Autumn Jam – Easy 3-Fruit Recipe You’ll Love Recipe

Introduction

This Autumn Jam combines pears, apples, and plums for a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and tart flavors. It’s an easy homemade preserve that captures the essence of fall and works beautifully on toast, yogurt, or as a gift.

Ingredients

• 2–3 large pears (about 1 lb): Adds soft texture and mellow sweetness
• 2–3 large apples (about 1 lb): Brings structure and natural pectin
• 5–6 plums (about 1 lb): Provides tartness and deep flavor
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Adds brightness and helps preserve the jam
• Cold water, enough to cover the fruit: Helps soften and break down fruit
• 5 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and thickens the jam naturally

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel and core the apples and pears, then cut into large chunks.
2. Step 2: Pit and chop the plums into similar-sized pieces.
3. Step 3: Add all fruit to a large heavy-bottomed pot along with lemon zest and strained juice.
4. Step 4: Pour in enough cold water to just cover the fruit. Bring to a boil over high heat.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, until fruit is very soft.
6. Step 6: Meanwhile, place a small plate in the freezer to prepare for the jam test.
7. Step 7: Once fruit is soft, stir in the sugar and increase heat to high.
8. Step 8: Boil for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, then test for doneness by dropping a spoonful on the cold plate. If it wrinkles when touched, it’s ready. If not, continue boiling in 15–20 minute intervals, testing each time.
9. Step 9: When set, allow the jam to cool slightly before transferring into clean jars.
10. Step 10: Cool completely before sealing and storing in the fridge.

Tips & Variations

• For a spiced twist, add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves during the simmering step, removing before adding sugar.
• Use organic fruit to reduce pesticide exposure, especially since the zest is included.
• If you prefer a smoother jam, use an immersion blender after simmering the fruit and before adding sugar.

Storage

Store the cooled jam in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. To extend shelf life, consider processing jars in a water bath for proper canning. Reheat gently if you prefer a warm spread, but avoid boiling once preserved.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit for this jam?

Yes, you can use frozen fruit, but fresh fruit usually provides better texture and flavor. Thaw the fruit completely and drain excess liquid before starting.

How do I know when the jam is properly set?

The jam is ready when a spoonful dropped on a cold plate wrinkles when you push it with your finger. This indicates the sugar concentration and gelatinization are sufficient for thickening.

Autumn Jam – Easy 3-Fruit Recipe You’ll Love Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 86 reviews

This Autumn Jam recipe combines pears, apples, and plums to create a luscious, sweet-tart spread perfect for cozy fall mornings. With natural pectin from apples and a bright lemon zest, this easy stovetop jam features a deep, complex flavor that captures the essence of autumn fruit in every spoonful.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: About 4 to 5 half-pint jars 1x
• Category: Jam
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit

• 2–3 large pears (about 1 lb): peeled, cored, and cut into large chunks
• 2–3 large apples (about 1 lb): peeled, cored, and cut into large chunks
• 5–6 plums (about 1 lb): pitted and chopped
• 1 lemon: zested and juiced (strained)
• Cold water: enough to just cover the fruit

Sweetener

• 5 cups granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit: Peel and core the apples and pears, then cut them into large chunks. Pit and chop the plums into pieces similar in size.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place all the prepared fruit into a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add the lemon zest and the strained lemon juice for brightness and preservation.
3. Add Water and Boil: Pour in enough cold water to just cover the fruit. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Fruit: Let the fruit simmer gently for about 30 minutes or until it becomes very soft and starts breaking down.
5. Prepare Jam Test Plate: Place a small plate in the freezer to chill, which will be used later to test the jam’s set.
6. Add Sugar and Boil: Stir in the granulated sugar until fully combined, then increase the heat back to high to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
7. Cook Until Set: Boil the jam for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Test for doneness by dropping a spoonful onto the chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, the jam is set.
8. Continue Boiling if Needed: If the jam hasn’t set, continue boiling in 15–20 minute intervals, testing after each until the correct consistency is reached.
9. Cool and Store: Once the jam is set, allow it to cool slightly before transferring to clean jars. Let the jars cool completely before sealing and storing them in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Use ripe but firm fruit for the best texture and flavor balance.
• The lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also helps to preserve the jam.
• A heavy-bottomed pot helps prevent scorching during boiling.
• Stirring occasionally during boiling prevents the jam from sticking and burning.
• Test the jam by cooling a small amount on a chilled plate to check if it wrinkles as an indicator of proper setting.
• Store the jam refrigerated once sealed to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Autumn jam, pear and plum jam, homemade fruit jam, stovetop jam recipe, easy fruit preserves