As soon as the leaves start crunching beneath your feet, you’ll want to dive into something that screams autumn as much as cozy sweaters and spiced lattes do. This Pumpkin Spice Jam is like fall wrapped up in a jar, ready to spread on toast or swirled into yogurt, and it’s about to become your go-to seasonal obsession! 🍂🍯
I adore taking the warm flavors of fall and making them into a wonderful Pumpkin Spice Jam. The base of this jam is made from pumpkin puree and apple juice, which creates a rich, delicious foundation.
Then I stir in a family of spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—that give this spread its cozy, comforting, and aromatic character. Fresh lemon juice and tart apple cider vinegar balance the sweetness and ensure that this jam is a stage favorite.
Pumpkin Spice Jam Recipe Ingredients
- Pumpkin Puree: High in fiber; rich in vitamins A and C.
- Apple Juice: Adds natural sweetness and fruity notes.
- Lemon Juice: Provides acidity; balances sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Enhances flavor; adds tanginess.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and preserves the jam.
- Brown Sugar: Deepens flavor with caramel notes.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice; fragrant.
- Ground Nutmeg: Provides nutty, sweet spice notes.
- Ground Ginger: Adds a zingy, spicy kick.
- Ground Cloves: Intensely aromatic; enhances flavor depth.
- Ground Allspice: Warm, peppery flavor; ties spices together.
- Fruit Pectin: Thickens jam; enhances texture.
Pumpkin Spice Jam Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) of fruit pectin
How to Make this Pumpkin Spice Jam Recipe
1. In a large saucepan, combine the puree of pumpkin, juice of apple, juice of lemon, and vinegar of apple cider. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
2. Combine the pumpkin mixture with the following ingredients: granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the pumpkin mixture.
3. Set the saucepan on medium-high heat and bring the combination to a nice, easy boil, stirring it often.
4. After it starts boiling, decrease the heat and let it simmer. Cook for approximately 20 minutes, stirring now and then to keep the mixture from sticking, and letting it thicken somewhat. Maintain the same level of heat and continue with the same stirring pattern, and the result should be a thickened sauce.
5. At the same time, in a small bowl, prepare the fruit pectin per the package instructions.
6. Blend the ready fruit pectin into the pumpkin mix. “Mix well” means that you should make sure the pectin is completely incorporated into the pumpkin blend.
7. Raise the heat again to medium-high and take the mixture to a full, rolling boil, stirring all the while.
8. Bring the water to a rolling boil for one to two minutes, then take the pot off the heat.
9. When the jam is hot and ready, use a ladle to distribute the wonderfulness into jars that are clean and free from any partial bacteria. Call this sterilization, if you will, when, in fact, it is just plain cleanliness helping to ensure the food remains safe to eat. You can store the jam in a cold place, like a refrigerator, or you can preserve it by putting it in a water bath after jarring. Either way, that’s all there is to making safe, easy, and oh-so-delicious jam.
10. For 10 minutes, use a bath of boiling water to process the jars. Take them out and let them cool all the way down. Keep them in a nice, dark, and cool space. Have a blast savoring the Pumpkin Spice Jam!
Pumpkin Spice Jam Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large saucepan
2. Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
3. Small bowl
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Ladle
7. Jars with lids
8. Large pot or canner (for water bath)
9. Jar lifter (for safely handling jars)
10. Towel or cooling rack (for jars to cool)
FAQ
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?Certainly! Fresh pumpkin is absolutely usable. Just prepare it by cooking and mashing it until it reaches a perfectly smooth texture. For optimal consistency, make sure to drain any extra moisture from the pumpkin.
- How long does Pumpkin Spice Jam last?When sealed in a jar and kept in the refrigerator, it has the potential to last up to 3 weeks. If you want it to last longer, you might consider canning it, provided you follow appropriate guidelines.
- Can I substitute another sweetener for the granulated and brown sugar?Honey or maple syrup may be employed as substitutes. Commence with a lesser quantity and modulate to preferred taste, bearing in mind this could influence the texture.
