Autumn Jam – Easy 3-Fruit Recipe You’ll Love Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Simmer the Fruit: Let the fruit simmer gently for about 30 minutes or until it becomes very soft and starts breaking down.
- Prepare Jam Test Plate: Place a small plate in the freezer to chill, which will be used later to test the jam’s set.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
