If you love the taste of fresh, sun-ripened peaches but want to enjoy their sweetness all year long, this Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that come together in under 40 minutes to create a delightfully luscious jam. Perfectly spreadable and bursting with natural peach flavor, this recipe turns everyday peaches into a jar of sunshine you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role in flavor, texture, and color. From juicy peaches to bright lemon juice, every component ensures you get that perfect jam consistency and a balance of sweetness and tang.
- Peaches: Using 3 1/2 pounds of peeled, pitted, and chunked peaches creates the jam’s luscious base with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Sugar: 2 1/2 cups of sugar sweetens the jam and helps it set, but you can always adjust it to suit your taste.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the sweetness and aids the jam in thickening.
How to Make Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe
Step 1: Add Peaches and Lemon Juice
Start by combining your prepared peaches with the juice from one lemon in a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, gently crushing the peaches as it heats. This releases their juices and creates that delightful jammy texture you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Reduce Heat and Add Sugar
Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and stir in the sugar. Your kitchen will instantly start smelling like summer because this combination is pure peach magic. Bring everything back to a strong rolling boil while stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
Step 3: Boil and Stir
Continue to cook the jam for 15 to 25 minutes, stirring regularly. You want to watch it thicken and reduce down until it clings to a spoon when lifted and tilted sideways — that’s your cue the consistency is just right.
Step 4: Cool the Jam
After cooking, let your peach jam cool to room temperature. If it’s not quite thick enough, don’t worry! You can simply return it to the heat for another 10 minutes of boiling then cool it again. This step makes fine-tuning your jam’s texture a breeze.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh mint or a tiny dollop of whipped cream elevates this Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe for breakfast or dessert. The herbs add a refreshing contrast that complements the sweet peaches beautifully.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm biscuits — it’s a classic match that never fails. You can also serve it alongside soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese for an indulgent twist at brunch or snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering this jam with Greek yogurt and granola for a delicious parfait or swirl it into your morning oatmeal to give your daily routine a fruity upgrade. The versatility of this Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe makes it a delightful addition to many culinary creations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, transfer your peach jam into a clean, airtight jar. Store it in the fridge where it will stay fresh for up to three weeks, making it perfect for repeated enjoyment without worry.
Freezing
If you want to keep your homemade jam for longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Use freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Frozen peach jam maintains its flavor and texture well for several months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or refrigerated peach jam, gently warm it over low heat on the stove to bring back that luscious spreading consistency. Stir frequently and watch it come alive just like fresh from the pot.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches for this jam?
Yes, frozen peaches work well in this recipe. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery jam.
How long does homemade peach jam last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this jam lasts about three weeks in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before use.
Is it necessary to add lemon juice?
Lemon juice is crucial because it balances the sweetness and helps the jam set properly. Skip it, and your jam might turn out too sweet or runny.
Can I reduce the sugar amount?
Definitely. You can cut down the sugar slightly to suit your taste, but keep in mind sugar also acts as a preservative, so the jam might not last as long.
What if my jam isn’t thick enough after cooling?
No worries! Just return it to the stove and boil for an additional 10 minutes, then cool again. Repeat as needed until you get your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as making your own fruit jam, and this Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick, simple, and yields such a beautifully fresh, flavorful spread that brightens up any meal. Go ahead and give it a try — your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 3 cups of peach jam
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe captures the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh peaches in a simple, no-fuss jam that you can make on your stovetop. With just peaches, lemon juice, and sugar, you’ll have a delicious spread perfect for toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for desserts. The recipe lets you customize the jam’s texture and sweetness to your liking, making this homemade peach jam a fresh and delightful addition to your pantry.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 pounds peaches (about 10 to 14 medium peaches), peeled, pitted, and cut into chunks
- 2 1/2 cups sugar (adjust to taste)
- Juice from one lemon
Instructions
- Add peaches and lemon juice: In a medium saucepan, combine the peeled, pitted, and chunked peaches with the freshly squeezed juice from one lemon. The lemon juice helps preserve the color and adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- Bring to a boil and crush peaches: Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Use a spoon or potato masher to crush the peaches to your preferred consistency, whether chunky or smooth.
- Reduce heat and add sugar: Lower the heat to medium and stir in the sugar gradually, ensuring it dissolves completely into the peach mixture.
- Boil while stirring frequently: Return the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring often to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan.
- Cook to desired jam consistency: Continue boiling and stirring for 15 to 25 minutes. The jam is ready when it thickens enough to coat a spoon and stays in place when turned sideways.
- Cool the jam: Remove the pan from heat and let the peach jam cool to room temperature. If it’s too runny, you can reboil it for about 10 more minutes and cool again until it reaches the perfect spreadable consistency.
Notes
- Peeling peaches is easier if you blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds and then immediately transfer to ice water.
- Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your peaches and your personal preference.
- For longer storage, sterilize your jars and lids and store the jam in the refrigerator or process in a water bath canner.
- Use lemon juice to help the jam set and enhance flavor.
- The cooking time might vary depending on the juiciness of your peaches and your stove’s heat.
