Description

This homemade plum jam is bursting with rich fruit flavor, balanced with a touch of lemon, and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect on toast, paired with cheese, or swirled into yogurt, it’s a versatile pantry staple that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re preserving a backyard harvest or making a sweet gift from the heart, this jam captures the essence of summer in every spoonful. And the best part? No store-bought pectin required—just a few simple ingredients and a bit of stovetop magic.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups ripe plums, chopped (skins on, pits removed)
2½ to 3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ cup water
(Optional) Cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, or grated ginger

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Instructions

Wash, pit, and chop plums (leave skins on).
Combine plums, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a heavy pot. Let sit 15 minutes.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
Stir regularly, mashing fruit as it softens.
Cook for 45–60 minutes until thickened. Use the plate test to check for doneness.
Skim foam if needed, then ladle hot jam into sterilized jars.
Seal and refrigerate, or process in a water bath for longer storage.

Notes

Taste your plums before cooking to gauge how much sugar to use.
Always sterilize your jars to prevent spoilage.
For deeper flavor, try adding a cinnamon stick during cooking and remove before jarring.
Want a smoother jam? Use an immersion blender after cooking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Preserves & Spreads
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 45
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 1mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0.3g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg