Peach freezer jam is a sweet jam that's made in just a few minutes on the stove top. No pectin required, this recipe makes two 8-ounce cans and can be stored in the freezer for up to a year.
Freezer jam is a condiment made of crushed fruit and sugar that is lightly cooked on the stove top, then stored in the freezer for up to a year. When you're ready to enjoy your homemade jam, it can be transferred to the refrigerator.
Serve this peach freezer jam over toast for a quick breakfast, add a spoonful to your yogurt, use as an ice cream topping, or add to your morning pancakes. Peach jam can also be added to savory meals - try it on your next grilled cheese or use as a glaze for pork chops.
Peach season in the United States runs from around early-May through September, depending on the state. Making freezer jam is the perfect way to use up fresh seasonal produce because it captures that fresh fruit flavor an can be enjoyed for up to a year.
Do I need to sterilize my jars?
Since freezer jam needs to be stored in either the freezer or refrigerator, sterilization of your jars is not necessary.
In canning, sterilization is done to remove bacteria, yeast, or fungi on your jars before filling them with cooked fruits or vegetables. Canned foods are meant to be stored at room temperature for long periods of time, so your jars need to be free of bacteria. Otherwise, your food would spoil over time.
Since freezer jam is stored in the refrigerator or freezer, all you need are regular, clean jars. If you'd like to sterilize your jars anyway, you're welcome to do so.
Ingredients and substitutions
For this recipe, you can use fresh peaches or frozen peaches that have been thawed. You'll want to remove the stems, skins, pits, and then dice your peaches.
Cornstarch is needed to thicken your jam. I use cornstarch because I always keep it on hand and I don't need to run to the store just to buy pectin.
I use granulated sugar for this recipe. In a pinch, brown sugar will work and will give your jam a more caramelized flavor and darker color.
Sugar substitutes
I am frequently asked about using sugar substitutes in my jam recipes. I have not made any of my jams with sugar substitutes, but a few readers have with success.
Check your sugar substitute's package directions for the correct substitution ratios to use. Keep in mind that regular sugar helps preserve your jam - jam made with a sugar substitute will not last as long in the refrigerator.
Storing your freezer jam
Since freezer jam is not shelf stable, it cannot be stored in your pantry at room temperature. Freezer jam either needs to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Once your jam has come to room temperature after cooking, seal your jam tightly with a lid.
If stored in the freezer, your jam will keep for up to a year. After a year, the flavor may begin to degrade.
If stored in the refrigerator, your jam will keep for 3-4 weeks.
Peach Freezer Jam
Ingredients
- 16 ounces (454 g) chopped peaches
- 1 cup (198 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add chopped peaches, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir to combine (if needed, add a splash of water to get the right consistency). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and gently mash peaches with a potato masher until desired consistency is reached. Return to heat and cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until mixture has reduced slightly. The mixture should thickly coat the back of a spoon (and will continue to thicken as it cools).
- Remove from heat and transfer to jars, leaving about ½" of space at the top of each jar (jam will expand slightly when frozen). Allow to cool completely before adding lids. Store for up to 1 year in freezer, or 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- 16 ounces diced peaches = about 4 medium peaches with stems, pits, and skins removed.
- Freezer jam is not shelf stable and needs to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer at all times. Jam will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks in a tightly sealed jar, or in the freezer for up to a year.
- Sugar can be substituted with a sweetener alternative, but please consult your sweetener package for proper ratios (some are more concentrated than others).
- If using a sugar substitute, keep in mind that regular sugar preserves the jam, so sugar-free jam will not keep as long in the refrigerator.
Do you need to seal the lids of ball jars before freezing by putting then in boiling water?
No, regular canning methods are not required to make freezer jam since it is always stored in the refrigerator or freezer.