Homemade Cinnamon Spiced Plum Jam

This Cinnamon Spiced Plum Jam is an amazing way to preserve the the sweet flavor of your plums. It is a super delicious jam with soft, sweet junks of plum and an amazing spicy and sweet flavor making you feel all nice and cozy. Basically Fall in a jar!

The inspiration for this cinnamon spiced plum jam

Story time!

Plum is a fruit I have never really liked as a kid. However, one day we got a cinnamon spiced plum jam from our gardener and wow I was instantly obsessed! Ever since I am addicted to the jam and so is my dad. We need a jar of our favorite jam in the fridge at all times!

Nowadays I really like plums. You can eat them in so many ways and they just say fall! This year I decided that everyone should be able to enjoy the delicious jam I so love and decided to start recipe testing till I get it!

My family usually use a gelling powder to make our jams. However, after some research I found out that this is not very common in the rest of the world. Then I thought I could just make my jam with a little sugar as plums have a lot of natural pectin in them. However, depending on how ripe the plum is the jam might not properly set.

So, I needed a solution that makes sure that the jam will set and is available around the world. The classic way of making jam here in Switzerland is with gelling sugar. Gelling sugar is white sugar mixed with fruit pectin and citric acid. Jackpot! Most either knew what gelling sugar is and can easily get it or do have the separate ingredients to make it themselves.

Next I had to decide what gelling sugar ratio I will use to make my jam.

The gelling sugar ratios:

There are 3 different ratios typically used to make jam:

The 1:1 ratio:

1 part sugar and 1 part fruits

This ratio is the most commonly used ratio. Using that much sugar makes a very sweet jam. However, this version also has the longest shelf life as the sugar content is so high that the micro organisms can no longer spawn. Therefore, it gets very sweet but you can keep it for a very long time. Normally you can keep the jam even outside the fridge.

The high amount of sugar makes sure that the jam gels very well, especially with the extra pectin in the gelling sugar. Thus, the 1:1 ratio is perfect for fruits with a low amount of pectin like strawberries or cherries.

The 1:2 ratio:

1 part sugar and 2 parts fruits

This is my preferred ratio to use. It makes a much less sweet jam. However, with half the amount of sugar the shelf life gets reduced. After opening the jam you should keep it in the fridge.

The 1:3 ratio:

1 part sugar 3 parts fruits

This ratio makes a very fruity jam. However, the sugar is so low that the jam will not be good for very long. Most gelling sugars with that ratio have extra preservation agents in them to make sure you can keep the jam for a bit longer.

Alright, the third ratio automatically was not an option for me. When I make jam then I do it in big batches and need it to be good for a long time. The 1:1 and 1:2 ratio are very similar to each other. Here it really depends on your taste. Do you like it rather sweet or less sweet. The shelf life with both ratios is more than enough for normal use.

After testing both ratios I came to the conclusion that the 1:2 ratio is definitely my favorite. I have a sweet tooth but the 1:1 ratio is to much!

Therefore this recipe uses the 1:2 ratio. Feel free to use the 1:1 ratio, I tested it and it was good, just to sweet for my taste.

Are you ready to make this sweet and cinnamony jam to preserve all those beautiful plums and eat them all year around instead of just during autumn?

Ingredients for homemade cinnamon plum jam:

• Gelling Sugar: Gelling sugar is a commonly used way to make jam. If you can not get it where you live then I have a recipe to make it yourself below.

• Plums: Make sure you get sweet, ripe plums.

• Cinnamon Sticks: Cinnamon is the perfect pairing for the sweet plums and create an amazing fall flavor that soon will be a family favorite in your home. Make sure you get medium sized or big cinnamon sticks and not the small ones.

• Lemon Juice: The lemon juice increase the acidity in the jam as ripe plums are very sweet and help improve the set of the jam.

Homemade gelling sugar:

• 1kg sugar
• 20g pectin
• 10g citric acid

How to make homemade cinnamon spiced plum jam

Prepare the plums

Wash your plums.
Remove the stone and cut them small. I usually cut them in half and then each half into quarters. If you do not like big pieces in your jam then feel free to chop them even smaller.

Next you want to sterilize your jam jars in order to make sure they last long. I have a post on that if you don't know how to. Make sure the jars are hot when the jam is ready. You want to pour the hot jam into the hot jars to make sure the jam lasts as long as possible.

Make the jam

Then add all ingredients to a big pot and bring it to a boil.
Let it cook for 5 minutes and keep on stirring so it won't burn.
Turn off the heat and remove it from the heat.

With a spoon take some of the jam out, put it on a cold small plate and let it set in the fridge. That way you can test if the jam cooked long enough to actually set. Normally this isn't a problem with plums cause of their high fruit pectin but I still always do the test

Finally you put a spoon into the hot jars and fill the jam into them.

Lid on and let it cool completely.

Shelf life of cinnamon spiced plum jam

How long a jams shelf life is depends on where and how you store it.

Store your jam in air-tight sealed jars. You can extra seal your jars after filling them with the jam to make sure they stay good extra long. You can do it in your steamer if you have one (each steamer is a bit different so read the manual it is explained in there) or you put the tightly closed, filled jars into a 10 minute water bath in boiling water.

Your jam will be good for up to 1 year when stored in a cool, dark place. Chill your jam in the refrigerator once opened. If you keep the jam in the freezer your jam can last up to 2 years.

Freezing is the best method of keeping your jam fresh and vibrant in color. Therefore, I highly recommend keeping 1 jar in the fridge to use and freeze all other jars.

The longer you store your jam the more it looses taste and its consistency. So, try to consume the jam within the first 6 months to get the best flavor.

