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Easy No-Pectin Peach Bourbon Jam Recipe for Small Batches Perfect for Beginners

no-pectin peach bourbon jam - featured image

A quick and easy small batch peach bourbon jam recipe that requires no pectin, perfect for beginners. This jam balances the sweetness of ripe peaches with the warmth of bourbon for a rich, spreadable treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 450g / 1 lb)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30ml)
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey (30ml)
  • 1/4 cup water (60ml)
  • Optional: pinch of ground cinnamon or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Rinse, peel, and dice the peaches into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. To peel, score an X on the bottom, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock in ice water to loosen the skin. (Prep time: 10 minutes)
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine diced peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir gently to combine and let sit for 10 minutes to macerate.
  3. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally and mashing some peaches to release natural pectin and thicken the jam. (Cook time: 25-30 minutes)
  4. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the bourbon and optional cinnamon or vanilla extract. Continue stirring to blend flavors.
  5. Test for doneness by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate and tilting it. If it wrinkles slightly and doesn’t run quickly, the jam is ready. If not, cook a few more minutes and test again.
  6. Remove from heat and let the jam cool for 10 minutes. Transfer to a clean, heatproof jar, leaving some headspace. Refrigerate once cooled completely.

Notes

Use firmer peaches with some tartness for better natural pectin. Stir frequently to prevent burning, especially at the start. Add bourbon near the end to preserve its flavor. Test jam set with the wrinkle test on a cold plate. Refrigerate jam and consume within 3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach jam, bourbon jam, no pectin jam, small batch jam, easy jam recipe, beginner jam recipe, homemade jam, peach preserves