Name: Homemade Peach Jam
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Fresh Peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped; 2 cups Granulated Sugar; 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice; 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional) (Add during the last 5 minutes of cooking if desired.)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, bright, and bursting with summer sweetness, this Homemade Peach Jam is the kind of spread that turns a simple slice of toast into a small celebration. Made with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh peaches, it’s wonderfully forgiving and rewards you with jam that’s naturally fragrant and deeply flavorful. Fun fact: early settlers used stoneware crocks to preserve fruit all summer long — a ritual that made Sunday breakfasts memorable. Want to see an alternate take on peach preserves? Check out this homemade peach jam page for more inspiration. This recipe is special because it’s simple, quick to prepare, and totally family-friendly — perfect for busy mornings or gifting a jar to a friend. Ready to make your kitchen smell like peach pie? Let’s get cooking!

What is Homemade Peach Jam?

What exactly is Homemade Peach Jam and why does it sound like a hug in a jar? Think of it as peaches, sugar, and a little lemon, cooked down until they become a glossy, spoonable treasure that spreads, dollops, and pairs beautifully with everything. Why “homemade”? Because this version skips the mystery ingredients and keeps things honest — peaches you can name and sugar you can measure. Who named it? Was it the neighbor who begged for a jar, or grandma who always said “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Maybe both. Either way, making it yourself is half the fun and twice as rewarding — so grab a pot and try the recipe today!

Why You’ll Love This

Bursting peach flavor: The peaches are the star — juicy, fragrant, and concentrated into a sweet, spreadable jam that tastes like summer in every bite.
Cost-saving and mindful: Buying peaches in season and preserving them yourself is far cheaper than store-bought specialty jams, and you control the sugar and add-ins.
Versatile and family-friendly: Use it on toast, swirl into yogurt, spoon over ice cream, or pack in school lunches — kids love it and adults won’t complain.

If you like the comforting fruit-forward taste of this jam, try pairing it with recipes like the banana-peach smoothie for a matching flavor combo; it’s an easy way to use leftovers and keep things cohesive. Make a batch and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade preserves — you’ll want to share!

How to Make

Quick Overview
This peach jam is easy, delicious, and satisfying because it relies on fresh ingredients and straightforward technique. Preparation is simple (peel, chop, measure), cooking is mostly hands-off simmering, and the result is a jam with a slightly thickened, spoonable texture. Expect about 10–15 minutes prep and 20–25 minutes cooking time for a total of roughly 35–40 minutes from start to finish. The standout element is the natural peach flavor that becomes richer and more concentrated as the jam cooks.

Ingredients

4 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Directions

Prepare the peaches: Wash, peel, pit, and chop enough ripe peaches to make 4 cups. Smaller dice will break down faster; larger pieces give you chunkier jam.
Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped peaches, 2 cups granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Stir well so the sugar begins to draw out the peach juices.
Bring to a boil: Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring often to dissolve the sugar and prevent scorching.
Reduce and simmer: Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and let the jam simmer. Stir occasionally and mash any large peach chunks with a potato masher or the back of a spoon as desired.
Cook to thickness: Simmer for about 20–25 minutes. The jam should thicken and become glossy. To test, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate; if it gels and wrinkles when nudged, it’s ready.
Add cinnamon (optional): If using 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking so the spice stays warm and aromatic.
Cool and jar: Remove the pan from heat and let the jam cool slightly. Ladle warm jam into sterilized jars, leaving a little headspace. Seal and refrigerate for short-term use, or process in a water bath for longer shelf life.
Label and enjoy: Let jars cool completely, label with date, and store. Refrigerate after opening.

Homemade Peach Jam

What to Serve With

Toasted sourdough or brioche for a classic breakfast spread
Plain Greek yogurt or ricotta for a creamy contrast
Warm pancakes, waffles, or French toast to add summer sweetness
Cheese boards: pair with mild cheddar, goat cheese, or brie for sweet-savory bites
Cocktails or mocktails: a spoonful stirred into sparkling water or a lemony drink brightens flavors

Top Tips for Perfecting

Choose ripe peaches: The riper the fruit, the more natural sweetness and flavor you’ll get. Freestone varieties are easiest to pit.
Control sweetness: Taste the peaches before adding sugar; if they’re extremely sweet, you can reduce sugar slightly, but note that sugar affects set and preservation.
Texture preference: For smoother jam, mash more during cooking or pulse cooked peaches briefly with an immersion blender. For chunkier jam, mash lightly.
Prevent sticking: Stir frequently during the last 10 minutes of cooking and use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to reduce burning.
Adjust acidity: Lemon juice helps the jam set and balances sweetness; don’t skip it. If you prefer a brighter flavor, add an extra teaspoon.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store in sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks after opening.
Freezing: Spoon jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving headspace; freeze up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Shelf life (canned): Properly processed water-bath canned jars can last up to 12 months in a cool, dark place.
Reheating: Gently warm jam on the stovetop or in the microwave (short bursts) when using as a glaze or sauce. Stir well to restore smooth texture.

FAQs

How long will homemade peach jam last in the fridge?
Homemade peach jam kept in a sealed jar in the refrigerator will typically stay fresh for about 3 weeks. Taste and smell before using if you’re unsure.

Do I need pectin to make this jam?
No, this recipe relies on natural peach pectin and the cooking process to thicken. Adding pectin is optional if you prefer a firmer set.

Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes — thaw frozen peaches and drain excess liquid before cooking. The texture may be slightly softer, but the flavor will still be excellent.

How can I make a sugar-free version?
You can experiment with low-calorie sweeteners designed for preserves, but texture and preserving properties will change. For short-term use, reduce sugar and keep refrigerated.

What if my jam doesn’t set?
If the jam stays too runny, simmer longer to reduce more liquid, or stir in a small amount of commercial pectin following package instructions. Cooling also helps thickening; test after it’s fully chilled.

Conclusion

This Homemade Peach Jam recipe is an easy, rewarding way to capture summer in a jar — simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a result that brightens breakfasts and desserts alike. If you want more techniques or an alternate no-pectin method, check out this helpful resource from a fellow home-canning enthusiast: Easy Homemade Peach Jam Recipe (No Pectin) – Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom. For another delicious take and inspiration from a long-running recipe tested by many, see this lovely guide: The BEST Homemade Peach Jam – Barefeet In The Kitchen. Give this jam a try, share a jar with someone you love, and enjoy the small pleasure of homemade preserves.