There’s something magical about a homemade spiced peach jam — the aroma of ripe peaches simmering with cinnamon, allspice, and cloves instantly transports you to cozy autumn mornings. This recipe brings together the fresh flavors of summer peaches and the warmth of fall spices in a jar. Whether you’re slathering it on toast, pairing it with cheese, or gifting it to loved ones, this jam delivers a perfect blend of sweet and spice that store-bought versions just can’t match.
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A Jam That’s Easy, Heirloom-Approved, and Fall-Ready
This spiced peach jam stands out for its simplicity and depth of flavor. It’s a tried-and-true heirloom recipe, passed down from Nana, making it both nostalgic and trustworthy. You don’t need fancy equipment or advanced canning skills to make it — just fresh peaches, a few pantry spices, and a little time. It’s naturally gluten-free, low in added sugar (thanks to low-sugar pectin), and an excellent way to preserve summer’s bounty with a fall twist.
What You’ll Need to Make Spiced Peach Jam
• Fresh Peaches: The juicy foundation of the jam, offering sweetness and a tender, chunky texture.
• Lemon Juice: Adds acidity to balance the sweetness and helps preserve the jam.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the jam and enhances the fruit’s natural flavors.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth — a key fall spice.
• Allspice: Offers a complex, peppery undertone to complement the peaches.
• Cloves: A small amount goes a long way to bring bold, spicy aroma.
• Low Sugar Pectin: Helps the jam set without needing excess sugar.
• Canning Jars with Lids: Essential for storing and preserving the finished jam.
Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions
• Peaches: If you’re short on ripe peaches, nectarines or apricots can work in a pinch — just peel and chop similarly.
• Sugar: Prefer natural sweeteners? Try using coconut sugar or a honey blend — but adjust pectin accordingly.
• Spices: Want a brighter, less spiced flavor? Halve the cinnamon and allspice, or skip the cloves.
• Pectin: If using regular pectin, follow package directions for sugar ratio adjustments.
These swaps allow for dietary flexibility or simply making do with what’s already in your pantry while keeping the core essence of spiced peach jam intact.
How to Make Spiced Peach Jam from Scratch
- Prep the Peaches: Peel, pit, and slice the peaches. Use a Chop Stir tool or potato masher to finely chop them, leaving small, juicy bits for texture — not a puree.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot over medium heat, add chopped peaches, lemon juice, spices, and pectin. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a hard boil — one that continues even while stirring. This will take about 20 minutes.
- Add Sugar: Measure out sugar in a separate bowl beforehand. Once the fruit mixture is boiling hard, stir in all the sugar at once.
- Boil Again: Return to a full rolling boil. Continue boiling for 5 full minutes to activate the pectin and reach proper consistency.
- Prepare Jars: Wash jars in very hot water, let them sit with hot water for a few minutes, then dry upside down on a clean towel.
- Jar the Jam: Carefully ladle the hot jam into jars using a funnel. Fill to near the top, leaving minimal headspace without overflowing.
- Seal the Jars: Wipe any excess, place lids and rings securely, and use one of two methods below to seal.
Inversion Method and Refrigerator Option
• Inversion Method: After sealing, immediately turn jars upside down. Let sit for 24 hours to seal naturally without processing. Great for long-term storage — sealed jars can last 12–18 months in the pantry.
• Fridge/Freezer Method: If skipping full canning, place lids on immediately after filling. As jars cool, you’ll hear “POP” sounds as partial seals form. Store in the fridge for 1–2 months or freeze for up to a year.
Both methods yield delicious, fresh-tasting spiced peach jam, depending on how long you plan to store it.
Smart Tips for Better Jam Every Time
• Use ripe peaches for optimal sweetness and easy peeling.
• Don’t over-puree — leave fruit bits for better texture.
• Measure spices accurately — too much clove can overpower.
• Avoid overcooking after sugar is added, which can darken and thicken the jam too much.
• Test consistency on a cold spoon if unsure about doneness.
• Wipe jars clean before storing for a neat finish.
These tips help ensure your spiced peach jam has the right consistency, flavor balance, and shelf stability.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy and Customize Your Spiced Peach Jam
• Pair with Cheese: Spread on a cracker with goat cheese or brie.
• Use as Glaze: Brush over roasted pork or chicken for a sweet-spicy glaze.
• Add to Yogurt: A spoonful swirled into Greek yogurt is a fruity delight.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat lovers.
