Sunshine in a jar that’s what this fresh peach jam is all about. Sweet, golden peaches cook down into a soft, spoonable spread that’s perfect on toast, biscuits, or even cheesecake. No pectin, no fuss, just pure peach bliss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Peach Jam
If you’ve never made jam before, this is the perfect place to start. You only need four ingredients, and the process is wonderfully simple. The peaches cook into a lush, fruity spread that tastes like summer’s best day. There’s a hint of ginger for brightness and a squeeze of lemon juice to keep things fresh.
You can spoon it over morning toast, swirl it into yogurt, or add a sweet note to savory dishes. For a sunny afternoon treat, pair it with a chilled glass of Blueberry Lemonade Slushie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Peaches – Ripe, fragrant, and slightly firm are best
- Fresh ginger – Adds a gentle zing that lifts the peach flavor
- Sugar – White sugar keeps it bright; brown sugar gives a deeper note
- Lemon juice – Balances sweetness and acts as a natural preservative
You can swap ginger for cinnamon for a cozy twist, or replace some sugar with honey for a softer sweetness.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Fresh Peach Jam
Step 1 – Peel Your Peaches Easily
Score the bottoms of the peaches with a small “X,” boil them for about 30 seconds, then drop them into an ice bath. The skins slip right off no wrestling required.

Step 2 – Cook the Peaches
Chop the peeled peaches and add them to a large pot with grated ginger, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently and bring everything to a boil over medium heat.

Step 3 – Mash and Simmer
Once the peaches start to soften, mash them with a potato masher for a chunky texture or use an immersion blender for smooth jam. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until thickened.
Step 4 – Cool and Store
Spoon the hot jam into clean jars, cool completely, then refrigerate.
Storage & Shelf Life
Keep your fresh peach jam in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers. If you’re looking for more canning-friendly options, our classic Jam Recipe has the right ratios for water-bath canning.
Serving Ideas
This jam is more than just a breakfast spread. Try it:
- Over warm biscuits or scones
- Swirled into cheesecake batter
- Layered in a parfait
- Served with a fresh summer salad, like this Peach Watermelon Salad
Tips for Perfect Peach Jam
- Choose the best fruit – Slightly firm peaches keep texture better
- Test for thickness – Place a small spoonful on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready
- Adjust sweetness – Taste near the end of cooking and tweak if needed
- Small batches are best – They cook faster and keep the flavor fresh
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes, just thaw and drain before cooking.
Why isn’t my jam thickening?
You may need to simmer longer high water content in peaches can slow thickening.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can, but the jam will be softer and may not keep as long.
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Fresh Peach Jam (No Pectin, Bursting with Summer Flavor)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 quart 1x
Description
Sunshine in a jar this no-pectin fresh peach jam bursts with ripe peach sweetness, a hint of ginger, and bright lemon. Perfect for toast, biscuits, or desserts.
Ingredients
3 pounds ripe peaches, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Score bottoms of peaches with an X, blanch for 30 seconds, transfer to ice bath, then peel.
2. Chop peaches and place in large pot with ginger, sugar, and lemon juice.
3. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring often.
4. Mash with potato masher or blend for smoother texture.
5. Simmer until thickened (about 20 minutes).
6. Transfer to jars, cool completely, then refrigerate.
Notes
Best eaten within 3 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers.
Not suitable for canning without adjustments.
Flavor deepens after 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Jam
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 23
- Sugar: 5.7g
- Sodium: 0.1g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg