I absolutely love Nana’s Spiced Peach Jam Recipe because it captures that perfect balance of sweet peaches and warm spices that remind me of cozy family mornings. There’s something so comforting about spreading this jam on fresh toast or stirring it into yogurt—it feels like a little hug in a jar. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make the most of ripe peaches when they’re at their peak.
When I first tried making this jam, I was amazed at how the spices—cinnamon, allspice, and cloves—add depth without overpowering the fruit. You’ll find that Nana’s Spiced Peach Jam Recipe works brilliantly for gifting, breakfast, or even dolloping over desserts, making it a kitchen staple worth trying. Trust me, once you make a batch, your family will go crazy for it too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh peaches and just a few pantry spices for a naturally delicious flavor.
- Easy to Make at Home: No fancy equipment needed—just your stove, a pot, and some jars.
- Flexible Storage Options: Can be canned with the inversion method or stored in the fridge for quick use.
- Rich, Cozy Flavor Profile: The warming spices bring a unique twist that transforms ordinary peach jam into something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together beautifully to create Nana’s Spiced Peach Jam Recipe with its classic, comforting flavor. When shopping, look for ripe, fragrant peaches—they make all the difference in your jam’s sweetness and texture.
- Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are the star—look for ones that are juicy but firm for the best texture and flavor.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps preserve the natural color of the peaches.
- Low Sugar Pectin: Essential for achieving that perfect jam consistency without too much sugar.
- Cinnamon: Provides warmth and a hint of sweetness that complements the peaches perfectly.
- Ground allspice: Adds depth with its subtle blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves flavors.
- Ground cloves: A little goes a long way here, offering a fragrant kick without overpowering the jam.
- Sugar: Helps with sweetening, preserving, and balancing the tartness of the lemon juice and spices.
Variations
I love to tweak Nana’s Spiced Peach Jam Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. You can easily customize the spice blend or try using different types of pectin to suit your sweetness preference. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—it’s all part of the fun!
- Reduced Sugar: I’ve tried this version with less sugar using low sugar pectin and it still comes out beautifully, just a bit more tangy and fresh.
- Extra Spicy: For a bolder jam, add a pinch of freshly grated ginger or more cinnamon—my family loves the extra warmth.
- Mixed Fruit: Sometimes I throw in a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries for a berry twist that’s delightful on toast.
- Alcohol-Infused: I once soaked peaches in a splash of bourbon before cooking, and it added a subtle complexity that was impressive for a party favor.
How to Make Nana’s Spiced Peach Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Peaches Just Right
Start by peeling, pitting, and slicing your peaches—this part always feels like a mini workout but it’s worth it! I like to use a Chop Stir kitchen gadget initially to get small chunks, then finish mashing with a potato masher. You want plenty of little bits rather than a smooth puree so the jam has wonderful texture and visible fruit pieces.
Step 2: Heat and Spice Things Up
Place a large pot over medium heat and add the peaches, lemon juice, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and pectin. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a hard boil—that’s when it bubbles rapidly and won’t calm down when you stir. For me, this usually takes about 20 minutes and noticing that boil is a key moment to keep an eye on, so your jam sets perfectly.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Boil for Perfection
While the jam heats, measure your sugar in a separate bowl—having it ready makes this next step smoother. Once the hard boil is reached, pour in all the sugar at once, stirring constantly. Then crank the heat back up to medium-high and keep boiling for another 5 minutes. Don’t rush this; that rolling boil keeps the jam thick and luscious.
Step 4: Prep Your Jars and Preserve
I always prep my jars by washing them in very hot water and letting them sit for a few minutes. This step warms up your jars, which helps prevent cracking when you ladle in the hot jam. After drying them upside down on a clean towel, you’re ready to fill.
Step 5: Ladle and Seal with the Inversion Method
Use a funnel to ladle hot jam into the jars, filling almost to the top but without spilling over. Place the lid and ring on tightly. Then here’s a trick I learned from my Nana: immediately invert the jars upside down. This “inversion method” seals the lid naturally without a water bath, and your jam will keep sealed in your pantry for up to 18 months. After 24 hours, just flip them upright and enjoy!
Step 6: Quick Fridge Jam Option
If you plan to eat the jam soon, you can skip the inversion. Just place lids on right after filling, and as they cool, you’ll hear the satisfying “pop” of lids sealing. Keep these jars in the fridge and treat them like fresh jam—they usually stay great for a couple of months.
Pro Tips for Making Nana’s Spiced Peach Jam Recipe
- Use Ripe but Firm Peaches: I learned that super soft peaches turn to mush quickly, so pick ones that are juicy but hold shape.
- Watch the Hard Boil: It’s tempting to rush, but reaching and maintaining that rapid boil ensures your jam sets properly.
- Clean Jar Rims Thoroughly: Spills can interfere with sealing, so I carefully wipe rims before closing lids—even little drips matter.
- Handle Hot Jars Safely: Use thick towels or jar lifters to avoid burns, as the inversion method requires flipping hot jars right after filling.
