There’s nothing quite like the taste of summer peaches, bursting with sunshine and sweetness. This Easy Peach Freezer Jam recipe captures that juicy flavor beautifully. It’s a simple, quick way to preserve those perfect moments.
I often make a batch when I find gorgeous, ripe peaches at the market. It’s a fantastic spread for breakfast or a sweet treat any time. Plus, it stores so well, making busy mornings a breeze!
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true gift, especially for busy bees like us. It’s incredibly fast, taking just minutes to whip up. The peach flavor? Simply out of this world, like biting into a ripe peach! Plus, it has amazing versatility. We love it on warm toast, swirled into yogurt, or even as a quick glaze for chicken. It makes everyday meals feel a bit more special, with very little effort. Seriously, it’s a kitchen superhero!
Easy Peach Freezer Jam Ingredients
Creating this delicious jam feels like pure magic from just a few simple things. These humble ingredients come together to make something truly extraordinary!
- Ripe Peaches: These are the stars, bringing all that juicy, sweet, peachy goodness. They’re the heart of our Easy Peach Freezer Jam.
- Granulated Sugar: Sugar sweetens our jam and helps with thickening. It’s a key player here.
- Lemon Juice: A little squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors. It adds a lovely zing and helps with fruit preservation.
Substitutions and Tips
I always love playing with recipes. Here are some ideas!
- If fresh peaches aren’t available, thawed frozen peaches can work. Just make sure to drain them well first.
- For an extra flavor pop, add a tiny pinch of cinnamon or a vanilla bean pod. That’s a secret some grandmas use!
- You can reduce the sugar a little if your peaches are super sweet. Taste and adjust to your liking.
Remember, the exact amounts are in the printable recipe card below. It’s truly a simple list for a fantastic jam!
How to Make Easy Peach Freezer Jam
Making this delightful Easy Peach Freezer Jam is such a simple process. You’ll be amazed how quickly it comes together! I promise, it’s easier than you think.
Preparing the Peaches
First, get your peaches ready. Wash them gently. Then, you’ll need eight ripe peaches. Carefully remove their pits and skins. You can blanch them quickly to make skin removal easier. Simply drop them into boiling water for about 30 seconds. Then, move them to an ice bath. The skins will slip right off! This peach preparation is the first step.
Cooking the Jam
Next, grab a deep pot. Add the peeled and pitted peaches. Stir in the sugar and fresh lemon juice. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Turn the heat to high. Keep stirring sometimes. Watch for mixture to bubble and get hot. This starts the cooking process.
Reaching the Right Consistency
Now, mash those peaches! Use a potato masher. Keep mashing until they start to break apart. Once it begins to boil, stir every 30 seconds. Use an instant-read thermometer. Measure the jam’s temperature. Make sure it’s in the middle, not touching the bottom. Continue boiling until it hits 220°F (at low altitudes). Higher altitudes need 218°F. This usually takes about 8 minutes. Don’t worry if it seems thin; it will thicken as it cools. Achieving this temperature is key for your jam.
Jarring Your Jam
Finally, remove the pot from the heat. Spoon the warm jam into a standard mason jar. Be careful, it’s hot! Put the lids on the jars. Let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, your Easy Peach Freezer Jam is ready! Store it as directed. Enjoy your homemade goodness!
How to Store Easy Peach Freezer Jam
Once your beautiful batch of Easy Peach Freezer Jam is cooled, storing it properly is key. You’ve worked hard on it! This jam is super versatile, great for fridge or freezer. For short-term use, pop it in the refrigerator. It stays perfectly fresh there. Aim to enjoy it within two weeks. I sometimes make small jars for quick treats.
For longer storage, the freezer is your best friend. This is why it’s called Easy Peach Freezer Jam! It will keep wonderfully for up to six months. Just make sure you use freezer-safe containers. Leave a little headspace at the top. This prevents jars from cracking as it freezes. I love having those little jars ready. They are perfect for last-minute gifts or a special breakfast. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Then it’s ready to spread!
