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Easy Small Batch Peach Freezer Jam (No Pectin Required)

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This small batch peach freezer jam requires no pectin and uses just three main ingredients: ripe peaches, sugar, and lemon juice. It’s quick, easy, and captures the intense flavor of summer peaches for year-round enjoyment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ripe peaches (about 6–7 medium peaches)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your peaches: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Score a small X on the bottom of each peach. Drop peaches into boiling water for 30-45 seconds, then transfer to a bowl of ice water. Peel, halve, remove pits, and chop into small chunks (about 4 cups).
  2. Macerate the fruit: Place chopped peaches in a large pot. Add sugar and lemon juice. Stir until sugar starts to dissolve. Let sit for 15-20 minutes until peaches release their juices.
  3. Mash to your preference: Use a potato masher or fork to break down peaches to desired consistency (chunky or smooth).
  4. Cook the jam: Place pot over medium-high heat and bring to a full rolling boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes until mixture thickens and color deepens. Skim foam if desired.
  5. Test for doneness: Place a small plate in the freezer before cooking. Drop a spoonful of jam onto the cold plate and let sit for 30 seconds. Push with finger—if it wrinkles and doesn’t run back together, it’s done. If still runny, cook 2-3 more minutes and test again.
  6. Fill the jars: While jam cooks, wash jars in hot soapy water and place lids in simmering water. Once jam passes plate test, remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes. Ladle hot jam into prepared jars, leaving ½ inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, screw on lids fingertip-tight.
  7. Cool and freeze: Let jars cool completely at room temperature (about 2-3 hours). Label with date and freeze. Jam keeps up to 1 year in freezer.

Notes

Use fully ripe peaches for best natural pectin. Don’t reduce sugar or jam may not set. The plate test is crucial for doneness. Jam will thicken more as it cools. For best flavor, wait a week before opening.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/easy-small-batch-peach-freezer-jam-no-pectin-required/