Mirabelle Plum Jam Recipe: Easy Homemade Delight

There’s something truly magical about capturing the essence of summer in a jar, and mirabelle plum jam does just that. These small, golden plums burst with sweetness and a delicate floral aroma, making them perfect for transforming into a luscious jam that brightens up breakfasts and desserts alike.

Whether spread on warm toast, swirled into yogurt, or used as a glaze for pastries, mirabelle plum jam offers a taste of sunshine all year round. The natural balance of sweetness and tartness in mirabelle plums means you need minimal added sugar, allowing the fruit’s true flavor to shine.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a simple yet detailed recipe to make your own mirabelle plum jam at home, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions that will inspire your culinary creativity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mirabelle plum jam recipe is a fantastic way to preserve the fleeting season of these exquisite plums. The jam is vibrantly golden with a beautiful, natural sweetness that isn’t overpowering.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity—using just a handful of ingredients to highlight the fruit’s unique flavor. It’s perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, with a soft yet spoonable consistency that spreads effortlessly.

Plus, making your own jam means you can avoid preservatives and artificial additives, creating a wholesome treat for your family and friends.

Whether you’re an experienced jam maker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. It’s also versatile enough to customize with spices or citrus zest if you want to experiment.

By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped to fill your pantry with jars of golden delight that taste like summer’s best moments.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) mirabelle plums, washed, pitted, and halved
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for subtle warmth)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm note)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or preserving pan
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Food mill or fine sieve (optional, for smooth jam)
• Jam jars with airtight lids (sterilized)
• Candy thermometer (optional but helpful)
• Large bowl for water bath (if preserving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the plums: Start by washing the mirabelle plums thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, carefully pit and halve each plum. Place the prepared fruit in a large bowl.
2. Macarate with sugar: Add the granulated sugar to the plums and stir gently to combine. Let the mixture sit for about 1 hour at room temperature. This step helps to draw out the natural juices from the fruit, creating a juicy base for the jam.
3. Cook the fruit: Transfer the plum and sugar mixture to a large saucepan. Add the fresh lemon juice, which helps balance the sweetness and aids in setting the jam. Place the pan over medium heat and stir frequently as the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Simmer to jam consistency: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface with a spoon. This process usually takes 20-30 minutes. To check if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s done.
5. Add optional flavors: If you’re using vanilla extract or cinnamon, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This adds a lovely depth and warmth to the jam without overpowering the plum’s natural flavor.
6. Optional step – smooth jam: If you prefer a smoother texture, pass the hot jam through a food mill or fine sieve to remove skins and create a silky consistency. This is entirely optional, as many enjoy the rustic feel of plum skin in jam.
7. Jar the jam: While the jam is still hot, carefully ladle it into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean, seal the jars tightly, and allow them to cool at room temperature.
8. Preserve or refrigerate: For long-term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing. Alternatively, store unopened jars in the refrigerator and consume within 3 weeks. Once opened, keep refrigerated and use within 2 weeks.

Tips & Variations

“For a twist, try adding fresh ginger or a splash of bourbon during the simmering stage for an extra layer of flavor.”

• Adjusting sweetness: Depending on the ripeness of your mirabelle plums, you may want to reduce or increase the sugar slightly. Taste the fruit before cooking and adjust accordingly.
• Spiced jam: Experiment with adding star anise, cardamom, or cloves for a festive touch.
• Chunky vs smooth: Leave the jam chunky by mashing the fruit lightly with a potato masher before cooking, or blend part of it for a mixed texture.
• Using pectin: Mirabelle plums have a moderate amount of natural pectin, but if you want a firmer set, add commercial pectin following the package instructions.
• Freezing option: This jam freezes well if you prefer not to can. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 6 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Mirabelle plum jam is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Spread it thickly on a warm slice of buttered toast or a freshly baked croissant for a bright start to your day.

Stir a spoonful into plain yogurt or oatmeal to add natural sweetness and fruity flavor. It also makes a delightful glaze for roasted meats like pork or chicken, bringing a subtle sweetness that balances savory dishes.

For dessert, use mirabelle plum jam as a filling for tarts, thumbprint cookies, or even swirl it into cheesecake batter before baking. Pair it with creamy cheeses such as Brie or Camembert on a charcuterie board to impress your guests with an elegant flavor combination.

Conclusion

Making mirabelle plum jam at home is a rewarding and delicious way to savor the fleeting season of these precious fruits. This recipe is straightforward, allowing the natural flavors of the mirabelle plums to shine through with minimal fuss.

From its beautiful golden color to the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, this jam will quickly become a favorite addition to your pantry.

By following the steps and tips outlined here, you can create a batch of jam that’s perfect for gift-giving, everyday breakfasts, or elevating your favorite dishes. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices or textures to personalize your jam.

As you enjoy the fruits of your labor, you’ll appreciate the timeless joy of homemade preserves — a true taste of summer preserved for any time of year.

For more delightful fruit preserve recipes, check out our Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe, Classic Peach Jam, and Apricot and Ginger Preserve for inspiration.

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