Easy Plum Jam Recipe for Homemade Sweet Bliss

Sweet summer memories flood back when I whip up this homemade plum jam that captures pure orchard magic.

Ripe plums, bursting with natural sweetness, create a preserve unlike any store-bought version.

Clusters of deep purple fruit promise intense flavor and rich color in every spoonful.

My grandmother’s cherished technique guides me through this simple preservation process.

Weekend mornings feel magical when spreading this vibrant jam across warm toast.

Each jar tells a story of careful selection and gentle cooking techniques.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly fresh ingredients become a delectable spread that connects generations.

Preserve summer’s bounty and savor a taste of pure, unadulterated joy.

Homemade Plum Jam With Deep Fruity Flavor

Boost Homemade Flavor: Craft an authentic plum jam that bursts with natural, rich fruit taste straight from your kitchen.

Quick Weekend Cooking: Whip up this delightful preserve in just under an hour, making it perfect for leisurely weekend culinary adventures.

Simple Ingredient Magic: Require only three basic ingredients – plums, sugar, and lemon juice – transforming them into a luxurious spreadable delight without complicated techniques.

Family Preserve Tradition: Create a nostalgic homemade treat that connects generations, allowing you to share a classic recipe passed down through family kitchens.

Plum Jam Ingredients to Prepare

• Plums: Sweet, juicy stone fruit that forms the base of the jam, providing rich flavor and natural pectin for setting.
• Lemon: Adds brightness and helps the jam set by increasing acidity, balancing the sweetness of the plums.

• Sugar: Essential for preserving the jam, creating sweetness, and helping with the setting process. Use granulated white sugar for best results.

• Water: Helps soften the plums and create initial cooking liquid for jam preparation. Use filtered or tap water.

Simmering and Canning Homemade Plum Jam

Step 1: Prepare Plums and Simmer

Toss freshly washed plums into a large, heavy-based saucepan.

• Lemon juice
• Water

Gently heat the mixture, allowing plums to soften and release their natural juices.

Simmer for approximately 5 minutes until the fruit begins to break down and become tender.

Step 2: Incorporate Sweet Crystals

Gradually introduce sugar into the simmering fruit mixture.

Sprinkle sugar in thirds, stirring continuously until completely dissolved.

Remove the pan from heat, cover with a lid, and let the mixture rest for several hours or overnight.

During this resting period, plums will absorb the sugar and develop a deeper, richer flavor profile.

Step 3: Boil and Develop Jam Consistency

Return the cooled mixture to the stove.

Stir to ensure any remaining sugar crystals melt completely.

Bring the contents to a vigorous, rolling boil.

Increase heat and continue boiling rapidly for about 10 minutes.

Watch for the jam to thicken and reach its ideal setting point – when a small amount placed on a chilled plate wrinkles when pushed with a finger.

Step 4: Transfer and Preserve

Allow the jam to rest for 5 minutes, enabling fruit particles to settle.

Carefully pour the hot jam into a wide-necked pitcher.

Fill sterilized glass jars to their brims, ensuring a tight seal with clean lids.

Store in a cool, dark pantry.

Homemade plum jam maintains its best quality within one year of preparation.

Small-Batch Jam Tips for Plum Flavor that Pops

• Select slightly soft, deep-colored plums for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
• Test jam's readiness by placing a small amount on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it's perfectly set.
• Clean jars with hot, soapy water or run through dishwasher, then dry in low oven to prevent bacterial growth.
• Stir constantly during rapid boiling to prevent sugar from burning and ensure smooth, even consistency.
• Let sugar dissolve completely before increasing heat, which helps create silky, spreadable jam texture.

Chill Plum Jam Properly

• Store unsealed jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Ensure the container is clean and dry before transferring the jam.
• Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• Gently warm small portions in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, use a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• Properly sealed sterilized jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 12 months. Check the seal and look for any signs of mold before consuming.

How to Enjoy Plum Jam in a Meal

• Spread Cheese Harmony: Pair the sweet and tangy plum jam with creamy goat cheese or brie on a rustic bread for a delightful flavor explosion.
• Pastry Perfect Match: Use the jam as a filling for buttery croissants or as a topping for warm, flaky scones during breakfast or afternoon tea.
• Wine Companion Pairing: Complement the jam's fruity richness with a crisp white wine like Riesling or a light-bodied Pinot Noir that balances its sweetness.
• Breakfast Bliss Boost: Swirl the plum jam into Greek yogurt or spread it over golden-brown toast for a morning treat that awakens your taste buds.

Plum Jam with Flavor Additions

• Spiced Plum Jam: Add ground cinnamon, star anise, or cloves during cooking for a warm, aromatic flavor profile.
• Diabetic-Friendly Version: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, using a reduced quantity to maintain low glycemic impact.
• Vegan Plum Spread: Substitute traditional sugar with organic coconut sugar or agave nectar for a plant-based alternative.
• Reduced-Sugar Option: Use pectin and less sugar, combining with natural apple juice to enhance sweetness while cutting sugar content.

FAQs

• How do I know when the jam has reached its setting point?

Test the jam by placing a small amount on a chilled plate. After 1-2 minutes, push the jam with your finger. If it wrinkles and doesn’t flood back, it has reached setting point.

• Can I make this jam without pectin?

Yes, plums naturally contain high pectin levels, which helps the jam set. The lemon juice also adds extra pectin and helps with preservation.

• What type of plums work best for this recipe?

Choose ripe, slightly soft plums like Victoria or Damson varieties. These have good flavor and natural pectin content that helps the jam set perfectly.

• How can I prevent crystallization in my jam?

Ensure sugar is completely dissolved before boiling and stir occasionally during cooking. Cool the jam slowly and avoid stirring too much after it sets to prevent sugar crystals from forming.

Plum Jam Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories bloom in this homemade Plum Jam, a rustic spread capturing orchard-fresh flavors. Silky smooth and richly concentrated, you’ll savor each spoonful of this delightful preserve perfect for morning toast or afternoon pastries.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Fruits:

• 1 kg (2.2 pounds) plums, halved and stones removed

Citrus:

• Juice of 1 large lemon or orange

Sweeteners:

• 700 g (1.5 pounds) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare plums by placing them in a large, heavy-based saucepan with lemon juice and water, allowing the fruits to gently simmer and soften for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce sugar gradually, stirring each third thoroughly until completely dissolved, then remove from heat and allow the mixture to rest and cool for several hours or overnight, enabling plums to absorb the sweetness.
3. Return the pan to heat, ensuring any remaining sugar crystals melt completely by continuous stirring.
4. Elevate the temperature to create a vigorous rolling boil, maintaining a rapid cooking process for roughly 10 minutes until the mixture reaches the precise setting consistency.
5. Allow the jam to rest momentarily, permitting fruit particles to stabilize and settle within the liquid.
6. Transfer the molten jam into a wide-necked pitcher, carefully distributing the mixture into four meticulously sterilized glass containers, filling them to their uppermost rim.
7. Immediately seal jars with tight-fitting lids, then store in a cool, dark environment to preserve the jam’s rich flavor and quality, ensuring optimal consumption within one calendar year.

Notes

• Test jam’s setting point by placing a small amount on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it’s ready to set.
• Prevent burning by using a heavy-bottomed pan and stirring constantly during the boiling process.
• Remove any foam that forms on top of the jam for a clearer, more attractive final product.
• Consider adding a small amount of pectin if plums are slightly underripe to ensure proper setting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 64g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg