Get ready to make the most addictive sweet and spicy jam you’ve ever tasted! This Easy Peach Jalapeño Jam combines the luscious sweetness of ripe summer peaches with the fiery kick of fresh jalapeños, creating a flavor combination that’s absolutely irresistible. Each spoonful delivers the perfect balance—sweet peach flavor up front, followed by a gentle heat that builds beautifully. What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible versatility. Spread it on morning toast for a breakfast with a kick, dollop it over cream cheese for an instant party appetizer, use it as a glaze for pork chops or chicken, or add it to burgers for gourmet flavor. The chunky texture with visible fruit pieces gives it rustic charm, while the bright citrus notes from fresh lemon juice and zest keep everything balanced. Best of all, this homemade jam requires just five simple ingredients and comes together in about 40 minutes—no special canning equipment required if you’re storing it in the refrigerator! It’s the perfect way to capture summer peaches at their peak and preserve that flavor for months to come. Whether you’re an experienced canner or making your first batch of jam, this straightforward recipe delivers professional results every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Peach Jalapeño Jam Recipe
- Perfect flavor balance – sweet peaches beautifully balance the spicy jalapeño kick
- Incredibly versatile – use on toast, with cream cheese, as meat glaze, or on burgers
- Simple ingredients – just 5 ingredients and no pectin needed
- Easy to make – ready in 40 minutes with straightforward steps
- Great for preserving – perfect way to use abundance of summer peaches
- Customizable heat – easily adjust spice level to your preference
If you love preserving summer produce, you’ll also want to try our Strawberry Freezer Jam and Raspberry Jam.
What You Need for Peach Jalapeño Jam
Essential Ingredients
- 5-6 medium peaches – ripe but firm peaches work best; about 4 cups chopped
- 4-5 small jalapeños, seeded and chopped – about 1 cup; remove seeds for milder heat
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest – fresh lemon zest brightens flavors
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – freshly squeezed for best results
- 3 cups granulated sugar – helps jam set and balances heat
Easy Peach Jalapeño Jam
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Mason jars (half-pint)
- Metal spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Potato masher (optional)
Ingredients
- 5-6 medium peaches ripe but firm, about 4 cups chopped
- 4-5 small jalapeños seeded and chopped – about 1 cup
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest fresh lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3 cups granulated sugar helps jam set
Instructions
- Peel and pit fresh peaches, then finely chop. For easy peeling, blanch whole peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water. Skin will peel right off.
- Wash jalapeños, remove seeds and membranes for milder flavor (keep some seeds for more heat), and chop finely. You should have about 1 cup chopped jalapeños.
- In large saucepan, combine chopped peaches, jalapeños, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until mixture reaches gentle boil.
- Once mixture reaches full boil, stir in all 3 cups sugar. Keep stirring to dissolve sugar completely.
- Maintain full rolling boil, stirring frequently. Let cook for 15-20 minutes until mixture reaches jam-like consistency.
- Test for doneness: Dip metal spoon into jam. If it coats back of spoon without dripping quickly, jam is ready.
- Wash jars in hot, soapy water and dry completely.
- Transfer hot jam into clean jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace at top. Wipe jar rims with damp kitchen towel.
- Seal with lids and let jars cool to room temperature before storing in refrigerator.
Notes
How to Make Peach Jalapeño Jam (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preparing the Fruit
- Prep peaches (10 minutes): Peel and pit fresh peaches, then finely chop. For easy peeling, blanch whole peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water—skin peels right off!
- Prep jalapeños (5 minutes): Wash jalapeños, remove seeds and membranes for milder flavor (keep some seeds for more heat), and chop finely. You should have about 1 cup.
Step 2: Cooking the Jam Base
- Combine ingredients (2 minutes): In large saucepan, combine chopped peaches, jalapeños, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Bring to boil (5 minutes): Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until mixture reaches gentle boil.
Step 3: Adding Sugar and Finishing
- Add sugar (1 minute): Once mixture reaches full boil, stir in all 3 cups of sugar, stirring to dissolve completely.
- Cook to jam consistency (15-20 minutes): Maintain full rolling boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook until mixture reaches jam-like consistency and coats back of spoon without dripping quickly.
- Test doneness: Dip metal spoon into jam—if it coats back without dripping quickly, jam is ready.
Step 4: Jarring and Storage
- Prepare jars (5 minutes): Wash jars in hot, soapy water and dry completely.
- Fill jars (5 minutes): Transfer hot jam into clean jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe jar rims with damp towel.
- Seal and cool: Seal with lids and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peach Jalapeño Jam
- Easy peach peeling – blanch whole peaches in boiling water, then ice bath for easy skin removal
- Adjust heat level – remove all seeds for mild, keep some for medium, or add red pepper flakes for extra spicy
- Control texture – use potato masher for chunky, immersion blender for smoother consistency
- Don’t rush the boil – full rolling boil for proper time ensures correct consistency
- Test before jarring – spoon test ensures jam will set properly
How to Store and Use Peach Jalapeño Jam
Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight mason jars in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Perfect for everyday use!
Freezer Storage: Transfer to freezer-safe jars, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 6 months.
Long-Term Canning: Process filled jars in water bath canner for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude). Store in cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Serving ideas: Spread on toast or bagels, dollop over cream cheese block for instant appetizer, glaze pork chops or chicken, top burgers or sandwiches, stir into yogurt or oatmeal, or use as brie topping.
Peach Jalapeño Jam Recipe Variations You’ll Love
- Peach Habanero Jam – substitute habaneros for extra-spicy version
- Milder Version – use half jalapeños, half sweet red peppers
- Mixed Fruit – combine peaches with mangoes or strawberries for tropical twist
- Smooth Texture – puree fruit before cooking for jelly-like consistency
- Lower Sugar – reduce sugar to 2 cups (may affect set consistency)
For more jam recipes, check out our Blueberry Jam and Fig Jam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peach Jalapeño Jam
Is this peach jalapeño jelly or jam?
This is a jam! The key difference is that jelly uses only fruit juice (clear and firm), while jam uses the whole fruit, creating a thicker, chunkier texture with visible fruit pieces.
How do I make this less spicy?
Remove all seeds and membranes from jalapeños, or reduce the number of jalapeños and replace with more peaches. You can also use milder peppers like poblanos.
Do I need to sterilize jars for refrigerator storage?
No! If consuming within 3 weeks, simply wash jars in hot, soapy water. Sterilization is only necessary for long-term canning.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, but it may affect consistency. The sugar helps the jam set properly. For lower sugar version, consider adding commercial pectin.
Final Thoughts on This Peach Jalapeño Jam
This Easy Peach Jalapeño Jam is the perfect way to capture summer’s peak peach flavor with an exciting spicy twist. The sweet-heat combination is incredibly addictive and transforms everything from simple toast to fancy appetizers. What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity—just five ingredients and straightforward steps lead to professional-quality results. Whether you’re making a small batch for the refrigerator or preserving multiple jars for winter, this jam delivers consistent, delicious results. The versatility is unmatched: breakfast spreads, party appetizers, meat glazes, burger toppings—this jam does it all. It also makes wonderful homemade gifts that friends and family will genuinely treasure. Once you taste that perfect balance of sweet peaches and spicy jalapeños, you’ll understand why this jam has become such a beloved recipe. Love this recipe? Save it to your Pinterest boards and follow us on Pinterest for more amazing preserving recipes!