Peach Jam

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Fragrant and sweet, this small-batch peach jam is perfect for beginner jam-makers or anyone who only has a few peaches on hand. It’s ready in just minutes and makes 2 jars.

There are a few foods that really capture summer for me. Right at the top of the list is peaches, with their almost-excessive fragrance and juicy sweet flavor.

Depending on where you live, peach season can be pretty short, so one of the best ways to hold on to those flavors a little longer is to make peach jam.

Small-batch jams like this and my strawberry rhubarb jam are perfect for savoring all sorts of fruits without having to reserve half your pantry to rows of jars. They’re also a great option for anyone who isn’t quite ready to dive into the world of water bath canning.

All you need for this simple peach jam is 4 ingredients and about 20 minutes!

Ingredients for peach jam

You’ll need:

Sugar – I use granulated sugar in this recipe for the best results.

I have not tried this recipe with sugar alternatives. If you do, let me know how it works!

Pectin – Powdered pectin helps set the jam and prevents the need for cooking the jam a long time.

Pectin is derived from fruit, so don’t fret about using it! 

Lemon juice – Lemon juice adds fresh flavor to the jam and tampers the sweetness a bit.

I recommend using bottled lemon juice for jams if you are processing in a canner.

Peaches – You will need about 3 medium peaches for this recipe, to yield 1 1/3 cups of diced fruit.

Any variety of peach will do. Look for peaches that have a slight give to the flesh when gently squeezed. 

Overripe peaches that are extra soft are great for jam as well, since they generally do not need much dicing. Make sure there are no moldy spots!

What’s the difference between clingstone and freestone peaches?

The difference is in the name: clingstone peaches have pits that “cling” to the flesh, while freestone peaches have more easily removed pits.

Generally, clingstone peaches are ready earlier in the season. If using clingstone, simply cut the peach flesh away from the pit.

Freestone peaches can be halved vertically and carefully twisted to open and remove the pit.

How to make peach jam

Set aside two 8-ounce jars or 1 16-ounce jar. If you don’t have mason jars, you can also use deli containers or other reusable container with a well-fitting lid.

Peel, pit, and dice the peaches.

To peel, you can either use my blanching method for peeling tomatoes, or use a paring knife to cut off the peel. Cutting the peaches into quarters first will make it easier to peel.

Set a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced peaches, pectin, and lemon juice and stir to combine.

Bring to a boil, using a potato masher to break down the peaches further as they soften, if you like.

Once boiling, add the sugar all at once and stir well. Bring back to a boil, stirring to prevent scorching. 

When the jam is at a boil that cannot be stirred down, let boil for 1 minute.

Remove from heat. The jam should be thickened, but still pourable. It will thicken more as it cools.

If desired, skim off the foam on top of the jam. This will give you a prettier, clearer jam.

Pour into jars. Wipe any spilled jam off the rims with a wet towel, then screw on lids.

Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator.

Canning peach jam

If you want your jam to last longer and be shelf-stable, you need to process it in a water bath canner.

Fill a canner with water and set to boil before starting the jam. Set aside 2 sterilized jars, lids, and rings.

Make the recipe as directed, then place on lids and screw rings on fingertip tight.

Use a jar lifter to lower the jars into the boiling water. Place the lid on the canner and bring back to a boil.

Process the jars for 10 minutes, then use the jar lifter to carefully remove the jars. Place on a towel-lined countertop.

Let the jars rest for 24 hours before checking for seals and labeling. If any jars did not seal, store them in the refrigerator.

Label sealed jars and store in a cool, dry place such as a pantry for up to 24 months.

FAQ and Troubleshooting

Why is my jam too thick or too thin?

If your jam is too thick, you might have cooked it too long, or used too much pectin.

This recipe uses only 1 ½ tablespoons of powdered pectin, not a whole box. I recommend buying the pectin in a jar so you can use just what you need.

When cooking the jam make sure to not have the heat too high, stir often, and only boil hard for 1 minute once adding the sugar. It should be easily pourable; the jam will thicken further as it cools.

If your jam is too thin, you likely did not cook it long enough. You can recook the jam to thicken, or use as a delicious peach sauce for ice cream or pancakes!

Can I use frozen peaches to make jam?

If you don’t have fresh peaches on hand or want to make this jam out of season, frozen peaches are a great option.

Thaw the peaches completely and drain well. Frozen peaches are already peeled and sliced, saving you a few steps! 

Dice the peaches and proceed with the recipe as written.

Can I reduce the sugar in this jam? What about sugar substitute?

You can reduce the sugar in this recipe to 1 cup.

I have not tried this recipe using sugar substitutes. Note that your jam may not set the same way as when using granulated sugar.

What can I add to peach jam?

There are so many options for adding flavors to peach jam!

Try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a rich flavor.

Add grated fresh ginger for zing.

Love peach pie? Add a bit of ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg.

Add a splash of bourbon or whiskey.

Try with fresh herbs like basil or mint.

How long does peach jam last?

Kept in the refrigerator, peach jam will last for 1-2 months.

Store the jam in the coldest part of the refrigerator to help it last longer.

If you process the jars in a canner, the jars will keep for about 18 months.

Do not store unprocessed or opened jars in the pantry.

What to serve with peach jam

I love peach jam on top of English muffins and bagels with cream cheese. Honey oatmeal bread is also excellent with peach jam when toasted!

Try it warm with buttermilk waffles or on vanilla ice cream.

Peach jam can also be used for savory dishes like grilled chicken or pork chops.

Have just a little bit of jam left in the jar? Add your favorite spirits or Prosecco and make a sweet, peachy cocktail!