A jar of peach jam. there are two peaches in the background.

Homemade Peach Jam Without Pectin | Naturally Sweetened

By Rebecca St.Clair

With this homemade peach jam sweetened with honey, you can skip the store-bought spreads and make your own Peach Jam Without Sugar or Pectin! This simple recipe uses ripe peaches to create a thick, flavourful jam that’s naturally sweetened with honey and full of fresh fruit flavour. It’s perfect for breakfast, baking, cheese boards, and gifting, making it one of the best healthy homemade jam recipes for peach season.

Enjoy every spoonful of fresh summer peaches with this easy Peach Jam . Made with simple ingredients, this peach preserves recipe is ideal for beginners. Whether you’re looking for a healthy peach jam recipe, a small batch homemade jam, or an easy way to preserve ripe peaches, this flavourful spread is as versatile as it is delicious.

Half a bun spread with cream and peach jam on top. There are two jars of peach jam off to the side.

This naturally sweet recipe lets the fresh peach flavour shine without refined sugar or commercial pectin. Perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into yogurt, or serving with biscuits, this healthy peach jam recipe is an easy way to preserve summer’s sweetest fruit.

This old-fashioned recipe relies on naturally ripe peaches and honey instead of refined sugar and commercial pectin, creating a rich, fruity spread. If you’re searching for an easy no sugar peach jam recipe, this wholesome preserve is sure to become a favourite.

Half a bun with cream and peach jam on top. There is a bite out of the bun. There are two jars of peach jam in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally sweetened with honey
No refined sugar
No commercial pectin
Fresh peach flavor
Easy freezer recipe
Perfect for beginners
Small batch friendly
Great for gifting


Two jars of peach jam. One has a spoonful resting on top. There is a bun on a pink plate spread with cream and peach jam.

Why Make Peach Jam Without Pectin?

Traditional pectin helps jams set quickly, but peaches naturally contain enough pectin to thicken when gently simmered, especially when combined with lemon juice.

Making homemade peach jam without pectin allows the natural fruit flavour to take centre stage without relying on commercial additives.

Many home cooks also prefer the softer, more spreadable texture that develops naturally over time.

Don’t worry if your jam seems a little thin while it’s hot, it will continue to thicken as it cools and chills in the fridge.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Peach Freezer Jam

Choose Ripe, Fragrant Peaches

The sweeter your peaches, the better your jam will taste.

Don’t Overcook

Gentle simmering preserves the peaches’ fresh flavor and vibrant color.

Peel or Leave the Skins

For a smoother jam, peel the peaches.

For a rustic preserve with added fiber, finely chop peaches with the skins on.

Taste Before Bottling

Every batch of peaches varies.

Adjust the honey or lemon juice if needed.

Sterilize Containers

Even freezer jam should be stored in clean, sterilized jars or freezer-safe containers.

Leave Headspace

Jam expands slightly as it freezes.

Leave about ½ inch of space at the top of each container.

Alternative Peach Jam with honey Ingredients

One of the best things about homemade preserves is how easy they are to customize. Here are some delicious additions or substitutions you might want to try.

Natural Sweeteners

  • Honey
  • Maple syrup
  • Date syrup
  • Coconut sugar
  • Agave
  • Stevia

Fruit Combinations

  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries
  • Apricots
  • Nectarines
  • Mango
  • Pineapple
  • Cherries

Citrus

  • Lemon
  • Orange
  • Lime

Warm Spices

  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ginger
  • Cardamom

Herbs

  • Basil
  • Mint
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Thyme
A toasted bun split in half on a pink plate. It is spread with cream and topped with peach jam. There are peach jam jars in the background.

Delicious Uses for Peach Jam with honey

Some of our favourite ways to use this naturally sweetened peach jam is,

As a spread for:

Use it in:

It also makes a wonderful glaze for grilled chicken, pork, or baked ham.

Two jars of peach jam. In front is a toasted bun spread with cream and topped with peach jam.

How to Store Peach Freezer Jam Made with honey

Proper storage helps preserve the fresh flavour and texture of your homemade jam.

Refrigerator

Store the jam in an airtight glass jar or food-safe container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination.

Freezer

For longer storage, freeze the jam in freezer-safe jars or containers for up to 6 months.

