Perfect Small Batch Plum Jam Recipe with Vanilla for Homemade Bliss
A cozy and simple small batch plum jam infused with real vanilla bean, perfect for fresh spreads or gifting. This recipe balances tart plums with warm vanilla for a luscious, homemade treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (8 servings) 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) fresh plums, pitted and chopped
- ⅔ cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 whole vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
- ¼ cup (60ml) water
Instructions
- Rinse 1 pound (450g) of fresh plums under cool water. Remove pits by cutting each plum in half and twisting gently. Chop the plums into roughly 1-inch pieces.
- In a medium saucepan, combine chopped plums, ⅔ cup (135g) sugar, 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice, and ¼ cup (60ml) water. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds, adding both seeds and pod to the pot. Stir gently to mix.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce to a steady simmer. Stir frequently, especially during the first 10 minutes, to prevent sticking. Simmer for about 30-35 minutes until the jam thickens and becomes glossy and syrupy.
- Test for doneness by placing a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. After a minute, push it with your finger; if it wrinkles and doesn’t flood back quickly, it’s ready. If not, continue simmering and test every few minutes.
- Remove and discard the vanilla bean pod.
- Pour the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving about ¼ inch (0.6cm) headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal tightly with lids. Let cool at room temperature before refrigerating.
Notes
Use ripe but firm plums for best texture. Stir frequently early on to prevent burning. Test jam consistency with the cold plate method. Vanilla bean pod adds richer flavor than extract. For lower sugar, reduce sugar by ¼ cup and add natural pectin or chia seeds. Jam can also be made in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours with occasional stirring.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (40g)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
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