Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe
Imagine a jar of golden sunshine waiting on your kitchen counter, its sweet aroma promising summer in every spoonful. That is exactly what you get with this Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe. In just under an hour, you can transform ripe peaches into a spread that bursts with fresh, tangy, and fragrant flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned jam maker or brand new to preserves, this recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients and zero fuss, resulting in a jam you’ll want to gift, share, and slather on everything you bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Peaches:
- 4 cups peeled, pitted, and finely chopped
Granulated Sugar:
- 2 cups
Lemon Juice:
- 2 tablespoons
Fruit Pectin (optional):
- 1 packet (1.75 oz)
Ground Cinnamon (optional):
- 1/2 teaspoon
How to Make Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Begin by peeling, pitting, and finely chopping your peaches. If you prefer a chunkier jam, leave some of the pieces a bit larger for bursts of juicy fruit in every bite. Place the chopped peaches into a large saucepan—the heart of this Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe starts here with using the freshest fruit you can find.
Step 2: Macerate with Sugar and Lemon
Add the granulated sugar and lemon juice to the pan with your peaches. Stir thoroughly to combine, then let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes. This brief wait allows the sugar to coax out the natural peach juices, ensuring your jam will be glossy and full-flavored.
Step 3: Start Cooking and Add Pectin (If Using)
Place your saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a steady boil, stirring frequently. If you’re opting for a firmer set, sprinkle in the fruit pectin now. Continue to stir as the ingredients meld together and the kitchen fills with that unmistakable jam-making aroma.
Step 4: Simmer and Skim
Reduce the heat slightly and let the jam simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking, and use a spoon to skim off any foam that forms on top. This will help keep your jam clear and jewel-toned. To measure doneness, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate; if it thickens and wrinkles when gently pushed, your jam is ready.
Step 5: Add Cinnamon and Finish
If you love a touch of warmth, stir in the ground cinnamon now for a cozy, fragrant finish. Remove the saucepan from heat, letting the jam cool for about 10 minutes. This rest will help it set up just right for spooning or spreading.
Step 6: Jar and Cool
Pour your hot jam into clean jars, leaving a little space at the top. Allow the jars to cool completely before sealing. The jam is now ready to enjoy immediately or to stash away in the refrigerator for the days and weeks to come.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe

Garnishes
Top your Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped mint or a tiny dusting of extra cinnamon before serving—it elevates both the look and aroma. You can also add a thin slice of peach right on top for a rustic, farmhouse-style presentation.
Side Dishes
There’s no wrong way to enjoy this jam! It shines atop buttered toast, warm scones, or fluffy pancakes. For a savory twist, spread it over goat cheese on crostini or alongside mellow cheeses on a charcuterie board.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon individual servings into mini jars and tie with twine for the perfect homemade gift or party favor. For brunches, set out a small bowl of jam with a pretty serving spoon—let guests help themselves for a homey, inviting touch. It’s also delightful swirled into plain yogurt or dolloped on ice cream for a quick, easy dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe in an airtight glass jar or container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh, flavorful, and ready for spreading for up to three weeks—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
If you’d like to make this jam in advance or preserve some summer peaches for the colder months, simply transfer the cooled jam to freezer-safe containers. Leave about half an inch of space at the top for expansion, then freeze for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
This jam doesn’t need reheating if you’re spreading it on toast or stirring into yogurt. However, if you prefer it warm for swirling into oatmeal or pastries, gently heat a few spoonfuls in a small pan over low heat or microwave it for just 10-15 seconds, stirring until smooth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peaches work well when fresh aren’t in season. Just thaw and drain them thoroughly before chopping and following the Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe as written.
Is pectin necessary for this recipe?
Pectin is optional! It helps the jam set more quickly and gives a firmer texture, but you can leave it out for a softer, traditional style jam—just cook a bit longer to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I reduce the sugar?
This recipe uses a moderate amount of sugar to help preserve the jam and bring out the peach flavor. If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the sugar slightly or substitute with a lower-sugar pectin; just know the texture and shelf life may vary.
How do I know when my jam is ready?
The chilled plate test is your best friend! Drop a spoonful on a plate you’ve kept in the freezer; if it thickens and wrinkles when you nudge it, the Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe is good to go.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! You can double (or even triple) this jam recipe, but keep in mind that cooking times may increase slightly, and it’s crucial to stir frequently and watch closely for a proper set.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe a try and discover just how simple and joyful homemade preserves can be. There’s nothing quite like opening a jar of your own sunshine, no matter the season. Happy jam making!
Print
Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make a simple and delicious homemade peach jam with this easy recipe. Perfect for spreading on toast or adding to your favorite desserts!
Ingredients
Fresh Peaches:
- 4 cups peeled, pitted, and finely chopped
Granulated Sugar:
- 2 cups
Lemon Juice:
- 2 tablespoons
Fruit Pectin (optional):
- 1 packet (1.75 oz)
Ground Cinnamon (optional):
- 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine peaches, sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Boil Mixture: Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Add Pectin: If using pectin, add it and stir. Simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Check Doneness: Test jam on a chilled plate for thickness. Add cinnamon if desired.
- Cool and Store: Let jam cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to jars and seal for storage.
Notes
- For chunky jam, leave larger peach pieces. Skip pectin for a softer set by cooking longer. Try with nectarines or apricots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg