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–+ servings
Homemade peach preserves with tender peach pieces in a glass jar.

Peach Preserves Recipe Card

This easy homemade peach preserves recipe combines fresh peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. The fruit cooks until tender and glossy, creating a thick spread with juicy peach pieces in every spoonful.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
cooling 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 to 10 medium ripe peaches approximately 3 pounds (1.35 kg)
  • 4 cups granulated sugar 800 g
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 30 ml
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ¼ cup water 60 ml, only when needed to prevent sticking

Equipment

  • Large pot for blanching
  • Large bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Clean heat-safe glass jars
  • Jar funnel, optional
  • Small plate for testing

Method
 

  1. Wash the peaches thoroughly under cool running water.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  3. Carefully lower the peaches into the boiling water.
  4. Blanch for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the skins begin to loosen.
  5. Transfer the peaches to a bowl of cold water.
  6. Peel away and discard the skins.
  7. Cut each peach in half and remove the pit.
  8. Chop the peach flesh into small pieces. You should have approximately 6 cups of prepared peaches.
  9. Transfer the chopped peaches to a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
  10. Add the granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and cinnamon stick.
  11. Stir gently until the peaches are evenly coated.
  12. Let the mixture rest for 15 to 20 minutes so the sugar begins dissolving in the peach juice.
  13. Place the pot over medium-low heat.
  14. Cook gently, stirring regularly, until the sugar dissolves completely.
  15. When the mixture begins bubbling, reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer.
  16. Cook uncovered for 35 to 50 minutes.
  17. Stir increasingly often as the mixture becomes thicker.
  18. Remove any pale foam that rises to the surface.
  19. Place a small spoonful of preserves on a chilled plate.
  20. Let it cool for approximately 30 seconds.
  21. Push it gently with your finger. It should appear thick and wrinkle slightly.
  22. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes when the syrup is still too thin.
  23. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
  24. Gently mash a small portion of the peaches for a more spreadable consistency.
  25. Spoon the hot preserves into clean, heat-safe jars.
  26. Allow the jars to cool at room temperature.
  27. Attach the lids and refrigerate once completely cooled.

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.1gSodium: 1mgFiber: 0.6gSugar: 24g

Notes

  • Choose ripe peaches with a sweet fragrance and no signs of mold or fermentation.
  • Yellow peaches generally provide a stronger traditional peach flavor.
  • Keep some of the peaches chunky so the finished recipe has a preserves texture.
  • A heavy-bottomed pot helps prevent the sugar from scorching.
  • Stir more frequently during the final 15 minutes of cooking.
  • Do not cook the preserves over very high heat.
  • Avoid doubling the batch because a larger quantity may take much longer to thicken.
  • The preserves will continue thickening as they cool.
  • Add the water only when the peaches are not releasing enough juice at the beginning.
  • Remove the cinnamon stick before transferring the preserves to jars.
  • For a smoother spread, mash approximately one-third of the peaches.
  • For more texture, avoid mashing and gently stir the fruit while it cooks.

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