Experience the vibrant taste of summer all year long with this incredibly easy peach freezer jam recipe! Made with just a few simple ingredients and less sugar than traditional jams, this homemade peach jam captures the fresh, juicy essence of ripe peaches in every spoonful. Forget complicated canning methods – this recipe requires no special equipment, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned jam makers alike.
Summer means peaches, and around here, we can’t get enough of them! From refreshing Peach Lemonade and comforting Raspberry Peach Crisp to adding them in muffins, oatmeal, and countless other dishes, we seize every opportunity to savor these sun-kissed fruits. There’s a particular delight in biting into a sweet, tender peach that just can’t be replicated, and preserving that flavor is a culinary dream.
One of the absolute best ways to lock in that incredible fresh peach flavor is by making homemade peach freezer jam. If the thought of making your own jam has always felt daunting or complicated, let us assure you, freezer jam is a game-changer. It is, by far, the EASIEST method for preserving fruit, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their kitchen expertise.
Why Choose Peach Freezer Jam? The Easiest Way to Preserve Summer
Unlike traditional canning, which often involves extensive equipment and precise techniques, freezer jam simplifies the entire process without compromising on taste or quality. Here’s why it stands out as the superior choice for preserving peaches:
- No Specialty Equipment Required: Say goodbye to the need for expensive pressure canners, bulky water bath canners, or specialized canning tools. All you truly need are clean jars with lids that seal well. This makes it a budget-friendly and hassle-free option for home cooks.
- No Special Skills Required: If you can stir and follow a few basic steps, you can master this homemade peach jam. There’s no complex sterilization process beyond ensuring your jars are clean, and no intricate sealing methods to worry about. It’s truly a beginner-friendly recipe.
- Unmatched Peach Flavor: The minimal cooking time involved in making freezer jam is its secret weapon. By heating the fruit just enough to activate the pectin, we prevent the peaches from losing their vibrant, fresh flavor and natural color. The result is a jam that tastes remarkably like biting into a ripe, juicy peach, far superior to many store-bought varieties that often have an overcooked, duller fruit essence.
- Tried & Tested for Perfect Set: Peach jam has a reputation for being notoriously difficult to set properly due to its lower natural pectin content. We understand this challenge, which is why we meticulously developed and tested this recipe through eight batches (yes, eight!) to ensure a consistent, perfect set every single time. You won’t encounter runny jam frustrations here!
- Versatile and Delicious: This isn’t just a spread for toast. Its bright, authentic peach flavor makes it incredibly versatile, enhancing everything from breakfast staples to decadent desserts.
- Less Sugar, More Fruit: Our recipe uses less sugar than many traditional jam recipes, allowing the natural sweetness and tartness of the peaches to shine through. This not only results in a healthier option but also a more intensely flavored jam.
Making a batch of this delightful jam is like giving yourself a gift that keeps on giving. Imagine spreading the taste of summer peaches on your toast in the dead of winter – it’s pure bliss! Once you try this homemade delight, you’ll want to add it to everything you eat.
Ready to create your own taste of summer? Let’s gather the 5 simple ingredients you’ll need to get started…
Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Peach Jam
Crafting exceptional peach freezer jam starts with choosing the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect peachy flavor and ideal jam consistency. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Fresh Peaches: The star of our jam! For the most intensely peachy flavor, always opt for ripe, juicy, and fragrant fresh peaches. The quality of your peaches directly impacts the quality of your jam, so choose wisely. Avoid peaches that are flavorless, overly tart, or mealy. Small bruises are perfectly fine, as long as the underlying flavor is excellent. For jam-making, yellow peaches are highly recommended because they offer better acidity and a more appealing color than white peaches, which can be too mild and less vibrant.
- Lemon Juice: This ingredient is crucial for two main reasons. Firstly, fresh lemon juice brightens the overall flavor profile of the peaches, adding a delightful zesty note. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly for a successful jam, it provides essential acidity that helps the pectin activate and the jam to set properly. Peaches are naturally lower in pectin compared to fruits like berries or apples, so the added acidity from lemon juice is key to achieving that ideal consistency.
- Sugar: While this is a “low sugar” recipe, sugar is still a necessary component. It contributes to the jam’s texture, acts as a preservative, and helps the pectin set. Regular granulated sugar or cane sugar works perfectly here. It’s important to note that sugar substitutes are generally not recommended for this recipe, as they can interfere with the pectin’s ability to set the jam correctly. Adhering to the specified sugar amount is crucial for guaranteed results.
