Slow Cooker Alsatian Plum Jam Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a smoother jam, you can use a potato masher to gently break up any remaining large pieces of fruit once the cooking process is complete. If you prefer a more rustic texture, simply leave the fruit pieces as they are.

This jam is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, from a simple spread for morning toast to a decadent topping for plain yogurt or vanilla ice cream.

If you find the jam is not setting as firmly as you would like after it has cooled, you can return it to the slow cooker and cook it on high for an additional 30 minutes with the lid off to encourage further evaporation.

Always store your finished jam in clean, airtight glass jars to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors from the refrigerator.

Variations

• Spiced Plum and Ginger Jam: Add one tablespoon of freshly grated ginger during the preparation phase to give the jam a bright, zesty kick that complements the deep sweetness of the plums.
• Vanilla Bean Plum Jam: Replace the cinnamon stick with one split vanilla bean to create a more sophisticated, floral flavor profile that pairs perfectly with yogurt and desserts.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep refrigerated in airtight jars for up to 3 weeks.

Freezer

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months; thaw in the refrigerator.

Reheat

Serve cold or at room temperature; do not reheat the entire batch, only the portion you intend to use immediately.

Store the finished jam in clean, airtight glass jars. Keep the jars in the refrigerator at all times to maintain quality and freshness. The jam will keep well for up to three weeks when stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Ensure you use a clean spoon each time you remove jam from the jar to prevent spoilage.

This recipe is excellent to make ahead, as the flavors continue to meld and develop after the jam has been refrigerated for a day or two. You can prepare a batch over the weekend and store it in the refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy homemade preserves throughout the busy work week without any last-minute effort.

Serving ideas

Serve this jam at room temperature or slightly chilled, depending on your preference. It is a wonderful addition to a breakfast spread, pairing beautifully with warm buttered toast, toasted bagels, or freshly baked scones.

The deep plum flavor and subtle cinnamon notes also make it an ideal accompaniment for a cheese board, where it can provide a sweet contrast to sharp, salty cheeses like aged cheddar or creamy goat cheese.

For a more indulgent serving idea, swirl a spoonful of the jam into a bowl of warm oatmeal or use it as a filling for simple thumbprint cookies.

The rich, concentrated fruit flavor also works well as a topping for pancakes or waffles, adding a touch of elegance to a simple weekend breakfast. Because of its intense flavor, a little goes a long way, making it a perfect pantry staple for various culinary uses.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Alsatian Plum Jam

Prep 10 minCook 8 hTotal 8 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs damson plums, halved and pitted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Place the halved and pitted damson plums into the basin of the slow cooker. Distribute them evenly across the bottom to ensure consistent heat penetration during the long cooking process. Add the granulated sugar over the fruit, followed by the cinnamon stick, and finally pour the lemon juice over the top.
2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the low setting for approximately 8 hours. This extended period allows the moisture from the plums to evaporate and the natural pectin to activate, thickening the mixture into a glossy, spreadable consistency without the need for constant stirring.
3. Remove the cinnamon stick from the mixture and discard it. Use a ladle to transfer the hot jam into sterilized glass jars. Allow the jars to cool to room temperature before sealing them with lids. Place the jars in the refrigerator to finish setting completely before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

65

Protein

0.5 g

Carbohydrates

16 g

Fat

0.1 g

Fiber

1.2 g

Sugar

14.5 g

Sodium

2 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.