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Plum Jelly Recipe

Plum Jelly Recipe


  • Author: Grace
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 67 half-pint jars 1x

Description

This plum jelly recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the rich, sweet-tart flavor of fresh plums. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a smooth, flavorful jelly that’s great for spreading on toast, using as a cake filling, or even as a glaze for meats. Whether you’re an experienced canner or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve the perfect homemade jelly!


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 5 lbs fresh plums, halved and pitted
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
  • 6 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, helps reduce foam)

Instructions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Plums

    • Wash the plums thoroughly. Cut them in half, remove the pits, and place them in a large pot.
  2. Extract the Juice

    • Add 1 ½ cups of water to the pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Simmer for 20–30 minutes, mashing the plums occasionally to release their juice.
  3. Strain the Juice

    • Pour the cooked mixture through a jelly bag or cheesecloth, letting the juice drain into a bowl. Do not press the pulp—this keeps the jelly clear.
  4. Prepare the Jelly Mixture

    • Pour the strained plum juice back into a clean pot. Stir in pectin and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
  5. Add the Sugar

    • Quickly add the sugar all at once and stir until dissolved. Return to a rolling boil and let it boil for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Check for Doneness

    • Use the plate test: Drop a small amount on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.
  7. Skim and Jar the Jelly

    • Remove any foam from the surface. Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of space. Wipe the rims clean.
  8. Seal and Process

    • Secure the lids and process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
  9. Cool and Store

    • Let jars cool at room temperature. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Notes

  • If your jelly is too thin, you can reboil it with extra pectin or cook it longer to thicken.
  • For a low-sugar version, use a low-sugar pectin and reduce sugar to 2–3 cups.
  • Adding spices like cinnamon or cloves can give the jelly a warm, rich flavor.
  • Always use slightly under-ripe plums if making jelly without pectin, as they have more natural pectin.
  • Refrigerate opened jars and consume within 3 weeks for the best taste.
  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Canning
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: plum jelly, homemade jelly, easy jelly recipe, fruit preserves, plum recipes, canning recipes, breakfast spreads, sugar-free jelly