20 Delicious Jam Recipes for Every Occasion

Carmen Eldridge

April 1, 2025

Getting ready to spread some joy on your toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for meats? Look no further! We’ve curated a collection of 20 scrumptious jam recipes that are perfect for every occasion. From sweet and tangy to savory and spicy, these homemade jams will elevate any meal or snack. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, our recipe roundup has something for everyone.

In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the world of jam-making, featuring unique flavor combinations that are sure to impress. From classic strawberry and blueberry to more adventurous options like spiced peach and fig with honey, there’s a jam recipe here for every taste bud. So grab your apron and let’s get started!

Strawberry Basil Jam

Strawberry Basil Jam
Sweeten up your summer with this refreshing Strawberry Basil Jam! This unique and flavorful spread is perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 package (0.25 oz) powdered pectin

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine strawberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add chopped basil leaves and lemon juice to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Stir in powdered pectin and continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until jam has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Blueberry Lemon Jam

Blueberry Lemon Jam
This homemade jam recipe combines the sweetness of blueberries with the brightness of lemon zest, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
– 1 package (0.25 oz) powdered pectin

Instructions:

1. Rinse the blueberries and remove any stems or debris.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the powdered pectin. Let it sit for 5 minutes before transferring to a clean glass jar.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Spiced Peach Jam

Spiced Peach Jam
This recipe combines the sweetness of peaches with the warmth of spices, creating a delicious jam perfect for toast, yogurt, or as a topping for ice cream.

Ingredients:

– 3 cups fresh or frozen peaches, diced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine peaches, sugar, water, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the jam has thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice (if using).
4. Let the jam cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Yield: Approximately 2 cups of jam

Raspberry Vanilla Jam

Raspberry Vanilla Jam
This recipe yields a deliciously sweet and tangy jam that’s perfect for toast, yogurt, or as a filling for cakes and pastries. With its unique blend of ripe raspberries and creamy vanilla, this homemade jam is sure to please even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Rinse the raspberries and remove any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the fruit has broken down and the mixture has thickened.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and continue to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Blackberry Lime Jam

Blackberry Lime Jam
This homemade jam combines the natural sweetness of blackberries with the brightness of lime, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats or cheeses.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon pectin (optional)
– Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Rinse the blackberries and remove any stems or leaves.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, and lime juice.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the berries have broken down and the jam has thickened.
4. If using pectin, stir it in and continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the jam reaches your desired consistency.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.

Cooking Time: 25-35 minutes

Cherry Almond Jam

Cherry Almond Jam
This cherry almond jam recipe combines the natural sweetness of cherries with the nutty flavor of almonds, creating a delicious and versatile spread perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, water, and almond extract.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sliced almonds and lemon juice.
4. Let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
5. Refrigerate or freeze for up to 6 months.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Apricot Ginger Jam

Apricot Ginger Jam
This Apricot Ginger Jam recipe combines the natural sweetness of apricots with the spicy warmth of fresh ginger, creating a unique and delicious spread perfect for topping toast, using as a filling for cakes, or giving as a thoughtful gift.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup dried apricots
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine apricots, sugar, water, and grated ginger.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the apricots are rehydrated and the mixture has thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
4. Let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Fig and Honey Jam

Fig and Honey Jam
Sweeten your mornings with this luscious fig and honey jam, perfect for toast, yogurt, or using as a filling.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh or dried figs, chopped
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine figs, honey, sugar, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the jam has thickened and reduced slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Transfer the jam to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Plum Cardamom Jam

Plum Cardamom Jam
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom to create a unique and delicious jam. Perfect for toast, yogurt, or as a topping for ice cream.

Ingredients:

– 3 cups plums, chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped plums, sugar, water, and ground cardamom.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
4. Let the jam cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Apple Cinnamon Jam

Apple Cinnamon Jam
This sweet and tangy jam is perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries. With its warm cinnamon flavor and tender apple texture, you’ll want to spread it on everything!

