Forget Pumpkin Spice! This Pumpkin Jam is Your New Fall Favorite
Why pumpkin jam? Every once in a while, I get the urge to try something new in the kitchen. A few years ago, I found myself with a bunch of pureed pumpkin and no clear idea of what to make next.
I had already checked off all the usual pumpkin suspects—muffins, bread, and pies. At the same time, I was in the midst of a jam-making spree, canning jars of fruit preserves left and right. That’s when it hit me—why not pumpkin jam?
I did what any curious cook would do—I searched the internet for recipes, but to my surprise, I didn’t find much. Sure, there were a few that came close, but nothing that really called to me. It was as if pumpkin jam wasn’t really a thing, which seemed crazy to me! So, I thought, why not make it a thing?
With years of jam-making experience under my belt, I figured I could throw together a few simple ingredients and see where it led. After a little trial and error, I ended up with something that tasted like pumpkin pie in a jar, just a tad sweeter.
And let me tell you, my family loved it! Now it’s become a regular part of our rotation, especially around fall, but the great thing is, you don’t have to wait for pumpkin season to roll around—you can make this anytime using canned pumpkin puree from the grocery store.
A quick tip—be sure to grab pure pumpkin puree, not the canned pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling has extra spices and sweeteners that can throw off the balance of the jam. Using pure pumpkin gives you full control over the flavor, which is what you want when you’re whipping up this sweet treat!
Pumpkin Jam: The Thick and Bubbly Process
One thing that sets pumpkin jam making apart from your usual fruit jams is how thick it is. With most jams, you wait for that rolling boil—that fast, bubbling stage where the magic happens.
But pumpkin? Oh no, it’s a whole different experience. It never really “boils” in the traditional sense. Instead, it blurps and bubbles like a cauldron, reminding me of those hot bubbling mud pots you see in Yellowstone.
As you might imagine, this process comes with its own set of hazards. While a regular fruit jam might splatter a bit, pumpkin jam can spit and sputter like lava, sending out little bits of molten goodness that you definitely don’t want landing on your skin.
The first time I made it, I didn’t think much about it—until I got hit with a little splatter, and let me tell you, it stings! The next time around, I made sure to gear up. Long sleeves, kitchen gloves, the works.
When my mom tried making it for the first time, I didn’t warn her about the potential splatter hazard. She ended up calling me afterward to say, “You should’ve told me I needed a suit of armor to make this stuff!”
Despite the occasional kitchen battle wounds, the struggle is absolutely worth it. Your family will love this jam as much as mine does. It’s sweet, rich, and tastes just like pumpkin pie in spreadable form.
Plus, it’s so versatile. You can spread it on toast, slather it on pancakes, or even swirl it into your oatmeal for an extra cozy morning treat.
No Need to Wait for Fall
Although I started making this jam with fresh pumpkin puree, I’ve since discovered that canned pumpkin works just as well, if not better. It’s more convenient, and you can find it year-round at the grocery store, which means you don’t have to wait until fall to whip up a batch.
Now, I tend to make it with canned pumpkin most of the time, just to keep things simple. It’s one of those rare jams where the ease of using store-bought ingredients doesn’t compromise the final product at all.
That’s one of the beauties of pumpkin jam—you don’t need any special or hard-to-find ingredients. You can make it anytime the craving strikes, whether it’s the middle of October or the height of summer.
And if you’re like me and get the itch to try something new, this jam is the perfect way to switch things up.
My Pumpkin Jam Recipe
In the few years since since I made my first batch of pumpkin jam, other people have caught on to the idea and now it’s easy to find a variety of recipes on the internet. This recipe here is my original recipe, and I have not had any reason to modify it at all.
A Delicious Twist on Tradition
So, is pumpkin jam really a thing? Well, if it wasn’t before, I’d say it absolutely should be now! After all, who says jam has to be made with just fruit?
With its smooth, rich texture and warm spices, this jam brings something new to the table. Plus, it’s a perfect way to add a touch of sweetness to your fall flavors without being overly sugary.
Next time you find yourself with some extra pumpkin puree and don’t want to go the usual muffin or bread route, give this pumpkin jam a try. It might not be your grandma’s recipe, but it’s definitely one your family will ask for again and again.
And don’t forget—keep those gloves and long sleeves handy. Pumpkin jam may be a bit of a blurpy, bubbly adventure, but the reward is worth every splatter!
Looking for other unique, tasty jam recipes? Then you have to check these out!
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