Easy Classic Peach Jam Recipe with Pectin for Perfect Homemade Sweetness
A straightforward and reliable peach jam recipe using pectin for perfect texture and balanced sweetness. Ideal for beginners and perfect for capturing the fresh, sun-ripened flavor of peaches.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups (approximately 8 servings, 1 tablespoon each) 1x
- Category: Preserves
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 package fruit pectin (about 1.75 oz or 49g), recommended Sure-Jell
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the peaches: wash thoroughly, peel (blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds if needed), and chop into roughly 1/2-inch pieces (about 15 minutes).
- Mix pectin and water: dissolve fruit pectin in 1/4 cup cold water, stir gently until smooth and set aside (5 minutes).
- Combine peaches and sugar: add chopped peaches and granulated sugar to a large pot, stir well to coat, and let sit for about 10 minutes to draw out juices (5 minutes).
- Cook the mixture: place pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once boiling, add dissolved pectin and lemon juice. Stir vigorously and return to a full boil. Maintain boil for 1 minute to activate pectin (10 minutes).
- Check consistency: remove pot from heat and let jam sit briefly. Test by dropping a small spoonful onto a cold plate; it should wrinkle when pushed with a finger. If too runny, return to heat and boil another minute (2 minutes).
- Jar the jam: ladle hot jam into sterilized jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace, wipe rims clean, seal with lids, and let cool at room temperature until set (10 minutes).
Notes
Use ripe but firm peaches for best texture. Stir constantly during boiling to prevent scorching. Perform the wrinkle test on a chilled plate to check jam set. Work quickly when jarring as hot jam solidifies fast. Lemon juice is essential for proper setting and flavor balance. For smoother jam, pulse peaches briefly in a food processor before cooking. Variations include adding cinnamon or ginger for spice, or mixing with berries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 0.3
Keywords: peach jam, homemade jam, pectin jam, easy peach jam, fruit preserves, summer recipes, vegan jam, gluten-free jam