Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe No Pectin Required Perfect for Beginners
A simple and approachable peach jam recipe that uses natural pectin from peaches, requiring no added pectin powder. Perfect for beginners, this jam is thick, luscious, and full of fresh peach flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 3 cups of jam (approximately 12 servings) 1x
- Category: Preserves
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and chopped fresh peaches (about 900 grams or 2 pounds)
- 1 to 1¼ cups granulated sugar (200–250 grams)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (30 ml)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the peaches: Wash peaches, score an X at the bottom, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then dunk in ice water to slip off skins. Chop into roughly 1-inch chunks to yield about 4 cups (900 g) of fruit.
- Combine ingredients: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, add chopped peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out juices.
- Start cooking: Place pot over medium heat and bring mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to a simmer once boiling.
- Simmer and stir: Let jam simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring every few minutes as liquid reduces and thickens. The mixture will darken and bubble thickly.
- Test the set: Place a small spoonful on a chilled plate, let cool for a minute, then push the edge with your finger. If it wrinkles and holds shape, jam is ready; if runny, cook a few more minutes and test again.
- Cool and jar: Remove pot from heat and let jam cool slightly before transferring to clean glass jars. Jam will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
Do not stir constantly to avoid breaking down fruit too much; stir every few minutes. Use medium to medium-low heat to prevent scorching. Peeling peaches is recommended for smoother jam but can be skipped for a chunkier texture. Lemon juice activates natural pectin to help jam set. Use fresh lemon juice for best results. Frozen peaches can be used but may require longer cooking time. For chunkier or smoother jam, use a potato masher or immersion blender midway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (40 gr
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 16
- Carbohydrates: 17
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 0.3
Keywords: peach jam, homemade jam, no pectin jam, easy peach jam, beginner jam recipe, natural pectin, fruit preserves