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    You Are Here: Home → Breakfast

    Pumpkin Jam

    October 29, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

    48 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    spoon lifting out pumpkin jam from jar
    close-up of pumpkin jam in mason jar with pumpkins in background
    pumpkin jam in mason jar with pumpkins in background

    By cooking down some pumpkin puree with sugar and spices, this pumpkin jam is a unique fall twist perfect for spreading on your favorite bread or treat.

    spoon lifting out pumpkin jam from jar

    When it comes to using canned pumpkin, the options are endless - from baked pumpkin donuts to pumpkin pizza to pumpkin lava cake.

    But jam? Yeah it is usually reserved for fruit, but pumpkin is actually the perfect vehicle for crazing a tasty fall-like jam.

    Why This Recipe Works

    • Simple - you just cook down the pumpkin with spices and sugar until you get a jam-like consistency.
    • Quick to prepare - you can have this ready in under 30 minutes.
    • Versatile - from spreading on toast, to using as a marinade to even adding to pumpkin pie, this pumpkin jam has so many uses.
    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredients Notes
    • Ingredients Swaps
    • Step-by-Step Photos
    • FAQs
    • Pumpkin Jam Uses
    • Equipment
    • Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
    • Other Jam Recipes
    • Pumpkin Jam
    overhead shot of ingredients for pumpkin jam

    Ingredients Notes

    • Pumpkin - for ease of use, just used canned pumpkin puree.
    • Cane sugar - where the sweetness comes from and also helps preserve the jam.
    • Apple cider vinegar - helps prevent the growth of bacteria while also adding some acidity.
    • Spices - enhances to the flavor that really makes it taste like fall.

    Ingredients Swaps

    As with any recipe, you can mix up some of the ingredients. Some variations include:

    • While I like pumpkin puree, you can use fresh pumpkin and cook down.
    • I'm a fan of cane sugar, but granulated sugar can be used too.
    • Apple cider vinegar is great for acidity and complements the pumpkin, but lemon juice works as well.
    • While I like to use a combination of spices, you can just use pumpkin pie spice as well.

    Step-by-Step Photos

    Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.

    process shots of making pumpkin jam

    Add the ingredients to a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until all of the sugar is dissolved. Increase the heat to medium-high, brining to a boil.

    Stir constantly for 10 minutes or until thickened.

    FAQs

    Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin?

    Yes. Just cook it and then puree. Then measure out 15 oz worth. You want at least a 3 lb pumpkin to get enough puree.

    Why Use Apple Cider Vinegar?

    The main reason it is used is it helps prevent the growth of bacteria, which is something you don't want. If you want to get really in-depth in the reasons why, check out The Kitchn.

    Do I Need Pectin?

    No. The key is to use quality can sugar sugar and apple cider vinegar. Both help replace the lack of pectin and create a jam consistency.

    When is the Jam Set?

    Put a plate in the freezer at the beginning of your cooking time. Once you think that your jam has reached its setting point or has thickened, spoon a bit of the jam on the plate and tilt it vertically so the jam runs down. You are aiming for a slow descent and not a runny mess. If it runs slow, it is set.

    You can also let the spoonful of jam sit on the cold plate for 30 seconds and then push it with your spoon or finger. If it wrinkles up, you have reached your setting point.

    How Long Does Homemade Jam Keep?

    If you properly can the jam, it will last about two years if stored in a cool, dry place. You can see step-by-step instructions on this low sugar strawberry jam recipe.

    Once opened, it will last about a month in the fridge.

    Pumpkin Jam Uses

    There are so many uses. Some options include:

    • Spread on homemade buttermilk biscuits or cinnamon apple bread
    • Stir into oatmeal
    • Add on top of pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes
    • Use for pumpkin pie
    • Swirl into cake batter

    Equipment

    The equipment you use is important to how the recipe turns out. What is needed is the following:

    • Saucepan - make sure it is large enough to cook the ingredients.
    • Wooden spoon - used to stir the jam.
    • Mason jars - needed to can the pumpkin jam so it can be stored safely.

    Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

    • Use canned pumpkin puree to save on time.
    • While granulated sugar is fine, high quality cane sugar is better for this jam recipe as pumpkin doesn't have a ton of pectic so it helps it set.
    • Speaking of low-pectin, apple cider vinegar is also super important with helping the pumpkin create a jam-like consistency.
    • Use 1 ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice if you don't want to use multiple spices.
    • Always use clean, sterilized jars. If they aren't clean, bacteria will build up and all your hard work will be for not.
    pumpkin jam in mason jar with pumpkins in background

    Other Jam Recipes

    • mango jam in glass jar with more jars in background
      Mango Jam
    • spoon dipped in apple and pear jam
      Apple and Pear Jam
    • close-up of bacon jam in jar
      Bacon Jam
    • spoon dipped in strawberry jam
      Low Sugar Strawberry Jam

    If you’ve tried this pumpkin jam recipe or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

    spoon lifting out pumpkin jam from jar
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Pumpkin Jam

    By cooking down some pumpkin puree with sugar and spices, this pumpkin jam is a unique fall twist perfect for spreading on your favorite bread or treat.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 2 cups
    Calories: 45kcal
    Author: Ryan Beck

    Ingredients

    • 1 (15 oz can) pumpkin puree
    • 1 ¾ cups organic cane sugar
    • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
    • pinch of sea salt

    Instructions

    • Add all of the ingredients to a large saucepan over medium-low heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
    • Increase saucepan to medium-high to bring mixture to a boil. Continue to boil for about 10 minutes or until thickened.
    • Remove from heat and transfer the jam to jars and let cool at room temperature. Store in fridge and use within 1 month.
    • If you want to keep for longer remove from the stove and immediately ladle into sterilized jars. Place lids on jars and screw on. Place in boiling water with at least 1 inch covering the jars for 10 minutes to seal the jars. Remove and let sit at room temperature for 1 day. Store in cool dark place. Once opened, you need to store in fridge and use within 1 month.

    Notes

    • Use canned pumpkin puree to save on time.
    • While granulated sugar is fine, high quality cane sugar is better for this jam recipe as pumpkin doesn't have a ton of pectic so it helps it set.
    • Speaking of low-pectin, apple cider vinegar is also super important with helping the pumpkin create a jam-like consistency.
    • Use 1 ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice if you don't want to use multiple spices.
    • Always use clean, sterilized jars. If they aren't clean, bacteria will build up and all your hard work will be for not.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 11g
    Did You Try This Recipe?I love seeing what you make so mention @ChiselandFork or tag #chiselandfork on Instagram and please give a star rating below!
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