Flavorful Bourbon Vanilla Peach Jam with Cardamom
A homemade peach jam infused with the warmth of bourbon, creamy vanilla, and a hint of exotic cardamom, delivering a complex and grown-up flavor perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: About 6 cups (approximately 12 servings of 1 tablespoon each) 1x
- Category: Preserves
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pounds fresh ripe peaches, peeled and chopped
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 whole vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract)
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 packet pectin (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the peaches (15 minutes): Wash peaches, peel skin (optionally blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds to loosen skins), pit and chop into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Combine fruit and sugar (10 minutes): In a large pot, combine chopped peaches and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out juices.
- Add vanilla and cardamom (5 minutes): Split vanilla bean, scrape seeds into pot, add pod, sprinkle cardamom, and stir.
- Cook the jam (30-40 minutes): Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Skim foam as it forms. Adjust stirring for desired texture.
- Test for doneness (5 minutes): Place a spoonful on a chilled plate, cool, then push with finger. If it wrinkles and doesn’t run, jam is set; if runny, cook longer and retest.
- Finish with bourbon and lemon juice (2 minutes): Remove vanilla pod, stir in bourbon and lemon juice, cook 2 more minutes without boiling hard.
- Jar the jam (10 minutes): Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace, wipe rims, seal with lids. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate or process in water bath for long-term storage.
Notes
Use ripe but not overripe peaches for best texture. Skim foam during cooking to improve clarity and texture. Add bourbon near the end to preserve its aroma. Test jam set with the wrinkle test on a chilled plate. For smoother jam, pulse in a blender after cooking. Lemon juice brightens flavor and aids preservation. Store opened jam refrigerated up to 3 weeks or process jars for up to 1 year shelf life.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (20 gra
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 13
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 0.5
Keywords: bourbon peach jam, vanilla peach jam, cardamom jam, homemade jam, peach preserves, easy jam recipe, fruit jam, summer jam