If you have ever found yourself craving a sweet, tangy treat that feels like sunshine in a jar, this Plum Jam Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with rich fruit flavor and just the right touch of cinnamon, this homemade jam is a simple way to elevate your breakfasts, snacks, and even desserts. Whether you’re a jam-making pro or a curious beginner, you’ll love how easy and rewarding it is to transform fresh plums into a luscious, spreadable delight that brightens every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to a successful Plum Jam Recipe, and luckily, it’s delightfully straightforward. Each item plays a vital role in building that perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and warmth.
- 2 pounds ripe plums: Use a mix of red and black plums for vibrant color and deep flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the jam while helping with preservation; adjust to taste if you prefer less sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds brightness and natural acidity to balance the sweetness and aid in gel formation.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): A warm spice touch that enhances the plum’s richness without overpowering it.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps to start the cooking process and prevents the fruit from sticking to the pan.
How to Make Plum Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Plums
Start by pitting and chopping your plums into small pieces. This helps them cook down evenly and quickly, ensuring a smooth jam with just the right texture. The mix of red and black plums will give your jam a gorgeous hue and layered flavor that’s hard to beat.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Bring to Boil
In a large saucepan, toss together the chopped plums, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir often to keep everything evenly heated and to prevent burning.
Step 3: Simmer the Mixture
Lower the heat to medium and let your jam simmer steadily for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir frequently as the plums break down and the mixture thickens. This stage is where the magic happens, as the water evaporates and the natural sugars concentrate, turning your fruit into luscious jam.
Step 4: Add Cinnamon and Check for Doneness
If you’re adding cinnamon, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of simmering for a gentle hint of spice. To test if the jam is done, place a spoonful on a chilled plate and run your finger through it; if the surface wrinkles, you’ve hit the perfect jam consistency.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once thickened to your liking, remove the jam from heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer it carefully into sterilized jars for storage. Refrigerate if you plan to consume within three weeks, or process jars in a water bath canner for longer shelf life. Your Plum Jam Recipe is now ready to be savored!
How to Serve Plum Jam Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or thyme can add a surprising and fresh note on top of your plum jam dishes. A pinch of flaked sea salt also pairs beautifully with the jam’s sweetness, highlighting its complex flavors.
Side Dishes
Plum jam is a charming companion to a variety of foods. Try it with warm toast, cream cheese, or alongside a cheese board featuring creamy brie or sharp cheddar. It also brightens up plain yogurt, oatmeal, or even roasted meats for a touch of sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just keep your plum jam on the bread and butter table. Swirl it into cheesecake batter before baking or spoon it over vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade. It also makes a fantastic filling for pastries or thumbprint cookies, adding delightful bursts of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once opened, keep your Plum Jam Recipe refrigerated in airtight jars and consume within three weeks. Proper storage ensures the jam stays fresh and vibrant, preserving all those exquisite plum notes you worked hard to create.
Freezing
If you want to keep your plum jam longer without canning, freezing it in freezer-safe containers is an excellent option. Just make sure to leave some space to allow for expansion. Frozen jam may have a slightly different texture but retains its flavor beautifully.
Reheating
To enjoy your plum jam warm, gently reheat it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. This softens the jam, making it easier to spread or drizzle over your favorite dishes for a cozy touch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen plums to make this jam?
Absolutely! Just thaw the plums completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking to maintain the right texture for your jam.
Do I need to use pectin in this Plum Jam Recipe?
Nope! The natural pectin in plums, combined with the cooking time and lemon juice, helps your jam set perfectly without added pectin.
How can I make this jam less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of sugar slightly or increase the lemon juice for a tarter, more vibrant flavor that still balances well.
Is this jam suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! This Plum Jam Recipe contains only plant-based ingredients and is naturally vegan-friendly, making it a great option for all dietary preferences.
What’s the best way to sterilize jars for storage?
Wash jars in hot soapy water, rinse well, then place them in boiling water for 10 minutes or run them through a hot dishwasher cycle right before filling to ensure they are completely sterilized.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Plum Jam Recipe is not just about preserving fruit; it’s about capturing a moment of seasonal sweetness to enjoy any time of year. With its rich flavors and simple process, this recipe is a joyous project that rewards you with every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how magical homemade plum jam can be!
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Plum Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
This homemade Plum Jam is a delightful, easy-to-make fruit preserve that captures the natural sweetness and tartness of ripe plums. With just a handful of ingredients and no need for pectin, this jam is perfect for spreading on toast, mixing into yogurt, or enhancing cheese boards and baked goods. The optional cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note, making it a versatile condiment that fits well into vegan and gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ripe plums, pitted and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped plums, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water. This mixture will form the base of your jam.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Simmer the Jam: Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir frequently as the plums break down and the mixture thickens.
- Add Cinnamon: If using ground cinnamon, stir it into the jam during the last 10 minutes of cooking to infuse a warm spice flavor.
- Test for Doneness: To check if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful onto a chilled plate. If the jam wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it has reached the perfect consistency.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the jam cool slightly. Transfer the jam to sterilized jars. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath canner for long-term storage.
Notes
- Use a mix of red and black plums for a deeper flavor and richer color.
- You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a tarter jam.
- This jam pairs wonderfully with toast, yogurt, cheese boards, and baked goods.
