When it comes to making homemade preserves, few fruits are as versatile and delicious as plums. With their sweet-tart flavor and soft, juicy texture, plums lend themselves perfectly to a wide range of jam-making styles and flavor combinations. From classic vanilla and spice-based recipes to more adventurous infusions with bourbon, ginger, and other ingredients, there’s a plum jam recipe out there for every taste and skill level.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 different plum jam recipes that showcase the fruit’s incredible versatility. Whether you’re looking for a traditional jam to top your toast or yogurt, or something more unique to serve as a glaze for meats or cheeses, these recipes are sure to inspire your next batch of homemade preserves.
Classic Vanilla Plum Jam
Classic Vanilla Plum Jam Recipe
This sweet and tangy jam recipe combines the flavors of ripe plums with a hint of vanilla, making it perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh or frozen plums
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 package of pectin (optional)
Instructions:
- Wash, peel, and chop the plums into small pieces.
- In a large pot, combine the chopped plums, sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the plums are tender and the mixture has thickened.
- If using pectin, stir it in according to package instructions and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the jam reaches your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months, or freeze for up to a year.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (plus additional time if using pectin)
Spiced Cinnamon Plum Jam
This sweet and spicy jam is perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries. The combination of juicy plums, warm cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg creates a deliciously complex flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh or frozen plums, pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the plums, sugar, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
5. Let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Honey-Sweetened Plum Jam
This recipe yields a deliciously sweet and tangy plum jam infused with the warm, golden flavor of honey. Perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups plums, chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the chopped plums, granulated sugar, and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the plums have broken down and the jam has thickened. Stir in the water and lemon juice.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bourbon-Infused Plum Jam
Elevate your jam game with this unique twist on a classic recipe, featuring the smooth warmth of bourbon and the sweetness of plums.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh or frozen plums, pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (such as Maker’s Mark or Jim Beam)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the plums, sugar, bourbon, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test.”
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring the jam to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tips:
– Use a high-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
– Adjust the amount of bourbon to your taste – you can always add more, but it’s harder to remove the flavor once it’s been added.
– This jam is perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ginger-Lime Plum Jam
This jam combines the natural sweetness of plums with the spicy warmth of ginger and a hint of citrus from fresh lime juice. Perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups plums, pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 inches piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine plums, sugar, lime juice, and grated ginger.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and reduced slightly.
3. Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.
4. Let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rosemary Plum Jam with Lemon Zest
Rosemary Plum Jam with Lemon Zest Recipe
Combine the sweet and tangy flavors of plums, lemons, and rosemary to create a unique and delicious jam perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling.
- 1 cup fresh plums, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon rosemary leaves, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon pectin (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Mix the plums, sugar, lemon juice, and rosemary leaves in a medium saucepan.
- Add the lemon zest and pectin (if using) to the mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is tender and the mixture thickens, about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the water. Let it cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months or freeze for up to a year.
Cooking Time:
20-25 minutes
Cardamom Plum Jam
Experience the warm spices of India with this unique jam recipe, featuring sweet plums and aromatic cardamom.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh or dried plums (prunes), chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 green cardamoms, pods removed, seeds crushed
– 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions:
1. Combine plums, sugar, and water in a large saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Add crushed cardamom seeds and lemon juice. Stir well.
4. Continue simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the jam has thickened.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Orange Blossom Plum Jam
This sweet and tangy jam combines the flavors of juicy plums with the fragrance of orange blossom, creating a unique and delicious spread perfect for toast, scones, or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups plums, pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Combine plums, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and reduced slightly.
3. Stir in orange blossom water and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Chai-Spiced Plum Jam
This aromatic jam combines the sweetness of plums with the warm spices of chai, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen plums, pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon black tea leaves (or 1 chai spice blend)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine plums, sugar, honey, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.
2. Add the tea leaves or chai spice blend; stir to combine.
3. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Black Pepper Plum Jam
Elevate your jam-making game with this unique recipe that combines the sweetness of plums with the warmth of black pepper. Perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups plums (any variety), pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
– Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine plums, sugar, and water in a large saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the fruit is tender.
3. Add cinnamon and black pepper; stir well.
4. Continue simmering for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the jam has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids, if desired.
6. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Star Anise Plum Jam
Elevate your jam-making game with this unique and aromatic Star Anise Plum Jam recipe, featuring the warm, spicy flavors of star anise.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs plums (any variety), chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons star anise powder
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine chopped plums, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the plums are tender and the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Stir in star anise powder and lemon juice.
4. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the jam has reached your desired consistency.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lavender Plum Jam
Sweet and fragrant, this jam combines the flavors of juicy plums with the subtle essence of lavender, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups plum juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 package pectin
Instructions:
1. Combine plum juice, sugar, and dried lavender buds in a large saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the lavender buds.
5. Add lemon juice and pectin to the liquid and stir until dissolved.
6. Bring the mixture back to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the jam has thickened.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Maple-Glazed Plum Jam
This sweet and tangy jam is perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries. The combination of plums, maple syrup, and spices creates a rich and complex flavor profile that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups plums (any variety), chopped
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine plums, sugar, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rum-Raisin Plum Jam
Rum-Raisin Plum Jam Recipe
Summary: This sweet and tangy jam combines the natural sweetness of plums with the warmth of rum and the chewiness of raisins. Perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups plums (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup dark rum
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the plums, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the plums are tender.
2. Stir in the rum and raisins. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the jam has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cinnamon. Let cool before transferring to a clean, sterilized jar.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Five-Spice Plum Jam
Transform plums into a sweet and savory jam infused with the warmth of five-spice powder, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups plums, pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons five-spice powder
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine plums, sugar, and honey.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
4. Stir in five-spice powder and lemon juice.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Earl Grey Plum Jam
Earl Grey Plum Jam Recipe
Elevate your jam-making experience with the unique combination of Earl Grey tea and plums, creating a sweet and tangy preserve perfect for toast, yogurt, or as a topping for ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen plums, pitted
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 teaspoons loose-leaf Earl Grey tea leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine plums, sugar, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and add Earl Grey tea leaves. Let steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the tea has infused into the jam.
4. Strain the jam through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the tea leaves.
5. Stir in lemon juice and let the jam cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Jalapeño Plum Jam
This sweet and spicy jam combines the natural sweetness of plums with the bold heat of jalapeños, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats or cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups plums, chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Combine plums, sugar, water, and jalapeños in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld together.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
4. Let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apple-Plum Jam with Cinnamon
This homemade jam recipe combines the flavors of autumn – sweet apples and plums, warm cinnamon, and a hint of tartness. Perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed apples (Granny Smith and Gala work well), peeled and chopped
– 1 cup plums (Italian Prune or Santa Rosa), pitted and chopped
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine apples, plums, sugar, honey, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 220°F (104°C) on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months or in the freezer for up to 1 year.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and tangy world of homemade plum jam! From classic vanilla flavors to unique twists like bourbon-infused or chai-spiced, this article presents 18 mouthwatering recipes to try at home. Discover how to balance sweetness and tartness with honey-sweetened or ginger-lime combinations. Explore global inspirations like cardamom, rosemary, and star anise for added depth of flavor. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned jam-maker, these plum jam recipes are sure to delight your taste buds.