Ingredients:

– 2 cups chopped fresh apples (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine apples, sugar, water, and butter.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until apples are tender and jam has thickened.
4. Stir in cinnamon and salt.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Yield: 2 cups of jam (approximately)

Pear and Vanilla Bean Jam

Pear and Vanilla Bean Jam
This luscious jam combines the natural sweetness of pears with the subtle flavor of vanilla bean, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Ingredients:

– 3 cups ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), peeled and chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped pears, sugar, and water.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
4. Stir in the split vanilla bean and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Orange Marmalade with Cloves

Orange Marmalade with Cloves
This citrusy spread combines the brightness of oranges with the warmth of cloves, creating a unique flavor profile perfect for topping toast, using as a glaze, or gifting to friends.

Ingredients:

– 4 cups orange juice (fresh or bottled)
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh oranges (peel and pith removed)
– 10 whole cloves
– Lemon juice (optional, for adjusting sweetness)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine orange juice, sugar, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the marmalade has thickened slightly.
4. Add the sliced oranges and whole cloves to the pot. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before straining out the orange slices and cloves.

Cooking Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Tips:

– Adjust sweetness by adding a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
– Use within 6 months or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.

Mixed Berry Chia Seed Jam

Mixed Berry Chia Seed Jam
Simplify your jam-making process with this easy-to-make Mixed Berry Chia Seed Jam recipe. This sweet and tangy spread is perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons chia seeds
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Rinse the mixed berries and remove any stems or leaves.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the berries, sugar, and lemon juice.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the berries have broken down and the mixture has thickened.
4. Stir in the chia seeds and water.
5. Continue to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the jam has reached your desired consistency.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a jar.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Pineapple Coconut Jam

Pineapple Coconut Jam
This sweet and tangy jam combines the flavors of pineapple and coconut, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple, sugar, and coconut.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and water.
5. Let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Mango Jalapeño Jam

Mango Jalapeño Jam
This tropical jam combines the natural sweetness of mangoes with the spicy kick of jalapeños, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats and cheeses.

Ingredients:

– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine mango, sugar, water, and cilantro.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Add the chopped jalapeño pepper and continue simmering for another 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Strain the jam through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove seeds and pulp.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Rhubarb Strawberry Jam

Rhubarb Strawberry Jam
This sweet and tangy jam combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries, creating a deliciously unique flavor profile. Perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the jam has thickened.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Yield: Approximately 2 cups of jam

Grapefruit Rosemary Jam

Grapefruit Rosemary Jam
Combine the brightness of grapefruit with the earthiness of rosemary for a unique and delicious jam perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats or cheeses.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups grapefruit juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine grapefruit juice and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until jam thickens slightly.
3. Stir in chopped rosemary leaves and lemon juice.
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes

Peach Bourbon Jam

Peach Bourbon Jam
Sweeten up your mornings with this luscious Peach Bourbon Jam, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Ingredients:

– 3 cups fresh peaches, diced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon pectin (available at most grocery stores or online)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine peaches, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jam has thickened and reduced slightly.
3. If using bourbon, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and pectin. Let cool before transferring to a clean glass jar.

Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes

Yield: About 2 cups of jam

Black Currant Jam

Black Currant Jam
Black currants are a rare gem in the world of jam-making, offering a unique flavor profile that’s both sweet and tangy. This recipe showcases their natural beauty, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups black currants, fresh or frozen
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the black currants and remove any stems or leaves. If using frozen, thaw them first.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the black currants, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the fruit is soft and the mixture has thickened.
3. Use an immersion blender or mash the fruit with a potato masher to release its natural pectin and create a smooth jam-like consistency.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, if desired, to enhance the flavor.
5. Let cool slightly before transferring to sterilized jars and storing in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Tomato Jam with Cumin

Tomato Jam with Cumin
Add a burst of flavor to your sandwiches, crackers, or as a dip with this unique tomato jam infused with the warmth of cumin. This sweet and spicy spread is perfect for those who love a little heat in their snacks.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine diced tomatoes, sugar, apple cider vinegar, cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam has thickened and reduced slightly.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

Summary

Discover the art of jam-making with these 20 delicious recipes for every occasion. From sweet and tangy to savory and spicy, this collection has something for everyone. Try making Strawberry Basil Jam for a romantic brunch or Spiced Peach Jam for a warm summer afternoon. Impress your friends with Raspberry Vanilla Jam at a potluck or delight in Orange Marmalade with Cloves at breakfast. Whether you’re looking for gifts, party favors, or just a tasty treat, these recipes are sure to satisfy your jam cravings.

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