Tips for Success
- Choose very ripe, fragrant peaches. This makes the best jam!
- Sanitize your jars well for safe storage.
- Don’t rush the boiling; temperature is vital for set.
- Use an accurate instant-read thermometer.
- Stir constantly to prevent scorching the bottom.
- Leave headspace in jars for freezing.
- Label your jars with the date made.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A deep pot is essential for boiling the jam.
- A potato masher helps break down the peaches easily.
- An instant-read thermometer ensures perfect jam consistency.
- Standard mason jars are perfect for storing this Easy Peach Freezer Jam.
- A large spoon for stirring and transferring the hot jam is useful.
Serving Suggestions
- Spread this jam generously on warm toast or flaky biscuits.
- Swirl it into your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a fruity kick.
- Top vanilla ice cream with a dollop for a simple dessert.
- Use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies or pastries.
- Serve alongside a cheese board for a sweet and savory contrast.
Easy Peach Freezer Jam
- Total Time: N/A
- Yield: 1.5 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Easy Peach Freezer Jam provides a simple and quick method to create delicious peach jam without the need for traditional canning. It results in a refrigerator or freezer-friendly jam perfect for various uses.
Ingredients
- 8 ripe peaches (pits and skin removed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Add the peaches to a deep pot along with the sugar and lemon juice.
- Stir to combine and turn the heat to high, stirring every now and then until the mixture starts to bubble and become hot.
- Use a potato masher to mash the peaches until they begin to fall apart.
- When the mixture begins to boil, continue to stir every 30 seconds or so.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to measure the temperature of the jam as it boils. Be sure the thermometer is measuring at the middle of the jam and not touching the bottom of the pot.
- Continue boiling as the temperature climbs and don’t let it stop boiling until it reaches 220 degrees Fahrenheit (for low altitudes) or 218 degrees Fahrenheit (for high altitudes). This should take about 8 minutes or so.
- Once the correct temperature is reached, remove the pot from the heat and carefully spoon the jam into a standard mason jar. The jam might seem a little bit liquid at this stage – don’t worry! It will thicken as it cools.
- Add the lids to the jars and allow to cool at room temperature until completely cool.
- Store in the fridge and enjoy on toast, scones, or however you like!
Notes
- Use the proper water-bath canning process to create a shelf stable version of this recipe, if desired. The recipe, as it is, is a refrigerator or freezer jam.
- This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups of jam (to fill a large standard mason jar).
- Store this jam in the fridge (for up to 2 weeks) and in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: ~8 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: N/A
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen peaches for Easy Peach Freezer Jam?
Absolutely, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely before starting. Drain any excess liquid well. This step helps prevent watery jam. Then, follow the recipe as usual for delicious results.
How long does Easy Peach Freezer Jam last?
Your Easy Peach Freezer Jam will last pretty well! In the refrigerator, it’s good for up to two weeks. If you pop it in the freezer, it stays fresh for up to six months. This makes it perfect for longer-term enjoyment!
Do I need pectin for this Easy Peach Freezer Jam recipe?
No, you do not need pectin for this Easy Peach Freezer Jam recipe. The magic of this jam is that it thickens naturally. It relies on the natural pectin in the peaches and the boiling temperature. This makes it a super simple, pectin-free jam.
What if my Easy Peach Freezer Jam doesn’t thicken?
Don’t fret if your Easy Peach Freezer Jam seems a little thin at first. It thickens quite a bit as it cools. If it’s still too loose after cooling, you might not have reached the correct temperature. You can gently reheat it. Then, boil it until it reaches 220°F again.
Conclusion
Making this Easy Peach Freezer Jam always fills me with such joy. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a sweet burst of summer, bottled up. I love knowing I have this healthy, delightful treat ready to go. It truly transforms a simple piece of toast or a bowl of yogurt into something special. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy fresh peaches, long after their season has passed. I hope you try it yourself and find as much happiness in it as my family does!
