Name: Homemade Pumpkin Jam
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small sugar pumpkin (about 2 cups of pumpkin puree); 1 ½ cups sugar; ½ cup water; 1 medium orange (zested and juiced); 1 cinnamon stick; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of salt

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Perfect Fall Flavor – The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and orange gives this jam a cozy, autumn flavor that’s hard to resist.
✔️ Natural Sweetness – Sweetened with sugar and enhanced by orange juice, this jam is perfectly balanced without being overly sweet.
✔️ Simple Ingredients – With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a homemade jam that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen.
✔️ Versatile – This pumpkin jam is perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or even using as a filling for baked goods.

Ingredients

1 small sugar pumpkin (about 2 cups of pumpkin puree)
1 ½ cups sugar
½ cup water
1 medium orange (zested and juiced)
1 cinnamon stick
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Homemade Pumpkin Jam

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin:

Start by peeling the sugar pumpkin and removing the seeds. Cut the flesh into small cubes and steam or boil them until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Once tender, drain the pumpkin and mash it into a smooth puree. You should end up with about 2 cups of pumpkin puree.

2. Combine Ingredients in a Pot:

In a medium saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, water, and orange juice. Add the orange zest, cinnamon stick, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together to ensure the sugar starts dissolving into the pumpkin mixture.

3. Simmer the Jam:

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally and allow the jam to cook down for about 30-40 minutes. The jam will thicken as the water evaporates, and the flavors will become richer and more concentrated. Remove the cinnamon stick once the jam reaches the desired thickness.

4. Add the Vanilla:

Once the jam has thickened, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the spices beautifully. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat.

5. Store the Jam:

Transfer the hot pumpkin jam to sterilized jars and seal tightly. If you’re planning to store it for a longer period, follow proper canning procedures. Otherwise, let the jam cool before refrigerating.

Servings and Timing

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 2 cups
Calories: 45 per tablespoon

Tips for Success

Pumpkin Variety: A sugar pumpkin is ideal for this recipe, but you can use other varieties of pumpkin as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to soften the pumpkin.
Storage: For long-term storage, follow canning procedures to preserve the jam for several months. Otherwise, store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Consistency: If you prefer a thicker jam, continue cooking it down a bit longer. If you prefer a looser consistency, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding other spices like cloves or allspice for additional depth.

Why This Recipe Works

This Homemade Pumpkin Jam works beautifully because of the balance between the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and the warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The addition of orange zest and juice brightens up the flavor, while the vanilla extract adds a comforting, aromatic touch. The slow simmering process allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and indulgent jam that’s perfect for spreading on your favorite baked goods.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh pumpkin?

Yes, you can substitute canned pumpkin puree for the fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to use unsweetened pumpkin puree, as canned pumpkin filling contains added sugar.

How long will this jam last?

This jam can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. If you’ve followed proper canning procedures, it can last for several months in a cool, dark place.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet jam, but keep in mind that the sugar helps with the thickening process and preserves the jam for longer. If you reduce the sugar, the jam may be a bit thinner and may not last as long.

Can I freeze this pumpkin jam?

Yes, you can freeze the jam! After cooking, let the jam cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe jars or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

Can I add other fruits to this jam?

Yes, you can try adding other fruits, like apples or pears, to enhance the flavor. Just chop them up finely and cook them with the pumpkin to allow the flavors to combine.

Conclusion

This Homemade Pumpkin Jam is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that captures the best flavors of fall. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or gifting to friends and family. With its natural sweetness, warm spices, and smooth texture, this jam is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try making a batch today and enjoy the cozy flavors of autumn year-round!

Homemade Pumpkin Jam

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This Homemade Pumpkin Jam brings the cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen, combining pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and orange zest for a rich and flavorful spread. Perfect for toast, muffins, or as a gift, this jam is easy to make and full of warmth.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 2 cups
Category: Jam, Dessert, Spread
Method: Simmered
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Prepare the Pumpkin: Peel the sugar pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut the flesh into small cubes. Steam or boil until soft (about 15-20 minutes). Mash the pumpkin into a smooth puree (about 2 cups of puree).
Combine Ingredients in a Pot: In a medium saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, water, and orange juice. Add the orange zest, cinnamon stick, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir to dissolve the sugar into the pumpkin mixture.
Simmer the Jam: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally for about 30-40 minutes. The jam will thicken and the flavors will concentrate. Remove the cinnamon stick once the desired thickness is achieved.
Add the Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract and simmer for an additional 5 minutes before removing from heat.
Store the Jam: Transfer the jam to sterilized jars and seal tightly. For longer storage, follow proper canning procedures, or let cool and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.