Bigger batches:

You might ask yourself if you can make bigger batches of this jam.

You can absolutely do bigger batches. However, I would do it in 2 different pots. The more fruits and sugar you add the longer it needs to bring the whole mass to a boil and the jam will not turn out the same way.

Ways to use this cinnamon spiced plum jam

• Spread it on bread
• Have it on sweet bread like banana bread
• make PB and J with it, seriously the best!
• On pancakes or crepes

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I replace the cinnamon stick with ground cinnamon?

A: Yes, you can replace the cinnamon stick with ground cinnamon. As a general guideline, you can substitute 1 cinnamon stick with approximately ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. However, it's important to note that ground cinnamon may have a stronger flavor than cinnamon sticks, so you may want to adjust the amount to taste. Start with ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and add more if desired, keeping in mind that ground cinnamon can be more potent.

Q: Can I use different fruits instead of plums for this cinnamon spiced jam recipe?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different fruits to create a variation of the cinnamon spiced jam. While plums are the primary fruit in this recipe, you can try substituting them with other stone fruits like peaches or apricots. Adjust the quantity of sugar and lemon juice as needed, depending on the sweetness and acidity of the fruit you choose.

Q: How long does the cinnamon spiced plum jam need to cool before it can be consumed?

A: It's recommended to let the filled jars of jam cool completely at room temperature, which usually takes a few hours. Once the jars have cooled, you can store them in the refrigerator. The jam will continue to set as it cools, and it's best to wait for 24 hours before consuming to allow the flavors to meld together. However, always follow proper food safety guidelines and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming homemade jams.

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar instead of gelling sugar for the plum jam?

A: Yes, you can use an alternative type of sugar, such as regular granulated sugar, instead of gelling sugar. However, gelling sugar is specifically designed for making jams and contains added pectin, which helps with the gelling process. If you use regular granulated sugar, you may need to add pectin separately to ensure the jam sets properly. Follow the instructions provided with the pectin you choose and adjust the quantity accordingly.

Q: Can I double or halve the recipe for cinnamon spiced plum jam?

A: Yes, you can adjust the recipe to make a larger or smaller batch of cinnamon spiced plum jam. If you want to double the recipe, simply double all the ingredient quantities accordingly. Conversely, if you want to halve the recipe, reduce all the ingredient quantities by half. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the quantity of ingredients in the pot.

Q: Can I add other spices or flavorings to the cinnamon spiced plum jam?

A: Absolutely! You can customize the flavor of your plum jam by adding other spices or flavorings. Some popular options to complement the cinnamon include a pinch of ground cloves, a dash of nutmeg, or even a hint of vanilla extract. Add these additional spices or flavorings sparingly at first, taste, and adjust according to your preference.

Q: Can I use frozen plums instead of fresh plums for the cinnamon spiced plum jam?

A: Yes, you can use frozen plums instead of fresh plums for making the jam. Thaw the frozen plums before using them in the recipe, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure the plums are cooked through. Keep in mind that frozen fruits may release more liquid during the cooking process, so you might need to cook the jam for a bit longer to achieve the desired consistency.

📖 Recipe

Cinnamon Spiced Plum Jam

This Cinnamon Spiced Plum Jam is an amazing way to preserve the the sweet flavor of your plums. It is a super delicious jam with soft junks of plum and an amazing cinnamon flavor making you feel all nice and cozy. Basically Fall in a jar!

5 from 14 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Condiment

Cuisine International

Servings 1 kg fruits

Calories 2418 kcal

Equipment

• Pot
• Jam Jars

Ingredients

 

MetricUS Customary

 

0.5x1x2x3x4x

• 1 kg plums
• 500 g gelling sugar see notes to make it yourself
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• ½ lemon juice

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

 

Prepare the plums

• Wash your plums.
• Remove the stone and cut the plums small. I usually cut them in half and then cut each half into quarters.

Make the jam

• Sterilize the jars. Check out this post for instructions How to sterilize your jars - Oh Sweet Cultureshock
• Then add all ingredients to a big pot and bring it to a boil.
• Let the mixture cook for 5 minutes and keep on stirring so it won't burn.
• Turn off the heat and remove the pot from the stove.

Do the gelling test

• With a spoon take some of the jam out, put it on a cold small plate and let it set in the fridge. That way you can test if the jam cooked long enough to actually set.

Fill the jam into the jars

• Finally you put a spoon into the hot jars and fill the jam into them.
• Lid on and let it cool completely.

Notes

• Homemade gelling sugar:
  • 1kg sugar
  • 20g pectin
  • 10g citric acid  
• Shelf Life: Your jam will be good for up to 1 year when stored in a cool, dark place. Chill your jam in the refrigerator once opened. If you keep the jam in the freezer your jam can last up to 2 years.
• Extra sealing: You can extra seal your jars after filling them with the jam to make sure they stay good extra long. You can do it in your steamer if you have one (each steamer is a bit different so read the manual it is explained in there) or you put the tightly closed, filled jars into a 10 minute water bath in boiling water.

 

• Bigger batches: You can absolutely do bigger batches. However, I would do it in 2 different pots. The more fruits and sugar you add the longer it needs to bring the whole mass to a boil and the jam will not turn out the same way.

US Customary conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Your Notes

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Nutrition

Calories: 2418kcalCarbohydrates: 602gProtein: 8gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 1675mgFiber: 19gSugar: 578gVitamin A: 3483IUVitamin C: 124mgCalcium: 144mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Keyword Condiment, Easy, Fall, Homemade, Quick, Sweet

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