• Vanilla Version: Stir in a splash of vanilla extract post-cooking for warmth.
• Chunky or Smooth: Leave peaches chunky or blend briefly before jarring, depending on your preference.
• Make Ahead: Great to prep during peak peach season and gift during the holidays.
No matter how you serve it, this spiced peach jam delivers comforting flavor with a seasonal twist.
How to Peel Peaches the Easy Way
To peel peaches effortlessly for jam, follow these steps:
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil.
- Submerge ripe peaches for 30–60 seconds.
- Remove and pinch the skin — it should slide right off.
- Pit and slice as needed.
If your peaches aren’t ripe enough for this method, simply use a paring knife. For underripe fruit, add one extra peach to make up for the volume lost when cutting.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Spiced Peach Jam
This spiced peach jam is more than just a spread — it’s a nostalgic, flavor-packed way to preserve the best of peach season. With its warm spice blend and chunky peach texture, it brings fall flavors into every bite. It’s easy, versatile, and an ideal way to dip into homemade preserves — even for beginners.
Wrapping Up: Why Spiced Peach Jam Deserves a Spot in Your Pantry
Homemade spiced peach jam brings together the best of seasonal fruit and cozy spices in one unforgettable jar. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to year after year—not just for its ease, but because it captures the warmth of homemade cooking with a touch of nostalgic charm. Whether you’re new to canning or a seasoned jam maker, this recipe offers the perfect balance of fruit, spice, and sweetness. Make it once, and you’ll be reaching for another spoonful every morning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Peach Jam
1. Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen peaches can be used in place of fresh. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before chopping. The flavor will still be rich, though fresh peaches offer the best texture.
2. How do I know if my jam has set properly?
After the final boil, place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. Let it cool for a minute, then drag your finger through it. If it wrinkles or holds shape, it’s set. If not, boil for another minute and test again.
3. What’s the shelf life of homemade spiced peach jam?
When sealed using the inversion method, jars can last up to 12–18 months in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 2–3 weeks. For freezer storage, it can last up to a year.
4. Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?
It’s best to make jam in smaller batches to ensure even cooking and proper setting. Doubling the recipe can affect the pectin activation and boil time, potentially leading to runny jam. For large quantities, make multiple separate batches.
More Relevant Recipes
- Peach Bacon Jam: This savory twist on fruit preserves combines the natural sweetness of peaches with the rich, smoky flavor of bacon. It’s an excellent complement to the sweet warmth of spiced peach jam and makes a great topping for burgers, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards.
- Apple Pie Snickerdoodles: Featuring warm spices like cinnamon and a gooey apple pie center, these cookies echo the fall-inspired flavors found in spiced peach jam. Perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy fruit and spice combinations.
- Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar: Light and crispy with a cozy cinnamon coating, these apple chips are a healthy and spiced snack that complements the comforting profile of spiced peach jam. Ideal for snacking or pairing with cheese boards.
Spiced Peach Jam
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3 pint-sized jars
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This spiced peach jam is a cozy, homemade preserve made with fresh peaches, warm fall spices like cinnamon and cloves, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s an heirloom recipe that’s perfect for toast, cheese boards, or gifting during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh peaches, chopped: The base of the jam providing sweetness and texture
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and preserves the jam
- 3 tablespoons low sugar pectin: Helps the jam set with less sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice: Provides depth and a hint of spice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves: Offers bold, spicy undertones
- 3 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the jam and balances acidity
Instructions
- Peel, pit, and slice the peaches. Finely chop using a Chop Stir or potato masher, keeping small bits for texture.
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine peaches, lemon juice, pectin, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a hard boil over medium-high heat, stirring continuously. This may take about 20 minutes.
- Measure out sugar in a separate bowl. Once the mixture is boiling hard, stir in all the sugar at once.
- Continue cooking at a rolling boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Wash canning jars in very hot water and dry upside down on a clean towel.
- Ladle hot jam into jars using a funnel. Fill to near the top, leaving minimal headspace. Seal with lids and rings.
- Turn jars upside down for the inversion method and leave for 24 hours to seal properly.
Notes
- Frozen peaches can be used if fresh ones are not available — thaw and drain first.
- To test for proper jam set, use the cold plate method by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate and checking for wrinkles.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to 18 months. Opened jars last 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator.
- You can freeze the jam in airtight containers for up to a year.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg