Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe
This easy peach jam recipe is the perfect introduction to canning peaches. It’s simple, delicious, and brings the taste of summer to your kitchen year-round.
Equipment
- Large cooking pot
- Sterilized mason jars with lids
- Ladle or funnel
- Potato masher (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh peaches peeled and chopped
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 package 1.75 oz fruit pectin
- Optional Add-ins:
- Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Mixed berries e.g. blueberries, raspberries
Instructions
- Wash and prepare peaches. Peel and chop into small chunks.
- Combine in pot. Mix peaches, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pot over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Simmer. Let the mixture boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Add pectin. Gradually stir in pectin and simmer for another 5–10 minutes until thickened.
- Jar the jam. Pour hot mixture into sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Seal tightly.
- Cool and store. Let jars cool completely. Store in a pantry (if properly canned) or refrigerate.
Notes
Use ripe, fragrant peaches for best results.
For a smoother jam, mash the peaches as they cook.
Always sterilize jars properly if planning to shelf-store long term.
Skip pectin if you prefer a softer, more spreadable preserve (longer cook time required).