- Sure-Jell Low Sugar Pectin: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for achieving a proper set in a low-sugar jam. This specific type of pectin is formulated to work effectively with reduced sugar content. Do NOT substitute liquid pectin or regular pectin (often found in a yellow box) in this recipe, as they require different sugar ratios and your jam may not set correctly. Using the pink box of Sure-Jell Premium Fruit Pectin for Less or No Sugar Needed Recipes ensures success.
- Water: A small amount of water is used to dissolve the pectin mixture, ensuring it disperses evenly throughout the jam and activates properly when heated.
- *Optional* Almond or Vanilla Extract: For an extra layer of flavor complexity, consider adding just 2-3 drops of almond extract or vanilla extract. Almond extract, in particular, beautifully complements the natural sweetness of peaches and adds a subtle, intriguing depth.
You’ll Also Need Jars!
One of the fantastic advantages of homemade freezer jam is its flexibility regarding storage containers. You can use almost any clean glass jar or freezer-safe plastic container, as long as it’s impeccably clean and has a new or sanitized lid that seals tightly. You can mix and match various sizes, from small individual portions to larger family-sized jars. Some excellent options include small Weck jars, convenient mini jam jars, or durable plastic freezer jam containers, which are specifically designed to prevent freezer burn and cracking.
How To Make Peach Freezer Jam: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
For precise ingredient measurements, detailed instructions, and helpful tips, please refer to the full recipe card located further down the page.
Making peach freezer jam is a straightforward process, but preparing your workspace and ingredients in advance will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Follow these steps for delicious, perfectly set jam every time:
- Prep Your Station: Before you even start peeling peaches, ensure your kitchen is clean and organized. Thoroughly wash and sanitize all your jars and lids. Lay out a funnel (if using), a clean washcloth or paper towel, and measure out all your ingredients. Having everything ready streamlines the process and allows you to work quickly once the cooking begins.
- Prep Peaches: The first crucial step is preparing your peaches. You’ll need to peel and then finely dice or mash them. For peeling, you can use a sharp paring knife to make an “X” incision at the bottom of each peach, then gently peel back the skin. Alternatively, blanching is effective: carefully lower peaches into boiling water for about 1 minute, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should then slip off easily. Once peeled, finely dice or mash the peaches until you have exactly 3 cups, including all their delicious juices. Precision in measuring is important for the jam to set correctly.
- Combine: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the prepared peach mixture with the fresh lemon juice and any optional almond or vanilla extract. Then, add the measured sugar and water. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined, ensuring the sugar begins to dissolve.
- Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the peach mixture to a full rolling boil. This means the mixture should be bubbling vigorously across the entire surface of the pot, not just around the edges. Once it reaches a rolling boil, set a timer and continue to boil for precisely 2 minutes. This brief, intense heat is essential for activating the pectin.
- Add Pectin: After the 2-minute boil, quickly whisk in the pectin. Continue whisking constantly for another 2 minutes to ensure the pectin is fully dissolved and incorporated without any lumps. Once the time is up, remove the saucepan from the heat and give it one last check to ensure no pectin clumps remain.
- Fill Jars: Carefully pour or ladle the hot jam into your clean, prepared jars. It is critical to leave approximately 1/2 an inch of space at the top of each jar. This “headspace” is vital because the jam will expand when it freezes, preventing your jars from cracking or breaking. Immediately wipe any jam off the rims or sides of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, and then secure the lids tightly.
- Cool & Let Set 24 Hours: Allow the filled jars to cool undisturbed at room temperature for about 1 hour. This initial cooling helps the jam begin to set. After an hour, transfer the jars to the refrigerator and chill for a full 24 hours. This extended refrigeration period is essential for the jam to achieve its final, firm set. If your jam appears fully set after just a few hours, you can transfer it to the freezer sooner.
- Freeze: Once the jam has fully set in the refrigerator, transfer the jars to the freezer for long-term storage. Properly stored, your homemade peach freezer jam will remain fresh and delicious for up to 1 year. When you’re ready to enjoy a jar, simply thaw it in the refrigerator a few hours before serving. Once thawed, store the opened jam in the refrigerator and consume within 3 weeks for the best quality and safety.
Save Room For Expansion!
Remember that jam, like water, expands when it freezes. Always leave at least 1/2 an inch of empty space at the top of your jars to accommodate this expansion. Failing to do so can result in your jars breaking in the freezer, which is a messy and disappointing experience!
