Name: Easy Plum Jam Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups ripe plums, pitted and chopped; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 cup water

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If you’re looking for a quick and foolproof way to capture summer’s bounty, this Easy Plum Jam is about to become your new favorite recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and barely an hour of your time, you’ll transform juicy plums into a lusciously sweet spread that’s both vibrant and deeply flavorful. Homemade jam somehow feels just a bit magical, and the flexibility here is unmatched — tailor the sweetness, experiment with a touch of spice, and enjoy the satisfying reward of spreading something truly special on your morning toast. This Easy Plum Jam delivers the essence of fresh fruit and an irresistible homemade touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients:
- 4 cups ripe plums, pitted and chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water

How to Make Easy Plum Jam

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by tossing your chopped plums, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. This simple mix is where the magic happens! Give everything a good stir to make sure the sugar coats the plums and starts drawing out those wonderful juices. As soon as you see a deep, ruby-red pool forming at the bottom, you’ll know you’re off to a good start.

Step 2: Bring to a Boil

Set your saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a lively boil, stirring occasionally. This step is key for dissolving all the sugar and ensuring even cooking. You’ll love the way the kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of simmering plums — it’s a little preview of what’s to come!

Step 3: Simmer and Thicken

Turn the heat down and let the jam simmer gently. Stir frequently and watch for the fruit to break down, meld with the sugar, and take on a beautifully glossy consistency. This usually takes 30 to 40 minutes. If you prefer your Easy Plum Jam on the smoother side, use a potato masher or an immersion blender at this point. For a rustic, chunky finish, just let the plums soften naturally without over-mixing.

Step 4: Test for Doneness

To check if your jam is done, spoon a bit onto a chilled plate. After a minute, gently push the jam with your fingertip — if it wrinkles and holds shape, you’ve achieved the perfect consistency! If not, keep simmering for a few more minutes and test again. This classic “wrinkle test” ensures your jam will set just right.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Once you’re satisfied, remove the saucepan from heat and let the jam cool for a few minutes. Pour or spoon it into sterilized jars while it’s still warm, then seal tightly. For immediate enjoyment, just refrigerate. If you’d like to keep your Easy Plum Jam for months, process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes. Either way, you’ll be diving into homemade goodness soon!

How to Serve Easy Plum Jam

Garnishes

A simple dollop of this ruby-red jam perks up any breakfast or dessert, but you can take it a step further by topping it with a sprinkle of lemon zest, a dash of ground cinnamon, or even a few fresh mint leaves. Each garnish gives a different accent — citrusy brightness, cozy warmth, or crisp freshness — that plays so well with the plums.

Side Dishes

Easy Plum Jam is right at home with all sorts of sidekicks. Serve it on warm, buttered toast, soft croissants, or freshly baked scones for a real treat. It’s also wonderful swirled into yogurt, spooned over oatmeal, or paired with your favorite cheeses and crackers for a sweet-savory twist on your snack boards.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Layer Easy Plum Jam in parfait glasses with whipped cream and shortbread for an instant trifle, or use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies and sandwich cakes. It even makes a gorgeous glaze for grilled chicken or pork — the rich, fruity notes shine in savory dishes too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Easy Plum Jam to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep beautifully for up to three weeks. Make sure to use a clean spoon each time to help maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

If you’d like to savor summer all year long, freeze your jam! Just let the jam cool completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top. Your Easy Plum Jam will keep its color and flavor in the freezer for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Reheating

Jam is usually perfect straight from the fridge, but if you need to soften it up (or want it slightly warm for pancakes), simply spoon the desired amount into a small bowl and microwave in 10-second bursts, stirring in between. This brings back that freshly made texture in no time.

FAQs

Can I reduce the sugar in this Easy Plum Jam?

Absolutely! If your plums are super sweet, you can try reducing the sugar by up to a half cup, though the jam may be a bit looser and won’t keep quite as long. Taste as you go, and know that some slight tartness can be delicious too!

Do I need pectin for Easy Plum Jam?

No pectin needed here — plums naturally contain enough pectin to set the jam as it cooks down. The lemon juice also helps, so you get a great texture without any extra ingredients.

What if my jam is too runny?

If your Easy Plum Jam is on the thinner side, simply return it to the pot and simmer for another 5–10 minutes. The longer it cooks, the more it will thicken, so just keep an eye on it and do the wrinkle test on a cold plate until it’s just right.

Can I add spices or flavorings?

Definitely! Try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon, a splash of vanilla extract, or even a star anise pod while simmering for a unique twist. Just remember to remove any whole spices before jarring your jam.

How do I know if my jam jars are properly sealed?

After processing in a water bath, let the jars cool undisturbed. You should hear a satisfying “pop” as the lids seal, and the centers should be concave and not move when pressed. If any jars haven’t sealed, store them in the fridge and use them within a few weeks.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Easy Plum Jam is such a joyful, rewarding small project that brings a splash of color and flavor to every meal. I hope you’ll give it a try — you might just find yourself making extra jars to share with friends or savor throughout the year. Once you’ve tasted this bright, juicy jam, you’ll want to keep plum season going as long as possible!

Easy Plum Jam Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Learn how to make a simple and delicious plum jam at home with this easy recipe. Perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or using in various recipes!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 cups ripe plums, pitted and chopped
2 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup water

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Instructions

Place the chopped plums, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer, stirring frequently, for 30–40 minutes or until thickened and jam-like in consistency. Use a potato masher or immersion blender if you prefer a smoother texture.
To test if it’s ready, spoon a small amount onto a cold plate—if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s done. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to sterilized jars.
Seal and refrigerate or process in a water bath for longer storage.