Sweet, golden, and bursting with fresh peach flavor, Homemade Peach Jelly is a delightful spread that captures the taste of summer in every spoonful. Perfect for toast, biscuits, pancakes, or even as a glaze for desserts, this jelly is smooth, vibrant, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re preserving a bumper crop of peaches or simply craving a homemade treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with real peaches
- Beautiful golden color
- Sweet and fruity flavor
- Perfect for gifting
- Great on toast, biscuits, and pastries
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield
- Makes about 5 half-pint jars
Ingredients
- 4 pounds ripe peaches, washed and chopped
- 4 cups water
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peach Juice
Place the chopped peaches and water in a large stockpot.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft and juicy.
Step 2: Strain the Mixture
Pour the cooked peaches through a jelly bag, cheesecloth-lined colander, or fine-mesh strainer.
Allow the juice to drip naturally for several hours or overnight.
Avoid squeezing the fruit if you want a crystal-clear jelly.
Measure 4 cups of peach juice for the jelly.
Step 3: Prepare for Cooking
Pour the peach juice into a large saucepan.
Add the lemon juice and pectin.
Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil
Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
Add the sugar all at once and continue stirring.
Return to a rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.
Boil for exactly 1 minute.
Step 5: Test the Jelly
Remove the pan from the heat.
Skim off any foam from the surface.
To test, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles slightly when pushed with your finger, it is ready.
Step 6: Fill the Jars
Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace.
Wipe the rims clean and apply lids and bands.
Step 7: Process the Jars
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Remove and allow them to cool completely.
You should hear the lids “pop” as they seal.
Serving Ideas
Enjoy Peach Jelly on:
- Warm biscuits
- Toast
- English muffins
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Scones
- Peanut butter sandwiches
- Glazed cakes and pastries
Tips for Perfect Peach Jelly
- Use ripe, fragrant peaches for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the jelly or it may become too firm.
- Always measure ingredients accurately.
- Sterilize jars properly for safe storage.
- For a clearer jelly, let the juice strain naturally without pressing the fruit.
Storage
Sealed Jars
Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
After Opening
Refrigerate and use within 3 weeks.
Variations
Peach Vanilla Jelly
Add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract after removing the jelly from the heat.
Peach Cinnamon Jelly
Add a cinnamon stick while simmering the peaches and remove before straining.
Peach Honey Jelly
Replace part of the sugar with honey for a deeper, floral sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Peach Jelly is a delicious way to preserve the fresh flavor of ripe peaches. Its smooth texture, beautiful color, and sweet fruity taste make it a wonderful addition to breakfast tables and homemade gift baskets. Once you taste this homemade version, you’ll never want store-bought jelly again