Irresistible Serving Ideas for Your Homemade Peach Freezer Jam
Honestly, once you taste this incredibly delicious, low-sugar peach jam, you’ll be tempted to put it on absolutely everything! Its bright, fresh flavor enhances a wide variety of dishes, transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary treats. Here are some of our absolute favorite ways to enjoy this homemade goodness:
- Classic Toast & Warm Bread: This is a timeless pairing for a reason! There’s nothing quite like a piece of perfectly crispy toast slathered with sweet, vibrant peach jam. It’s equally divine on a warm slice of homemade bread, a fluffy English muffin, or a flaky croissant. Try it on a brioche for an extra decadent breakfast!
- Elevated Oatmeal & Porridge: Transform your morning bowl of oatmeal, overnight oats, or any hot cereal into a gourmet breakfast. Stir in a generous dollop of peach jam, then top with a swirl of almond butter or cashew butter, a sprinkle of granola, and maybe a few fresh peach slices for added texture.
- Buttery Biscuits: Whether you’re making them from scratch or using store-bought gluten-free biscuits, the combination of warm, tender biscuits with this sweet and slightly tart freezer jam is simply heavenly. The contrast of the buttery biscuit and the fruity jam is a match made in culinary heaven.
- Bagels & Cream Cheese: Upgrade your standard bagel and cream cheese. Toast your favorite bagel, spread a generous layer of cream cheese (or even mascarpone or ricotta for a gourmet touch), and then crown it with a spoonful (or two!) of peach jam. It’s a delightful sweet and savory experience.
- Yogurt, Cottage Cheese & Chia Pudding: For a quick and healthy snack or light breakfast, add a dollop of peach jam to plain or vanilla Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or chia pudding. It provides a natural sweetness and a burst of fruit flavor without needing extra sugar.
- Decadent Ice Cream Topping: Spooned over a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, this peach jam delivers a massive flavor punch! For an extra special dessert, crumble some crushed meringues or shortbread cookies on top, or add a delicate coconut roll. It also pairs wonderfully with lemon or ginger ice cream.
- Gourmet Glaze for Meats: Don’t limit jam to sweet dishes! The natural sweetness and acidity of peach jam make it an excellent glaze for roasted pork tenderloin, grilled chicken, or even duck. Simply warm it gently and brush it over the meat during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Cheese Board Companion: Serve your peach freezer jam alongside a sophisticated cheese board. It pairs beautifully with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, and also with harder, saltier varieties like aged cheddar or parmesan, offering a delightful sweet and tangy contrast.
- Simple Dessert Enhancer: Use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies, swirl it into a cheesecake batter, or layer it between cake sponges for a moist and flavorful treat. It also makes a fantastic topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Cocktail or Mocktail Mixer: For a unique twist, stir a tablespoon or two into sparkling water for a refreshing peach spritzer, or muddle it with some fresh mint and spirits for a summer cocktail.
The possibilities are truly endless once you have a batch of this homemade peach freezer jam on hand. Get creative and enjoy the taste of summer sunshine in countless delicious ways!
FAQ & Expert Tricks for Making the Best Peach Freezer Jam
Making homemade jam is rewarding, and with these tips and answers to common questions, your peach freezer jam will be a resounding success every time.
The Best Way To Peel Peaches: Peeling peaches can sometimes be tricky, but there are two highly effective methods. When peaches are ripe enough, you can often use a sharp paring knife to run an “X” shape around the pit, then gently pry apart the peach quarters and peel back the skin. If the skins are still clinging, the blanching method works wonders: carefully lower whole peaches into a pot of rapidly boiling water for exactly 1 minute, then immediately transfer them into a bowl of ice water. The sudden temperature change will cause the skins to loosen, allowing them to slip right off with minimal effort. This method is especially great for larger batches.
How Long Does Peach Freezer Jam Last? The convenience and longevity of freezer jam are among its greatest advantages. Our easy peach freezer jam recipe will stay perfectly fresh and flavorful for up to 1 year when stored continuously in the freezer. This means you can enjoy the taste of summer peaches even in the coldest months. Once you move a jar from the freezer to thaw in the refrigerator, it will maintain its quality for up to 3 weeks. However, in our experience, it rarely lasts that long – it’s simply too delicious to resist!
Why Peach Jam Might Set Softer: It’s important to understand that freezer jam generally has a slightly softer consistency than commercially canned jams or traditional cooked jams, which often use more sugar and longer cooking times. Peach freezer jam, in particular, tends to be a bit softer than jams made from fruits higher in natural pectin, such as raspberries or strawberries. Peaches have a lower natural pectin content, which contributes to this characteristic. We’ve extensively tested this recipe to perfectly balance the amounts of sugar, pectin, fresh fruit, and water to achieve a delightful, spreadable consistency that is neither too firm nor too runny.
