Plum Jam

🍑 Easy Plum Jam (Quick & Made in the Oven!)

If you’ve never made jam before, this is the perfect place to start. This easy plum jam is naturally sweetened, lightly spiced and made entirely in the oven for a hands-off experience. Best of all, it’s a quick plum jam recipe that makes just a small batch—no canning, no fuss.

This is a jam for real life. One where you stumble upon beautiful plums at the market and want to turn them into something special without pulling out a dozen jars or special equipment. Just fresh fruit, a pie plate, and your oven. That’s it.

🫙 Why Make Small Batch Jam in the Oven?

A lot of people are put off by the idea of making their own jam at home, but it really doesn’t have to be a complicated affair.

With even just a pound of fruit from the farmer’s market or grocery store, you can make a single small batch of plum jam—just enough to enjoy fresh over the next week or so. No need for sterilizing jars, pectin, or standing over a hot stove.

✅ Benefits of small batch jam:

• Uses up fruit that’s about to turn
• No canning equipment needed
• Easy cleanup—just one pie plate
• Great for beginners or anyone short on time

✅ Why the oven method rocks:

• Even heat = perfect texture
• Less babysitting, more relaxing
• Frees up your stovetop

Once you try jam in the oven, you might never go back.

Why You'll Love This Easy Plum Jam

• Naturally sweetened – no refined sugar
• Quick & simple – ready in about an hour
• Minimal cleanup – just one dish
• Small-batch friendly – makes just enough without the overwhelm

🧺 Ingredients for Quick Plum Jam (with Notes)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy plum jam at home.

• Ripe red plums – The riper, the better! Soft, juicy plums create more natural sweetness and flavor. Red or black plums work best here, but you can use yellow or a mix for variety. No need to peel—just slice.
• Maple syrup – Naturally sweetens the jam and adds a subtle maple flavor. Light-colored syrup keeps the flavor mild. You can also use honey or sugar for different flavor profiles.
• Fresh lemon juice – Adds brightness and acidity, balancing the sweetness of the fruit. It also helps the jam set by preserving natural pectin.
• Vanilla bean, split – Infuses the jam with warm, floral notes that pair beautifully with plums. If you don’t have a vanilla bean, substitute with ½ tsp of vanilla extract (add it after roasting).
• Cardamom pods, lightly crushed – These add an aromatic, slightly citrusy spice that gives the jam a unique twist. Crush just enough to expose the seeds. If you're not a fan of cardamom, try a small cinnamon stick or skip it entirely for a more classic flavor.

🔥 How to Make Oven-Roasted Plum Jam (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
2. In a deep pie plate, toss the sliced plums with maple syrup, lemon juice, and the split vanilla bean.
3. Nestle the plum pits and cardamom pods (if using) to one side of the plate for extra flavor.
4. Let everything macerate for 30 minutes at room temp (or cover and refrigerate overnight).
5. Place the pie plate on a baking sheet (to catch any overflow) and roast for about 1 hour, stirring once or twice.
6. You’ll know it’s ready when the fruit breaks down and the syrup thickens enough to coat the back of a cold spoon.
7. Discard the pits and cardamom pods. Pour the jam into a clean jar and let cool.
8. Store in the fridge and enjoy within a few weeks!

🍞 How to Use Your Easy Plum Jam

This soft-set, richly flavored jam is perfect for:

• Toast, scones, or English muffins
• Swirling into yogurt or oatmeal
• Layering into parfaits
• Spooning over pancakes or waffles
• Pairing with soft cheeses on a snack board

💡 Final Thoughts on Homemade Plum Jam

This easy plum jam recipe proves that you don’t need to make a huge batch or spend all day canning to enjoy the pleasures of homemade jam. It’s a low-commitment, high-reward way to savor the season’s best plums.

Whether you’re new to jam-making or just looking for a faster method, this quick plum jam delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try and tag your creations!