Something so magical, so spellbinding, in the flavors that come with that time of the year, when the air gets crisper day by day and the leaves add that perfect golden hue to the trees. It is during this time of the year that the irrepressible pull towards warmth and comfort-an experience exclusive to homemade jams and yummy preserves-takes a leap.
Of all the delectable choices, pumpkin jam holds a special place in my heart, and every time the thought of it comes across my mind, the racy images of so many mornings overthrown at my grandma’s place during fall-wherein the mouth-watering aroma of simmering spices embraced me as soon as I went downstairs-come alive.

There would always be something in a pot, some sort of sweet mixture, cooking on the stove and diffusing an aroma in the air to entice you; if it happened to be pumpkin jam, I knew I was in for a treat.
The great taste of spiced pumpkin, followed by refreshing citrus, made every single bite feel like a warm hug that wrapped me inside. Here is a treasured recipe for means to bring the same cozy, heartwarming feeling directly into your home, letting the rejoicing of pure flavors begin.
Serving Information
- Yield: About 2 cups of jam
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Calories per tablespoon: 45 calories
Emma’s Advise and Recommendations
- Choosing the Right Pumpkin: Sugar pumpkin, sometimes called pie pumpkin, works just right in this recipe since these types have natural sweetness and have a smoother, more desirable texture. Large carving pumpkins are not to be used since they are extremely watery with little taste.
- Reduce the sweetness: If you do not like your jams so sweet, try making it with little sugar. Keep in mind that sugar preserves jam; therefore, avoid using too little if you want to keep the jam for more extended periods of time.
- Test if your jelly is set: Just take a small spoon of it and place it on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with the finger, then it’s ready; otherwise, take it further with more simmering.
Serving Ideas
Such is this delicacy universal that it’s possible to enjoy pumpkin jam in different ways:
- On toast: Take a moment to spread a good, thick layer of your favorite jam on a warm, newly toasted bread or on delicious English muffins; it’s the little things that, with just one ordinary breakfast, turn it into an exceptional fall experience.
- This is a treat that, when served with cheese, should be coupled with a variety of soft cheeses-from creamy cream cheese to rich brie. That is one tempting sweet and savory combination.
- Stir into yogurt: Mix a spoonful of the jam into plain or vanilla yogurt for a really quick, really flavorful snack.
- As a pie filling: This can be a quick filling or can be layered with some mixture in a tart to make for an easy dessert.
- Topping for pancakes: mop on top of pancakes or waffles. One great Sunday morning brunch deal, top with whipped cream.
Dear Reader

This great homemade jam of pumpkin condenses into one jar all the warmth and aromatic spices the season of autumn brings into your kitchen: from slathering it copiously on a slice of warm toast to pairing it with a host of cheeses or baking it into your favorite desserts, every single luscious mouthful is a fall unto itself.
I surely hope that this might be the charming recipe that inspires you into the magic of capturing, in a glass jar, the essence of pumpkin season, inviting you into a delicious experience in your home. I’ll absolutely love to hear how your jam turns out, so do let me know in the comments below.
Please, by all means, don’t forget to share beautiful pictures of jam and tag me on all your social media platforms, because I look forward to seeing what amazing things you will come up with!
Homemade Pumpkin Jam Recipe
Course: Christmas Dessert Recipes2 cups
servings30
minutes40
minutes45 per tablespoon
kcalIngredients
1 small sugar pumpkin (about 2 cups of pumpkin puree)
1 ½ cups sugar
½ cup water
1 medium orange (zested and juiced)
1 cinnamon stick
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Steps
- Prepare the Pumpkin
Start by preparing your pumpkin. Peel the sugar pumpkin and remove the seeds. Cut the flesh into small cubes and steam or boil them until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Once tender, drain the pumpkin and mash it into a smooth puree. You should end up with about 2 cups of pumpkin puree. - Combine Ingredients in a Pot
In a medium saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, water, and orange juice. Add the orange zest, cinnamon stick, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together to ensure the sugar starts dissolving into the pumpkin mixture. - Simmer the Jam
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally and allow the jam to cook down for about 30-40 minutes. The jam will thicken as the water evaporates, and the flavors will become richer and more concentrated. Remove the cinnamon stick once the jam reaches the desired thickness. - Add the Vanilla
Once the jam has thickened, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the spices beautifully. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat. - Store the Jam
Transfer the hot pumpkin jam to sterilized jars and seal tightly. If you’re planning to store it for a longer period, follow proper canning procedures. Otherwise, let the jam cool before refrigerating.

