This Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe is pure summer in a jar—juicy, sweet-tart peaches simmered down with just a touch of sugar and lemon juice, creating a luscious, golden spread that tastes like sunshine on your morning toast. You won’t believe how simple it is to make this classic treat with just three ingredients and a little bit of love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Peach Flavor: Every spoonful bursts with the fresh, sun-ripened essence of real peaches—no artificial anything!
- No Pectin Needed: Lemon juice does the heavy lifting here, so you skip specialty ingredients and keep things naturally simple.
- Quick & Foolproof: This jam comes together in about 35 minutes, with easy steps and minimal mess (no canning required if you don’t want to preserve it for months).
- Versatile & Giftable: Spread it on biscuits, swirl it into yogurt, spoon it over ice cream, or share a jar with someone you love—it’s the ultimate homemade treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore most about this Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe is just how brilliantly each of the three ingredients shines—nothing fancy, just pure flavor. Each one plays a starring role, from natural sweetness and bright color to that perfect, spreadable texture.
- Fresh peaches (3½ pounds, peeled, pitted, and cut into chunks): Choose ripe, juicy peaches for the deepest peach flavor and vibrant hue—clingstone or freestone varieties both work, but go as ripe as possible for best results.
- Sugar (2½ cups): Not only sweetens, but helps the jam gel and preserve—it’s flexible, but don’t skimp too much or your jam won’t set!
- Lemon juice (juice from one lemon): Adds bright tang and, most importantly, naturally helps the jam thicken thanks to its pectin content.
Variations
One of the great joys of the Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe is how effortlessly you can make it your own. Whether you want to experiment with flavors or adjust for dietary needs, here are some playful twists you might love to try.
- Peach & Vanilla Jam: Add half a vanilla bean (or a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract at the end) to infuse warmth and depth to your spread.
- Low Sugar Peach Jam: Use just 2 cups of sugar and simmer a bit longer to thicken—the flavor will be a bit more tart but absolutely delicious.
- Spiced Peach Jam: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or ginger with the sugar for a cozy, aromatic twist (fantastic for fall breakfasts!).
- Mixed Stone Fruit Jam: Swap out half the peaches for nectarines or apricots for a unique, vibrant jam with subtle layers of flavor.
How to Make Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
Start by peeling, pitting, and chopping your peaches into chunks. If you’re short on time or don’t mind a rustic look, you can even leave the skins on (they’ll melt away for the most part and add extra color). Toss the chunks directly into a medium saucepan—it’s okay if they’re juicy and messy; that’s what we want!
Step 2: Macerate & Boil
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to your peaches in the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Use a spatula or potato masher to crush the peaches as they heat, breaking them down into your ideal jammy texture—chunky or smooth, it’s your call!
Step 3: Add Sugar & Simmer
Once the peaches are bubbling, reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the sugar and bring everything back to a full, rolling boil. Stir frequently as the mixture thickens, deepens in color, and reduces, which generally takes 15 to 25 minutes—don’t walk away at this point, as sugar syrups can bubble up quickly!
Step 4: Test and Adjust Consistency
After about 20 minutes, test the jam by dipping in a cold spoon—if the jam sticks and doesn’t slide off, it’s ready! If it’s too thin, keep simmering (or even let it cool and re-boil for another 10 minutes later). Adjust until you reach your dream spreadability.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe
- Peach Picking Power: The riper your peaches, the richer and more fragrant your jam will be—look for fruit that’s heavy for its size and slightly soft to the touch.
- Watch the Boil: Don’t wander while your jam simmers—it can bubble up quickly, so keep things moving with frequent stirring (and prevent any sneaky scorching at the bottom).
- Chill-Test for Thickness: Keep a little plate in the freezer and test a spoonful of jam on it; if it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, you’ve nailed the perfect consistency.
- Small Batch = Big Flavor: Making this jam in small amounts means quicker cooking and brighter, fresher fruit flavor—don’t double the batch or it might not set as nicely!
How to Serve Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe
Garnishes
This jam truly shines with minimal extras, but if you want to pretty it up, try a scatter of fresh peach slices on top of a jar, or tuck in a sprig of mint for a pop of color and herby aroma. Citrus zest (especially lemon or orange) grated on top just before serving adds brightness and intrigue, too.
Side Dishes
Of course, nothing beats a swipe over buttery toast or warm biscuits, but don’t stop there! The Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe is dreamy alongside fluffy pancakes, spooned into oatmeal or overnight oats, or dolloped onto yogurt parfaits for a simple yet elevated breakfast or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer it between cake layers, swirl it into cheesecake batter before baking, or portion into small jars for unforgettable edible gifts. For a cheeseboard pairing, serve it in a ramekin with a spreader and surround with soft cheeses and toasted nuts—the color and aroma are irresistible!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer your cooled jam into sterilized jars or airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month. The texture actually improves after a day or two, so it’s a great make-ahead recipe for busy weeks (or lazy weekend breakfasts).
Freezing
This jam freezes beautifully: simply ladle cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving about ½ inch at the top for expansion. It keeps well for up to a year—thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for another taste of summer.
Reheating
If your refrigerated or thawed jam thickens a bit too much, just stir it well or warm gently in the microwave (10–15 seconds) to loosen it up before spreading. Stir gently to restore that beautiful, glossy finish.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen peaches in this Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw the peaches and drain any excess liquid before starting. They’ll work beautifully, though fresh peaches develop a slightly brighter flavor and color if you have them handy.
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Is it possible to reduce the sugar for a less-sweet jam?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to about 2 cups, but be aware that the jam will be looser since sugar helps it gel. Longer simmering helps concentrate it, or add a little extra lemon juice for more pectin.
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Do I need to can this peach jam, or can I skip that step?
No canning is necessary if you’ll eat the jam within a month and keep it refrigerated. For longer-term storage at room temperature, you’ll need to process the jars according to safe canning guidelines.
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What’s the best way to peel peaches for jam quickly?
Score a small “X” on the bottom of each peach, briefly dip in boiling water (about 30 seconds), then plunge into ice water—the skins slip right off! Or, simply leave skins on for a more rustic, fiber-rich jam.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving that sweet taste of summer long after peach season ends, you’re going to fall in love with this Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe. It’s approachable, delightfully delicious, and guaranteed to bring sunshine to your kitchen all year round—give it a try and see how easy homemade jam can truly be!
Print
Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 cups 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
Learn how to make a delicious and simple peach jam at home with this easy recipe. Perfect for spreading on toast or using in a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
Peach Jam:
- 3 1/2 pounds peaches (1 lb = 3 to 4 medium peaches), peeled, pitted, and cut into chunks
Sugar Mixture:
- 2 1/2 cups sugar (adjust to taste)
- Juice from one lemon
Instructions
- Add peaches and lemon juice: In a medium saucepan, combine peaches and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, using a spatula or masher to crush the peaches to your desired consistency.
- Add sugar: Reduce heat to medium, then add the sugar to the peach mixture. Bring the peaches back to a full rolling boil, stirring frequently.
- Boil and stir: Continue to boil and stir until the peaches reduce and reach the desired consistency, about 15 to 25 minutes. The jam should stick to a spoon when lifted and turned sideways.
- Cool and adjust: Let the peach preserves cool. If the jam is not at the desired consistency, bring it back to a boil for about 10 minutes, then let it cool again.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
