This recipe is perfect for beginners and anyone who wants to make jam without the hassle of traditional canning. It captures the natural sweetness of fresh peaches in a light, spreadable jam with minimal effort. It’s also customizable, great for gift-giving, and stores beautifully in the freezer. Enjoy it on toast, yogurt, pancakes, or straight from the spoon.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Fresh ripe peaches (peeled and finely chopped or mashed)
Granulated sugar
Lemon juice
Fruit pectin (specifically for freezer jam—look for instant or no-cook pectin)
Directions
Peel and finely chop or mash the peaches until you reach your desired texture.
In a large bowl, combine the peaches with lemon juice and mix well.
In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the sugar and pectin together.
Gradually stir the pectin mixture into the peaches and stir for about 3–5 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to thicken slightly.
Ladle the jam into clean freezer-safe containers, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top for expansion.
Seal the containers and let them sit at room temperature for 24 hours to fully set.
Store in the freezer for up to 1 year or in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 5 to 6 half- jars of jam. Prep Time: 20 minutes Resting/Set Time: 24 hours Total Time: About 24 hours and 20 minutes
Variations
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor.
Mix in finely chopped strawberries or raspberries for a blended fruit jam.
Use honey in place of some sugar for a different sweetness.
Add vanilla extract for a smooth, creamy finish.
For a smoother jam, blend the peaches into a puree before mixing.
Storage/Reheating
Store the jam in the freezer for up to 1 year. Once thawed, keep it in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks. Do not refreeze once thawed. This jam does not require reheating—simply thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before use.
FAQs
Do I need to cook the peaches for freezer jam?
No, this is a no-cook recipe. The peaches are used fresh, which helps preserve their vibrant flavor and texture.
Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes, thaw and drain them well before chopping or mashing. Make sure to remove excess moisture for best consistency.
What kind of pectin should I use?
Use pectin labeled specifically for freezer jam or instant/no-cook pectin. Regular pectin will not work properly without cooking.
How do I peel peaches easily?
Blanch them in boiling water for 30–60 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skins will slip off easily.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Freezer jam recipes rely on sugar to set and preserve. Use a low-sugar or no-sugar pectin if you want to reduce the amount of sugar.
What containers are best for freezer jam?
Use freezer-safe plastic containers or glass jars with tight lids. Leave space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
Why does my jam look runny?
It may need more time to set, or the sugar wasn’t fully dissolved. Stir thoroughly and allow the full setting time before freezing.
Can I double the recipe?
It’s best to make one batch at a time to ensure proper setting. If you need more jam, prepare multiple batches separately.
Is lemon juice necessary?
Yes, it helps balance the sweetness and ensures proper acidity for safe preservation and setting.
How long will freezer jam last?
It lasts up to 1 year in the freezer and about 3 weeks in the refrigerator once thawed.
Conclusion
Freezer Peach Jam is a fast, easy, and flavorful way to preserve peaches without cooking or canning. Whether you’re new to jam-making or just looking for a quick seasonal treat, this recipe delivers bright, sweet flavor in every spoonful. Keep a few jars in your freezer for a taste of summer any time of year.
Freezer Peach Jam is a quick, no-cook jam that captures the fresh, sweet flavor of ripe peaches with minimal effort. Perfect for beginners, this simple recipe requires no canning and stores beautifully in the freezer.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh ripe peaches, peeled and finely chopped or mashed
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 (1.5 oz) packet instant or no-cook fruit pectin
Instructions
Peel and finely chop or mash the peaches until you reach your desired texture.
In a large bowl, combine the peaches with lemon juice and mix well.
In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and pectin thoroughly.
Gradually stir the pectin mixture into the peaches and stir for 3–5 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to thicken slightly.
Ladle the jam into clean freezer-safe containers, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top.
Seal the containers and let them sit at room temperature for 24 hours to fully set.
Store in the freezer for up to 1 year or in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks once thawed.
Notes
Use ripe, flavorful peaches for the best taste.Blanch peaches in boiling water for 30–60 seconds, then transfer to ice water for easy peeling.For a smooth jam, blend peaches before combining with pectin mixture.Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, or a mix of berries for variations.Use pectin specifically labeled for freezer or no-cook jams.
