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Easy Creamy Plum Cardamom Vanilla Jam

Easy Creamy Plum Cardamom Vanilla Jam - featured image

A quick and easy jam recipe combining fresh plums with warm cardamom and creamy vanilla, perfect for homemade gifts and cozy breakfasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds fresh plums, pitted and chopped
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 whole vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (can substitute with full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 tablespoon pectin (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse, pit, and chop about 3 pounds of fresh plums into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  2. Place the chopped plums and 2 cups granulated sugar in a large saucepan. Stir gently to coat the fruit and let sit for 30 minutes to an hour to release juices.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, the seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract), and 1 teaspoon freshly ground cardamom. Stir to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon pectin halfway through cooking if a firmer set is desired.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream until blended. Taste and adjust sweetness or cardamom if needed.
  6. Optional: For a smoother jam, press the cooked mixture through a fine mesh sieve or use a food mill before adding the cream.
  7. Pour the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal with lids, and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Notes

Use freshly ground cardamom for best flavor. The jam thickens as it cools; test set by dropping a spoonful on a chilled plate. Pectin is optional depending on desired firmness. Heavy cream adds a creamy texture but can be substituted with full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free. Store in airtight jars refrigerated up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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