Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pumpkin jam is packed with cozy, comforting flavors. The cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg bring a classic fall aroma, while the fresh orange juice and zest add a citrusy brightness. The texture is smooth, and the jam is perfectly sweet without being overwhelming. It’s easy to make, and with only a few simple ingredients, you can transform fresh pumpkin into a delightful spread. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve that fall pumpkin flavor long after the season is over!

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 Recipe

Directions

Prepare the Pumpkin
Peel the sugar pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut the flesh into small cubes. Steam or boil the pumpkin cubes for 15-20 minutes until they become soft. Once tender, drain the pumpkin and mash it into a smooth puree, which should yield about 2 cups of pumpkin 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 everything together to ensure the sugar begins to dissolve into the pumpkin mixture.
Simmer the Jam
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir occasionally. Let the jam cook down for 30-40 minutes. As it cooks, the jam will thicken and the flavors will intensify. Once it has reached your desired consistency, remove the cinnamon stick.
Add the Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract, allowing it to infuse into the jam. Simmer for another 5 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat.
Store the Jam
Transfer the hot jam to sterilized jars and seal tightly. If you plan to store it for an extended period, follow proper canning procedures. Otherwise, allow the jam to cool before refrigerating. The jam should last for up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 2 cups
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Spicy Pumpkin Jam: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the jam to give it a spicy kick.
Citrus Twist: Use lemon or lime zest and juice in place of the orange for a different citrus profile.
Pineapple Pumpkin Jam: For a tropical twist, add finely chopped pineapple to the pumpkin mixture as it simmers.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the pumpkin jam in airtight containers or sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Freezing: If you want to store the jam longer, it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the jam in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s spreadable again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of pumpkin, though sugar pumpkins are preferred for their sweetness and smooth texture. Other varieties like pie pumpkins or even butternut squash would work as well.

Is it necessary to use a cinnamon stick?

No, you can substitute ground cinnamon if you don’t have a cinnamon stick. Use about ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a similar flavor.

Can I make this jam without orange juice?

You can substitute the orange juice with lemon juice or apple cider for a different citrus flavor, though the orange really complements the pumpkin flavor.

Can I make this recipe with canned pumpkin?

Yes, you can use canned pumpkin puree if you don’t want to cook the pumpkin yourself. Just ensure it’s plain pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients if you want to make a larger batch of jam. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, but keep an eye on the consistency as it cooks down.

How can I tell when the jam is done?

The jam is done when it has thickened to your desired consistency. You can test this by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate and letting it cool. If it firms up, it’s ready.

Can I add other spices?

Feel free to experiment with additional spices like cloves or allspice. Just use them sparingly as they can be quite strong in flavor.

How long can I store this jam?

Homemade pumpkin jam should last for about 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. For longer storage, follow proper canning instructions to preserve it for up to a year.

Can I use less sugar in the recipe?

You can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet jam. However, the sugar also helps with the preservation, so reducing it too much may affect the jam’s texture.

Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar?

Yes, you can experiment with honey or maple syrup as sweeteners, though they will alter the flavor and texture of the jam slightly. Start with a 1:1 substitution and adjust to taste.

Conclusion

Homemade Pumpkin Jam is a wonderful fall treat that’s not only easy to make but also versatile and full of flavor. With a mix of warm spices, orange zest, and a touch of vanilla, it’s the perfect spread for toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for desserts. Whether you’re preserving the tastes of autumn or looking for a unique gift, this jam is sure to impress! Enjoy it fresh or as part of your holiday spread.

Homemade Pumpkin Jam Recipe

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This Homemade Pumpkin Jam combines the warmth of fall spices with the sweetness of pumpkin, creating a perfect spread for toast, biscuits, and desserts. With a hint of orange zest and vanilla, it’s a delicious way to enjoy autumn flavors year-round.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups
Category: Preserves
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

Prepare the Pumpkin: Peel the sugar pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut the flesh into small cubes. Steam or boil the pumpkin cubes for 15–20 minutes until soft. Mash into a smooth puree.
Combine Ingredients in a Pot: In a medium saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon stick, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir together to dissolve the sugar.
Simmer the Jam: Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The jam will thicken and the flavors will intensify.
Add the Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick.
Store the Jam: Transfer the hot jam to sterilized jars and seal tightly. For long-term storage, follow proper canning procedures, or refrigerate for up to 2-3 weeks.