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Best Peach Bourbon Jam Recipe with Vanilla Bean and Brown Sugar

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A quick and easy homemade peach bourbon jam infused with vanilla bean and brown sugar, perfect for spreading on toast or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
  • 1/3 cup bourbon
  • 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 whole vanilla bean, split lengthwise (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 packet pectin (about 1.75 ounces / 50 grams; optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Peel peaches by blanching in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water. Pit and chop into 1/2-inch pieces (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine chopped peaches, brown sugar, and water. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes to macerate.
  3. Add split vanilla bean seeds and pod, bourbon, and lemon juice to the pot. Stir to combine.
  4. Place pot over medium heat and bring mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat slightly and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Sprinkle pectin evenly over the surface and stir quickly to avoid clumps. Increase heat and bring jam back to a rolling boil for 1 minute until thickened.
  6. Test jam consistency by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it is ready. If not, cook a few more minutes and test again.
  7. Remove and discard the vanilla bean pod.
  8. Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal tightly with lids.
  9. Let jars cool at room temperature for 12-24 hours. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath canner for longer shelf life.

Notes

Blanch peaches to easily peel skin. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Use pectin for thicker jam. Vanilla bean pod should be removed after cooking. For non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice. Refrigerate jam up to 3 weeks or process jars for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach jam, bourbon jam, homemade jam, vanilla bean, brown sugar, easy jam recipe, fruit preserves