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Easy Spiced Fresh Peach Jam Recipe Small Batch Perfect for Beginners

easy spiced fresh peach jam - featured image

This easy spiced fresh peach jam features velvety chunks of peach in a lightly thickened glaze with warm spices, perfect for small batches and beginners. It balances juicy texture with a gentle spice blend for a comforting, homemade feel.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped into chunks
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the peaches by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water to loosen skins. Peel, pit, and chop into roughly 1-inch chunks.
  2. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves; stir to evenly distribute spices.
  3. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, add chopped peaches, spiced sugar mixture, lemon juice, and water. Stir gently to coat peaches evenly without breaking them up.
  4. Place the pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally as sugar dissolves and peaches release juices. Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer.
  5. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring every few minutes and gently mashing a few peach chunks to release natural pectin while keeping most pieces intact. Test set by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate; if it gels and wrinkles when pushed, it is ready.
  6. Remove pot from heat. Use a ladle and funnel to fill sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Seal jars with lids.
  7. Let jars cool at room temperature for 12-24 hours. Store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks or process with water bath canning for longer shelf storage.

Notes

For smoother jam, pulse half the peaches in a food processor before cooking. Use fresh lemon juice for brightness and natural pectin activation. Test jam set with cold plate test. Adjust sugar to taste. Water bath canning recommended for long-term storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach jam, spiced peach jam, small batch jam, beginner jam recipe, homemade peach preserves, cinnamon peach jam, fresh peach jam