How to Serve Nana’s Spiced Peach Jam Recipe
Garnishes
When serving this jam, I like to add a fresh mint leaf or a small sprinkle of cinnamon on top to amp up the visual appeal and flavor. If you’re spreading it on scones, a sliver of clotted cream or a dollop of yogurt pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides include buttery biscuits, crusty toast, or even a warm pancake stack. For a savory contrast, roasted nuts or cheese boards with brie or goat cheese work wonderfully alongside Nana’s Spiced Peach Jam.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served the jam in cute mini mason jars tied with twine and a handwritten tag—such a hit as gifts! Another fun idea is to swirl it into vanilla ice cream or dollop it atop cheesecakes for a spiced peach burst everyone remembers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Whenever I have extra jam, I keep it stored in airtight jars in the fridge. It stays fresh and flavorful for several weeks, and I always label the date so I know how long it’s been hanging out. This jam’s spices actually deepen over time in my experience, which is a delicious bonus!
Freezing
I’ve frozen jam before by spooning it into freezer-safe containers with a little headspace. The texture changes slightly when thawed, but the flavor remains wonderful. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Whenever I need to reheat a bit of jam for spreading or using as a glaze, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave in short bursts. Stirring as it heats helps keep it smooth and prevents burning. It tastes just as fresh as the day I made it!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen peaches for Nana’s Spiced Peach Jam Recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen peaches! Just thaw and drain them well before proceeding. The texture might be a little softer, but the flavor will still be delicious. You may need to cook it a bit longer to reach the right jam consistency.
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How long will Nana’s Spiced Peach Jam last?
If properly canned using the inversion method, your jam can last up to 12-18 months sealed in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, store it in the fridge and consume within a few weeks for best taste and safety.
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Can I reduce the sugar even more in this recipe?
This recipe uses low sugar pectin to allow for less sugar, but reducing sugar too much might affect the jam’s texture and preservation. If you prefer less sweet jam, consider adding natural sweeteners like honey and adjusting pectin accordingly, but some experimentation may be needed.
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What is the inversion method for canning?
The inversion method involves flipping hot jars filled with jam upside down immediately after sealing, allowing the heat to create a vacuum seal on the lid without a water bath. It’s a simple, effective way for jams but works best with proper sterilization and fresh jam.
Final Thoughts
Nana’s Spiced Peach Jam Recipe is truly a treasure in my kitchen, and I’m so glad I get to share it with you. It’s a recipe filled with warmth, flavor, and tradition—all the good stuff you want in something homemade. Give it a try, take your time with each step, and I promise your family and friends will thank you for it. Happy jamming!
Print
Nana’s Spiced Peach Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 30 servings
- Category: Jam
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Nana’s Spiced Peach Jam is a delightful homemade preserve bursting with sweet, tangy peach flavor enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. This easy stovetop recipe uses low sugar pectin to create a perfectly thick, luscious jam that can be canned using the inversion method for long-term storage or refrigerated for immediate enjoyment.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
- 4 cups peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Dry Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons low sugar pectin (rounded)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 cups sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Peaches: Peel, pit, and slice the peaches. Then chop them finely using a Chop Stir kitchen gadget or a potato masher, aiming for small bits rather than a puree.
- Combine Ingredients and Heat: Heat a large pot on medium heat. Add the chopped peaches, lemon juice, spices, and pectin. Increase to medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a hard boil, where it continuously boils quickly despite stirring, which should take around 20 minutes.
- Prepare Jars: Wash your jars in very hot water and let them sit with hot water inside for 2-3 minutes to warm them up. Dry the jars by overturning them onto a clean towel.
- Add Sugar and Boil: Measure the sugar separately. Once the peach mixture reaches a hard boil, add all the sugar at once while stirring. Continue boiling on medium-high heat until the jam returns to a full rolling boil. Boil for an additional 5 minutes.
- Fill Jars with Hot Jam: Place paper towels beside your pot and carefully ladle the hot jam into the warm jars using a funnel. Fill to nearly the top without overflowing. Secure the lid and ring tightly on each jar.
- Seal Using the Inversion Method: Immediately turn each filled jar upside down to seal the lids without refrigeration. Leave jars inverted for 24 hours, then right them to reveal beautifully sealed spiced peach jam that can last 12-18 months at room temperature.
- Alternative Refrigerator Storage: If planning to eat the jam soon, skip the inversion canning step. Simply put lids on immediately and allow jars to cool. You’ll hear ‘pop’ sounds as lids seal somewhat. Store these jars in the refrigerator for up to a couple of months.
Notes
- Ensure peaches are chopped finely but not pureed to maintain jam texture.
- Use the inversion canning method for long-term storage without refrigeration.
- For short-term use, refrigeration without traditional canning is sufficient.
- Be careful when handling hot jars as they can cause burns.
- Use a funnel for clean jar filling to avoid mess and aid sealing.
- Spices can be adjusted to taste for a more or less spiced jam.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
