This easy peach jam is made with just three simple ingredients: fresh peaches, sugar, and lemon juice! It’s sweet, fruity, and perfect for spreading on toast or pancakes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: These are the star of the jam! The riper the peaches, the sweeter the jam will be. If you’re in a pinch, you could use frozen peaches—just make sure to thaw and drain them first.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar helps with sweetness and also acts as a preservative. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try using half the amount of honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
Lemon Juice: This adds acidity and balances the sweetness. Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled juice works too. For a different twist, you can use lime juice, though it will change the flavor profile a bit.
How Do I Get My Peach Jam to Thicken Properly?
Getting the right consistency for your jam can be tricky, but here’s how to do it. First, it’s essential to cook the mixture slowly and stir frequently to avoid burning.
- After boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. This allows the natural pectin in the fruit to help the jam thicken.
- To check the thickness, use the cold plate test: take a spoonful of jam and let it cool on a plate. If it thickens and wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s good to go!
- If it’s not thickening to your liking, you can simmer a bit longer, stirring often until you achieve your desired consistency.
Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe with 3 Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped (about 5-6 medium peaches)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy peach jam recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time. Plus, you’ll need around 30 minutes for the cooking process. So, in total, set aside at least 45 minutes to make this delicious jam!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Peaches:
Start by peeling the peaches. Use a sharp knife to cut the skin away, then remove the pit and chop the peaches into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the better they’ll cook down into jam.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large saucepan, combine your chopped peaches, sugar, and lemon juice. Give everything a good stir so that the peaches are nicely coated with sugar and lemon juice. This mixture will start to create some delicious juice!
3. Letting It Sit:
Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This will help the peaches release their juices and start the process of creating your jam.
4. Cooking the Jam:
Now, place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring your mixture to a boil while stirring frequently to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. Once it’s boiling nicely, reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Thickening the Jam:
Continue cooking the jam on low heat for about 20-30 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally. To check if it’s thickened enough, place a spoonful of the jam on a cold plate. If it gels and wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready!
6. Removing from Heat:
Once it’s thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Be careful, as it will be hot!
7. Jarring the Jam:
Transfer your peach jam into sterilized jars. Make sure to seal them tightly and store them in the refrigerator. This jam can last up to 3 weeks!
8. Enjoying Your Delicious Jam:
Your fresh homemade peach jam is now ready! Use it on toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for your favorite desserts. Enjoy the sweet taste of summer!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Jam?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before chopping. This will help achieve the right consistency for your jam.
How Sweet Is This Peach Jam? Can I Adjust the Sugar?
This recipe provides a sweet jam, but you can definitely adjust the sugar to your liking! If you prefer a less sweet jam, start with 1.5 cups of sugar and taste as you go, adding more if needed.
How Should I Store the Peach Jam?
Store the peach jam in sterilized, airtight jars in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just leave some space at the top of the jar to allow for expansion.
Can I Use Other Fruits to Make Jam?
Absolutely! This recipe can work with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or apricots. Just be mindful that different fruits may have varying levels of natural pectin, so cooking times might need slight adjustments.