- What’s the purpose of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar in this recipe?Lemon juice and vinegar have acidity that balances the sweet and helps preserve the jam.
- Is the fruit pectin necessary for the recipe?Absolutely, pectin is responsible for the jam setting and developing into the end product with the desired consistency.
- Can I adjust the spices to my preference?Of course, you can certainly modify the spices to better fit your preferences. You might add more cinnamon for increased warmth or use fewer cloves for a flavor that’s a bit less intense.
- Can this jam be canned and stored long-term?Absolutely, the water-bath method can be used to can it. For safety’s sake, however, all correct canning protocols must be observed.
Pumpkin Spice Jam Recipe Substitutions and Variations
If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can use butternut squash puree for a comparable texture and taste.
Pears can give you an entirely different fruity note. Use pear juice in place of apple juice for a slightly varied and sweet flavor in drinks or dishes.
Lime juice can take the place of lemon juice to keep the acidity intact while varying the citrus flavor.
If you do not have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar makes a good substitute, although it might alter the flavor profile a bit.
For granulated sugar, you can use coconut sugar for a different sweet flavor.
Pro Tips
1. Strain the Pumpkin Puree: For an even smoother texture, strain the pumpkin puree before using. This removes excess moisture and enhances the overall consistency of your jam.
2. Toast the Spices: Before combining them with the mixture, briefly toast the ground spices in a dry skillet over medium heat. This will enhance their flavors and add depth to your jam.
3. Use a Candy Thermometer: When simmering the jam, use a candy thermometer to track the temperature. Aim for around 220°F (104°C), as this is the optimal setting point for jam.
4. Jar Sterilization: To ensure the jars are properly sterilized, boil them in water for about 10 minutes before filling them with the jam. This helps prevent bacterial growth and prolong shelf life.
5. Adjust Sweetness: Taste your mixture before finalizing it to adjust the sweetness. Depending on the natural sweetness of your pumpkin and apple juice, you may want to reduce or slightly increase the sugar.
Pumpkin Spice Jam Recipe
My favorite Pumpkin Spice Jam Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large saucepan
2. Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
3. Small bowl
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Ladle
7. Jars with lids
8. Large pot or canner (for water bath)
9. Jar lifter (for safely handling jars)
10. Towel or cooling rack (for jars to cool)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) of fruit pectin
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the puree of pumpkin, juice of apple, juice of lemon, and vinegar of apple cider. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
2. Combine the pumpkin mixture with the following ingredients: granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the pumpkin mixture.
3. Set the saucepan on medium-high heat and bring the combination to a nice, easy boil, stirring it often.
4. After it starts boiling, decrease the heat and let it simmer. Cook for approximately 20 minutes, stirring now and then to keep the mixture from sticking, and letting it thicken somewhat. Maintain the same level of heat and continue with the same stirring pattern, and the result should be a thickened sauce.
5. At the same time, in a small bowl, prepare the fruit pectin per the package instructions.
6. Blend the ready fruit pectin into the pumpkin mix. “Mix well” means that you should make sure the pectin is completely incorporated into the pumpkin blend.
7. Raise the heat again to medium-high and take the mixture to a full, rolling boil, stirring all the while.
8. Bring the water to a rolling boil for one to two minutes, then take the pot off the heat.
9. When the jam is hot and ready, use a ladle to distribute the wonderfulness into jars that are clean and free from any partial bacteria. Call this sterilization, if you will, when, in fact, it is just plain cleanliness helping to ensure the food remains safe to eat. You can store the jam in a cold place, like a refrigerator, or you can preserve it by putting it in a water bath after jarring. Either way, that’s all there is to making safe, easy, and oh-so-delicious jam.
10. For 10 minutes, use a bath of boiling water to process the jars. Take them out and let them cool all the way down. Keep them in a nice, dark, and cool space. Have a blast savoring the Pumpkin Spice Jam!