and have vibrant color without bruises or green spots for the most flavorful jam.
  • Prevent Burning: Stir constantly and use a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly, preventing the jam from scorching and developing a bitter taste.
  • Test Jam Consistency: Use the cold plate method by placing a small amount of jam on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready and will set properly after cooling.
  • Preserve Safely: Sterilize glass jars thoroughly with boiling water to prevent bacterial growth and ensure the jam stays fresh for several weeks in the refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 124
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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