Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with just a few simple ingredients
Naturally sweet and tart flavor
Great way to preserve ripe plums
Perfect for breakfast, baking, and desserts
No special equipment required
Easy enough for beginner jam makers
Delicious homemade alternative to store-bought jam

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds ripe plums, pitted and chopped
4 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ cup water

Directions

Wash the plums thoroughly, remove the pits, and chop the fruit into small pieces.
Place the chopped plums, sugar, lemon juice, and water into a large saucepan or preserving pan.
Stir well and allow the mixture to sit for 15 to 20 minutes to help draw out the juices.
Place the pan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Continue boiling, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the jam thickens and reaches the setting point.
To test for doneness, place a small amount of jam on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it is ready.
Remove the jam from the heat and skim off any foam if necessary.
Allow the jam to cool for a few minutes.
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars.
Seal the jars and allow them to cool completely before storing.

Servings and timing

Servings: Approximately 64 servings
Yield: About 4 cups of jam
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Spiced Plum Jam: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a warm flavor profile.
Vanilla Plum Jam: Stir in vanilla extract or a vanilla bean during cooking.
Honey Plum Jam: Replace part of the sugar with honey.
Mixed Fruit Jam: Combine plums with peaches, apricots, or berries.
Ginger Plum Jam: Add freshly grated ginger for a subtle spicy kick.
Reduced-Sugar Version: Use less sugar and a low-sugar pectin if desired.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 to 4 weeks.
Always use a clean spoon when serving to maintain freshness.

Reheating

Jam is usually served at room temperature.
If needed, gently warm a portion in the microwave or on the stovetop to make it easier to spread or use in recipes.

FAQs

Do I need to peel the plums before making jam?

No. The skins soften during cooking and contribute color, flavor, and natural pectin to the jam.

What type of plums work best for jam?

Most ripe plums work well, including red, black, and purple varieties. Slightly tart plums often create the best flavor balance.

How do I know when the jam has reached the setting point?

Use the chilled plate test. If the jam wrinkles when pushed gently with a finger, it has reached the proper consistency.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar?

Yes, but reducing sugar may affect the texture, shelf life, and setting ability of the jam.

Why is lemon juice added?

Lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and supports the setting process by adding acidity.

Can I freeze plum jam?

Yes, plum jam freezes very well for up to 6 months in freezer-safe containers.

Why is my jam too runny?

It may need additional cooking time, or the fruit may not contain enough natural pectin.

Can I use frozen plums?

Yes, frozen plums can be used. Thaw them first and include any juices released during thawing.

What can I serve with plum jam?

It is delicious on toast, biscuits, scones, pancakes, waffles, yogurt, and as a filling for cakes and pastries.

How long does homemade plum jam last?

Properly sealed jars can last up to a year in storage, while opened jars should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks.

Conclusion

Easy Plum Jam is a simple and rewarding recipe that turns fresh plums into a rich, flavorful preserve. Its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness makes it a versatile addition to breakfasts, desserts, and baked goods. Whether you’re preserving a seasonal harvest or simply craving homemade jam, this recipe delivers delicious results that you’ll enjoy throughout the year.

Easy Plum Jam

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Easy Plum Jam is a rich, glossy homemade preserve that captures the sweet-tart flavor of ripe plums with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for toast, pastries, yogurt, and desserts, it is an easy and rewarding way to preserve seasonal fruit.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 64 servings (about 4 cups)
Category: Condiment
Method: Boil
Cuisine: British
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

2 pounds ripe plums, pitted and chopped
4 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup water

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Instructions

Wash the plums thoroughly, remove the pits, and chop the fruit into small pieces.
Place the chopped plums, sugar, lemon juice, and water into a large saucepan or preserving pan.
Stir well and allow the mixture to sit for 15 to 20 minutes to help draw out the juices.
Place the pan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Continue boiling, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the jam thickens and reaches the setting point.
Test for doneness by placing a small amount of jam on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed, it is ready.
Remove the jam from the heat and skim off any foam if necessary.
Allow the jam to cool for a few minutes.
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars.
Seal the jars and allow them to cool completely before storing.

Notes

Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a spiced variation.
Stir in vanilla extract or a vanilla bean for extra flavor.
Replace part of the sugar with honey for a different sweetness profile.
Add freshly grated ginger for a subtle spicy kick.
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 to 4 weeks.
Frozen plums can be used after thawing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 48 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 0 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Fiber: 0.2 g
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg