Description
A sweet and tangy Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam that captures the classic flavors of the beloved dessert in an easy-to-make, spreadable jam. Made with fresh pineapple, brown sugar, warming spices, and optionally thickened with cornstarch, this jam is perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on yogurt, or using as a topping for desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Jam Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker consistency)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped pineapple, brown sugar, white sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Simmer the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally. Heat until the mixture begins to simmer and the sugars have completely dissolved, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with water to form a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this into the simmering pineapple mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the jam thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Optional Blending: For a smoother jam texture, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture directly in the saucepan until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Add Butter for Richness: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the butter if using. This adds extra richness and a silky finish to the jam.
- Cool and Store: Allow the jam to cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars. Seal tightly and refrigerate. The jam will keep refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks, or can be processed in a water bath canner for longer shelf life.
Notes
- You can omit the cornstarch if you prefer a runnier jam consistency.
- Blending the jam is optional and depends on whether you like chunky or smooth jam.
- Use sterilized jars and proper canning techniques if storing the jam at room temperature.
- This jam is delicious spread on toast, pancakes, or used as a topping for ice cream and yogurt.
- For a vegan version, omit the butter or substitute with a plant-based butter alternative.
