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Easy Small-Batch Peach Freezer Jam – No Pectin Needed

peach freezer jam no pectin - featured image

This small-batch peach freezer jam requires no pectin and delivers intense, honest peach flavor. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for enjoying summer’s best fruit without the fuss of traditional canning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ripe peaches (about 56 medium peaches)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon or amaretto (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your peaches: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Score a small X on the bottom of each peach. Drop them into the boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then transfer to a bowl of ice water. Peel, pit, and roughly chop the peaches (about 4 cups).
  2. Mash to your liking: Put the chopped peaches in your pot and mash with a potato masher until about 70% mashed, 30% small chunks.
  3. Add sugar and lemon juice: Stir in the sugar, lemon juice, and pinch of salt. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to macerate.
  4. Cook the jam: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a full rolling boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 15-20 minutes until thickened and reduced by about a third.
  5. Test for doneness: Place a small plate in the freezer before cooking. Drop a small spoonful of jam onto the cold plate and let sit for 30 seconds. Tilt the plate; if the jam moves slowly like thick syrup, it’s done.
  6. Cool slightly: Remove from heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Skim off foam if desired.
  7. Jar it up: Ladle warm jam into clean jars, leaving ½ inch headspace. Wipe rims, screw on lids, and let cool completely at room temperature.
  8. Patience test: Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, to set.

Notes

Don’t walk away from the pot; jam can scorch quickly. Trust your senses over the timer—cooking time varies by fruit. The jam will thicken more as it cools. For best flavor, let it rest in the fridge overnight. This recipe is not suitable for water bath canning; store in refrigerator or freezer only.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach jam, freezer jam, no pectin, small batch, homemade jam, summer recipe, peach recipe