Name: Peach Freezer Jam
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3 cups mashed prepared peaches; 4 1/2 cups sugar; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 3/4 cup water; 1 box pectin

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There’s something magical about the taste of fresh peaches in summer—juicy, sun-ripened, and oh-so-sweet. They’re also one of the most seasonal treasures to us – if you are eating fresh peaches, you know it’s summer! Every year, we buy a big old bushel box of peaches and every year I wonder what we’re going to do with them all, but it doesn’t take long to use them up. This peach freezer jam is always the answer! Well, that and frozen peach slices that my children eat straight out of the freezer like they’re candy.

But this jam is definitely a favorite. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and best of all, there’s no canning required! Just mix, let it set, and freeze for later.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own peach freezer jam at home – and if you like this one, be sure to check out our Strawberry Rhubarb Freezer Jam, Plum Freezer Jam and Strawberry Freezer Jam recipes as well.

Why You’ll Love This Peach Freezer Jam

This homemade peach jam is:

Full of fresh peach flavor
No canning equipment needed – or scary pressure cookers
Perfect for beginners
Great for gifting
Easy to freeze and enjoy later
Delicious on toast, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, and yogurt

Ingredients You’ll Need:

3 cups prepared peaches (from about 2 pounds of fully ripe peaches)
4 ½ cups granulated sugar (measured into a separate bowl)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¾ cup water
1 box Fruit Pectin (we use sure-jell, it’s never failed us yet)

Best Peaches for Freezer Jam

Choose ripe, fragrant peaches with slight softness when gently pressed. If the peaches taste bland or underripe fresh, the jam will too. Fresh summer peaches will give you the sweetest, most flavorful results.

How to Make Peach Freezer Jam

Step 1: Wash, Peel, and Pit the Peaches

Wash the peaches well, then peel and pit them.

Quick tip: If your peaches are hard to peel, try blanching them in boiling water for 30–60 seconds, then dunking in an ice bath. The skins should slip off easily.

Step 2: Chop and Crush

Once peeled, chop the peaches into small pieces and crush them using a potato masher or fork. You want a chunky but spreadable consistency—no need to purée!

Measure out exactly 3 cups of the crushed fruit and place it in a large bowl. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to help preserve the color and flavor.

Step 3: Add the Sugar

Add the 4 ½ cups of sugar to your peach mixture. Stir well until thoroughly combined, then let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps dissolve the sugar and draw out the peach juices. Do not take shortcuts here or you’ll end up with grainy tasting jam.

Step 4: Cook the Pectin

In a small saucepan, mix ¾ cup water with 1 box of pectin. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 full minute, then remove from heat.

The pectin needs the combination of heat and time to activate, so make sure it’s fully boiling for the full minute if you want your jam to set.

Step 5: Combine Pectin with Fruit

Pour the hot pectin mixture into the peach and sugar bowl.

Stir continuously for 3 minutes until everything is well incorporated and the sugar is mostly dissolved. Again, keep stirring for the full amount of time if you don’t want grainy jam.

Step 6: Fill Your Containers

Ladle the jam into clean, dry containers, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Seal the containers with lids.

Step 7: Let It Set, Then Freeze

Let your filled containers sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set. After that, store the jam in the freezer for up to 1 year or in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

How to Serve Peach Freezer Jam

This sweet peach jam is delicious on:

Toast or English muffins
Biscuits
Pancakes or waffles
Yogurt parfaits
Vanilla ice cream
Cheesecake
Swirled into oatmeal

It also pairs perfectly with brunch spreads alongside our Cherry Coffee Cake or Cherry Turnovers (or use this peach jam instead of cherry to make peach turnovers!).

Tips for the Best Peach Jam

Use ripe peaches – Ripe peaches provide the best sweetness and strongest peach flavor.
Measure fruit exactly – Too much or too little fruit can affect how the jam sets.
Don’t reduce the sugar – Traditional freezer jam recipes rely on sugar for texture, shelf life, and set.
Use clean containers – Always use clean, dry jars or freezer containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to can freezer jam?

No. Freezer jam is designed for refrigerator or freezer storage, not pantry shelf storage.

Can I use frozen peaches?

Fresh peaches are best, but thawed frozen peaches can work if drained well.

Why didn’t my jam set?

Usually this happens from under-boiling the pectin, inaccurate measurements, or not stirring long enough after combining.

Can I make this recipe with less sugar?

Not with standard pectin recipes unless using a low-sugar pectin specifically designed for it.

More Easy Fruit Recipes to Try

If you love peaches and summer fruit recipes, you may also enjoy:

A Sweet Taste of Summer

Homemade peach freezer jam tastes like sunshine in a jar. It’s one of the easiest ways to preserve peach season and enjoy that fresh summer flavor long after the season ends.

Once you make one batch, don’t be surprised if it becomes a yearly tradition – it has in our house!

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