How to Fix Runny Jam: Don’t despair if your peach freezer jam doesn’t set up as firmly as you’d like! All is not lost. You can often salvage runny jam by re-cooking it. You will typically need another package of Sure-Jell Low Sugar Pectin and potentially a small amount of additional sugar. The Sure-Jell website provides detailed instructions for re-cooking runny jam, which usually involves bringing the jam back to a boil, mixing in more pectin (often pre-dissolved in a small amount of water), adding any necessary extra sugar, and boiling for a few more minutes. While this shouldn’t be an issue with our carefully tested recipe, it’s a helpful trick to know just in case.
Can I Use Frozen Peaches? Yes, you absolutely can make this jam with frozen peaches. Just ensure they are thawed completely before you begin, and drain any excess liquid if necessary, as too much water can affect the set. For the best flavor, we recommend using peaches you froze yourself from peak season, as store-bought frozen peaches sometimes lack the intense freshness and sweetness of truly ripe, in-season fruit.
Can I Double the Recipe? While it’s tempting to make a huge batch, it’s generally not recommended to double jam recipes, especially freezer jam recipes that rely on precise pectin activation. The ratios of fruit, sugar, acid, and pectin are carefully calculated to ensure a proper set. Doubling can lead to inconsistent heating, overcooking the pectin, or an improper set. It’s best to make separate batches if you need a larger quantity.
Why is My Jam Cloudy? Cloudy jam can occur for a few reasons. It might be due to not skimming foam off the top during cooking, or if you didn’t sufficiently clear pectin lumps. It won’t affect the taste, but for a clearer jam, ensure thorough whisking and skimming. Using ripe, unblemished fruit also helps.
More Yummy Jams & Spreads To Try
Low Sugar Raspberry Freezer Jam
Whipped Cinnamon Honey Butter
Easy Homemade Lemon Curd
Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce
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Easy Peach Freezer Jam (Low Sugar Recipe!)
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Ingredients
- 3 cups finely diced or mashed fresh peaches *with their juice (use YELLOW peaches!)
- 1 ½ Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (250 grams)
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 package Sure-Jell Premium Fruit Pectin for Less or No Sugar Needed Recipes* (1.75 oz/49 grams)
- Optional: 2-3 drops almond extract or vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep Your Station. Before you start, have everything clean and ready. Sanitize jars and lids, set out a funnel, a clean washcloth or paper towel, and all your ingredients.
- Prep Peaches. Peel and finely dice or mash the peaches. Measure carefully to use exactly 3 cups of mashed peaches with their juices.
- Combine. Add lemon juice & almond extract (if using) to the peaches. Add peach mixture, sugar, and water to a large saucepan. Whisk to combine.
- Boil. Bring peach mixture to a full rolling boil (bubbles across the surface!) and boil for 2 minutes (use a timer).
- Add Pectin. Add the pectin and whisk to combine, cooking another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and check for any pectin lumps.
- Fill Jars. Pour jam into the clean jars, leaving 1/2 an inch of room at the top for expansion. Wipe any jam off the rims and secure with lids.
- Cool & Let Set 24 Hours. Let jam cool 1 hour at room temperature, then transfer to the fridge and chill 24 hours to fully set. (If yours seems fully set earlier, transfer to freezer).
- Freeze. Transfer set jam to the freezer and store up to 1 year. Thaw in the refrigerator a few hours before serving, then store in the refrigerator up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- Peaches. You *can* make this jam with frozen peaches. You’ll just need to thaw and prepare them first. I find that store-bought frozen peaches don’t have as fresh and sweet a flavor as peaches you freeze yourself, so I always recommend fresh peaches or home-frozen peaches for best results.
- Sugar. Do NOT attempt to reduce the sugar further, or your jam may not set up properly.
- Pectin. This recipe was specifically tested with Sure-Jell Premium Fruit Pectin for Less or No Sugar Needed Recipes (Pink box!). I haven’t tested with any other brands of pectin or liquid pectin and cannot guarantee results if you use another brand.
- Storage. This jam is NOT shelf stable and must be frozen or refrigerated after the 24-hour setting period. It will keep in the freezer up to 1 year and the fridge up to 3 weeks. You’ll know the jam isn’t fresh any more if it hisses when opened, has an off smell, the color changes, or it goes moldy.
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Find the recipe:
sweetsandthankyou.com/peach-freezer-jam/