Leave about ½ inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the jam overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, keep it refrigerated and use it within 2 weeks for the best quality.

A jar of peach jam. there are two peaches in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen peaches?

Yes! You may need to cook it a little longer to evaporate off some of the excess moisture.

Does honey change the flavour?

Honey adds a gentle floral sweetness that complements peaches beautifully without overpowering them.

Why didn’t my jam become thick?

Natural jams often remain softer than commercial jams. Additional simmering and chilling usually improve the consistency.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, although smaller batches often cook faster so keep that in mind when making your jam.

A table full of labeled ingredients.

Ingredients

Peaches – I used fresh ripe peaches.
Honey – Adds natural sweetness and flavour.
Salt – To balance out this sweetness (optional)
Cinnamon – Flavour (optional)
Lemon juice – Flavour and helps the jam set.

How to Make Homemade Peach Jam With Honey

To peel the peaches

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
  2. Fill a large bowl with ice water.
  3. Using a sharp knife, cut a shallow “X” on the bottom of each peach. (I used 7 peaches) This gave me two small jars of jam.
  4. Carefully lower the peaches into the boiling water.
  5. Boil for: 30 seconds for very ripe peaches, 45 seconds for ripe peaches, 60 seconds for slightly underripe or firmer peaches.
  6. With a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the peaches to the ice water and let them cool for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Starting at the “X,” gently peel away the skin with your fingers or a paring knife.

Jam

  1. Cut each peach and remove the stone.
  2. Place the peaches in a large pot on medium heat. Place on the lid, with a crack open for steam to escape.
  3. Simmer for 5-8 minutes to start to cook the peaches, until they are soft enough to mash.
  4. Mash the peaches with a masher or an immersion blender.

5. Continue to cook with the lid off to reduce and thicken the peaches.

6. Stir in 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon lemon juice.

7. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the jam has thickened to your desired consistency. This took me about 30 minutes but will depend on the moisture in your fruit.

8. Place the jam in freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving about 1 inch (3 cm) of headspace to allow for expansion.

9. To use right away, allow to cool to room temperature and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

10. To freeze, allow to cool to room temperature and store in the freezer for up to 6 months, for best flavour.

A white sauce pot with cooked mashed peaches inside. There are glass jars behind. There is a metal funnel on one jar.
A jar of peach jam. there are two peaches in the background.
Yield: 2 jars

Peach jam without pectin, honey sweetened

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Enjoy every spoonful of fresh summer peaches with this easy Peach Jam made without pectin and naturally sweetened with honey.

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Ingredients

  • 7 ripe peaches
  • 1/2 cup honey 125 ml
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 g
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice 5 ml
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 g

Instructions

    To peel the peaches

    1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
    2. Fill a large bowl with ice water.
    3. Using a sharp knife, cut a shallow "X" on the bottom of each peach. (I used 7 peaches)
    4. Carefully lower the peaches into the boiling water.
    5. Boil for: 30 seconds for very ripe peaches, 45 seconds for ripe peaches, 60 seconds for slightly underripe or firmer peaches.
    6. With a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the peaches to the ice water and let them cool for 1–2 minutes.
    7. Starting at the "X," gently peel away the skin with your fingers or a paring knife.

    Jam

    1. Cut each peach and remove the stone.
    2. Place the peaches in a large pot on medium heat. Place on the lid, with a crack open for steam to escape.
    3. Simmer for 5-8 minutes to start to cook the peaches, until they are soft enough to mash.
    4. Mash the peaches with a masher or an immersion blender.
    5. Continue to cook with the lid off to reduce and thicken the peaches.
    6. Stir in 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
    7. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the jam has thickened to your desired consistency. This took me about 30 minutes but will depend on the moisture in your fruit.
    8. Place the jam in freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving about 1 inch (3 cm) of headspace to allow for expansion.
    9. To use right away, allow to cool to room temperature and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
    10. To freeze, allow to cool to room temperature and store in the freezer for up to 6 months, for best flavour.

Notes

You can also make this recipe with frozen peaches.

Nutrition Information

Yield

20

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 44Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gSodium 28mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 1gSugar 10gProtein 1g

Nutrition information isn't always accurate.

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