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Easy Small Batch Peach Vanilla Bean Jam Recipe No Pectin Perfect for Beginners

small batch peach vanilla bean jam - featured image

A simple, small batch peach vanilla bean jam recipe that requires no pectin and is perfect for beginners. This jam captures the pure taste of fresh peaches and real vanilla bean with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups peeled and chopped fresh peaches (about 45 medium peaches)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 whole vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract as substitute)
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop the peaches into 1/2-inch pieces. (Optional: blanch peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds to loosen skins.)
  2. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Reserve the pod for cooking.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine chopped peaches, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla seeds, vanilla bean pod, and water.
  4. Heat mixture over medium heat until it bubbles gently, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reduces by about a third (30-40 minutes).
  6. Test doneness by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles and holds shape after cooling, it is ready.
  7. Remove the vanilla bean pod and discard.
  8. Spoon jam into clean jars or containers and let cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.

Notes

Stir gently to preserve peach texture and prevent burning. Lemon juice is essential for natural gelling and brightness. You can leave peach skins on for more fiber and rustic texture. Frozen peaches can be used but may result in a softer jam. Vanilla extract can substitute vanilla bean but with less intense flavor. Store jam refrigerated up to two weeks or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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