Pumpkin Jam

Why We Love This Recipe

• All the fall flavors: This pumpkin jam might just be our new favorite fall recipe. It's packed with warming fall spices and plenty of pumpkin flavor, and you can add it to just about anything. It's thick, creamy and the perfect condiment to have on hand all fall!
• Quick and easy: Our pumpkin jam only requires about 20 minutes of active cooking and very little prep work. You can also easily make a big batch at one time and store for several weeks!
• Super versatile: This pumpkin jam is good on just about anything: muffins, waffles, toast, or even by the spoonful. It can also be used in cocktails and even savory applications, like on a sandwich or paired with cheese and crackers.
• Naturally vegan: This recipe doesn't contain any dairy or gluten, so it's perfect for just about any dietary needs.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this pumpkin jam:

Ingredient Notes

• Pumpkin: We used canned pumpkin purée in this recipe. Make sure to buy pumpkin purée and not pumpkin pie mix (pumpkin purée is pure pumpkin without additives whereas pumpkin pie mix typically contains spices and sweeteners).
• Pumpkin pie spice: If you can't find any in stores, you can easily make your own. Just whisk together 2 tablespoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1-2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½-1 teaspoon ground cloves and an optional ½ teaspoon allspice. You can multiply the batch and keep it on hand for other fall recipes like this pumpkin spice granola.
• Orange and lemon juice: Citrus pairs perfectly will the pumpkin, bringing out a brighter flavor. We prefer to use freshly squeezed lemon juice, but for orange, store-bought is fine.
• Sugar: We use both regular and brown sugar in this recipe. Brown sugar adds a more caramel-like fall flavor, but you could use just one or the other if preferred. You can also substitute with coconut sugar. For a lower sugar version, try our homemade pumpkin butter, which is fairly similar, but has less sugar and no citrus juice. The storage life is shorter, but it satisfies the same craving.

Instructions

(1) Add all ingredients to a large pot over medium heat and whisk well until combined. 

(2) Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes. Whisk often while cooking, making sure to scrape down the sides of the pot as it cooks down.

(3) Remove from heat and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes before transferring to a sealed container to refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight.

Tips and FAQs

• Chill before eating: In order for your pumpkin jam to thicken up and absorb all of those fall flavors, we recommend chilling in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours (or even overnight if you're patient enough).
• Storage: This pumpkin jam stores perfectly in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to three weeks. If you want it to last even longer, keep it in the freezer for 4-6 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Perfect gift: Not only is this pumpkin jam delicious for all your fall recipes, but it also makes a great DIY gift. Scoop some of this delicious jam into a mason jar and tie a twine bow around it for the perfect seasonal present.
• Stir often: Be sure to stir every minute or two while the jam is cooking down to prevent burning.
• If it's too thick at the end of cooking, whisk in 1-2 tablespoon of water.
• Uses for pumpkin jam:
  • Spread it on toast or muffins
  • Use in a sandwich (it's great in a fall-inspired panini!)
  • Top waffles, pancakes, french toast, etc
  • Add to overnight oats, warm oatmeal/porridge, chia pudding, or yogurt
  • Add a spoonful to a cocktail for instant fall flavor
  • Serve on a charcuterie board with cheese and crackers
  • Spread atop baked brie
  • Serve with ice cream or other fall desserts

Other Fall Recipes to Enjoy

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment with a star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ below. You can also snap a photo and tag @crowded_kitchen on Instagram. We can't wait to see what you're cooking!