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Easy Small Batch Peach Vanilla Bean Jam Recipe No Pectin Guide

small batch peach vanilla bean jam - featured image

A simple, small batch peach vanilla bean jam recipe without pectin that captures the essence of summer with a subtle vanilla embrace. Perfect for gifting or enjoying fresh on toast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 whole vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the peaches by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water. Peel, slice, and dice into roughly 1/2-inch pieces.
  2. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise with a sharp knife and scrape out the seeds. Set seeds and pod aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine diced peaches, sugar, lemon juice, water, vanilla seeds, and the empty vanilla bean pod. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring gently until sugar dissolves and peaches start to break down.
  5. Lower the heat to maintain a steady simmer and stir frequently for 25-30 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Test for set by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate. Let cool for a minute, then push with your finger. If it wrinkles and holds shape, the jam is ready; if not, simmer a few minutes longer and test again.
  7. Remove the vanilla bean pod and discard. Pour the hot jam carefully into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace. Let cool completely at room temperature before sealing.

Notes

Keep stirring frequently near the end to prevent burning. Use the chilled plate test to check jam set. Vanilla extract can substitute the vanilla bean if added near the end of cooking. For smoother jam, mash peaches during simmering or pulse with a food mill after cooking. Sterilize jars before use. Refrigerate after opening and use within 3 weeks; unopened jars last up to 3 months in a cool, dark place. Jam freezes well with headspace in freezer-safe containers.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach jam, vanilla bean jam, no pectin jam, small batch jam, homemade jam, peach preserves, easy jam recipe