This quick and easy Small Batch Peach Honey Jam without pectin is the perfect recipe for beginners and only makes one 6-ounce jar. Spread it on toast for breakfast or use as a filling for dessert.
What’s the best way to preserve summer? In a jar, of course!
When I asked for peach recipes, you replied I should make jam. Since it’s only me, I opted to make Small Batch Peach Honey Jam without pectin.
The inspiration for this recipe came from the one farm I always visit. They have a store where you can buy already-picked produce and related food items, such as jams and breads.
One item they had to sample was a peach honey jam. I really enjoyed it, so I decided that’s the type of jam I wanted to make.
I couldn’t find a recipe for peach honey jam, but I read you could sub out some sugar for the honey, as long as you don’t substitute too much (you do need some of the sugar for preserving the jam).
The best part about this no pectin peach jam is it only makes one jar. That’s it. Enough to last you all week for breakfast or to use in a recipe calling for jam as an ingredient.
What is pectin?
As you read more and more about how to make jam, you’ll come across an ingredient called pectin. Pectin is a thickening agent often used in jams and jellies so they set up properly after cooling.
You can often buy pectin in the canning section of a store, but it’s mostly only used when making jam.
However, I don’t want to buy an ingredient I’d only use a few times a year. Luckily for us, I found a way to make peach jam without pectin.
How to make jam without pectin
Although a lot of fruits are a natural source for pectin, stone fruits like peaches after peeling are not.
There is pectin in peach skin, but I don’t like to keep them on for jam. Fortunately you can still boil the peaches to a thick jam.
Be careful you don’t cook the peaches down too much; otherwise, the jam becomes really sticky and difficult to spread.
Be sure to check out my guide on how to peel peaches.
Why do you put lemon juice into peach jam?
Canning is a bit of a science, mostly to help keep harmful bacteria from growing.
Keep the proportion of the ingredients as I have written. Even if the peaches are a little sweet, you need the sugar to ensure the jam thickens. It’s more than a sweetener; the sugar is a preservative.
When the peaches are cooked, they release water. The sugar bonds with the water and helps prevent the growth of microorganisms.
The acid from the lemon juice also helps with the gelling process. Plus it helps brighten the jam so it’s not too sweet and complements the peaches and honey.
How to make peach jam
To make a small batch of homemade peach jam, first stir together the peaches, sugar, honey, and lemon juice in a large skillet.
Bring to a boil, stirring often until the sugar dissolves. Once it starts to boil, stir occasionally to ensure the mixture doesn’t bubble over, everything is cooking evenly, and nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pan.
After 8-10 minutes, you should notice the jam reducing and starting to thicken.
How to know when your jam is done
Your jam is done when it has thickened enough. However, you won’t know this until it has finished cooling. At that point, it’s too late to fix it.
That’s why I use the frozen plate technique. Because the plate is frozen, it’ll instantly cool down the jam so you can determine how thick it is.
Before you start, place a small plate in the freezer. When you’re ready to test your jam, take the plate out and add a small spoonful to the plate.
Next, tilt your plate. If the jam slides too fast, it needs more time. If it slides slowly, it’s done. However, if it doesn’t move at all, you may have overcooked it.
If your jam needs to cook longer, be careful not to overcook it. Even a minute too long can be the difference between done and overdone. It’s best to check too often than not enough.
Do I have to can my peach jam?
Since this small batch recipe only makes one 6 ounce jar, you honestly don’t have to can. Canning is only necessary if you don’t plan on eating the jam right away.
If you have no desire to can, make the peach honey jam as directed and store in a heat-proof container. Let cool to room temperature before putting it in the fridge.
Once opened, homemade peach jam will last about 2 weeks in the fridge. You’ll have to use your best judgment after 2 weeks. If it seems a little off, don’t use it.
What to do with homemade peach jam
In addition to spreading it on toast for breakfast, you can use peach jam in recipes, such as Honey Blueberry Oatmeal Bars , Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars, and Raspberry Crumb Bars (substitute peach in those recipes).
More Small Batch Jam Recipes
Have other summer fruits you want to turn into jam? Check out these other easy small batch jam recipes:
Small Batch Peach Honey Jam Without Pectin
Ingredients
- 1 pound ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and finely chopped (roughly 2 large peaches)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Place a small dish in the freezer to use for testing the jam.
- In a large deep skillet, add peaches, sugar, honey, and lemon juice. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring often. Once boiling, cook until it thickens, about 10 minutes.
- When it seems thick enough, take your plate out of the freezer. Put a small spoonful of the jam onto the plate and let sit for 30 seconds. Tilt it. If it slides too fast, keep cooking in 1-2 minute increments. If it moves slow, it is done.
- Transfer to a heat-proof container. Cool to room temperature. If not canning, use within 2 weeks. Once opened, store in the refrigerator.
Canning Instructions (Optional)
- Place a clean 6-8 ounce glass mason jar and lid pieces into a large pot of boiling water deep enough for the jar to be completely submerged in water. Once the water is boiling, leave the jar in there until ready to use.
- Remove the jar and lids from water and drain out all of the water from the jar. Keep the water boiling.
- Transfer the finished jam to the jar. Wipe excess jam off the rim so it will seal properly. Add the lid. You may want to use an oven mitt so you can hold the jar still.
- Place sealed jar back into the boiling water and boil for 15 minutes. Make sure it is submerged in the water. Remove from the water and let dry on a heat-resistant surface for 18-24 hours.
- Once cool, press down on the lid. If it stays down, it is sealed. If it pops back up, put in the refrigerator and use within two weeks.
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Taylor R. says
When properly canned how long do they last in the fridge? I know you said if it didn’t work 2 weeks but what about if it did work and unopened?
Carla says
Usually around 1 year as long as the seal on the lid hasn’t popped. Here’s more information on canning: https://nchfp.uga.edu/questions/FAQ_jellied.html#7