Description

This Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam captures the beloved flavors of the classic dessert in a sweet, spreadable jam. Combining crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, warm spices, and fruit pectin, this homemade jam is perfect for toast, biscuits, or as a glaze for baked goods. The recipe includes a simple canning process to preserve the jam, making it easy to enjoy year-round.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Flavorings

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Jam Preparation

1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon butter (optional, to reduce foaming)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, mix together the crushed pineapple with its juice, chopped maraschino cherries, cherry juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Add Pectin: Stir in the fruit pectin thoroughly to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
Add Sugar and Butter: Add the granulated sugar all at once into the boiling mixture and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the butter if using to reduce foaming.
Boil Hard: Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and continue to boil hard for 1 full minute while stirring constantly to activate the pectin and thicken the jam.
Remove Foam: Remove the saucepan from heat and skim off any foam from the surface to ensure a clear jam.
Jar the Jam: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, then seal jars with sterilized lids and bands.
Process Jars: Place the jars in a boiling water bath and process for 10 minutes to safely preserve the jam.
Cool and Store: Remove jars from the water bath and let them cool completely on a towel or rack. Check seals before storing in a cool, dark place.

Notes

This jam tastes just like pineapple upside down cake and pairs beautifully with toast, biscuits, or as a glaze for baked goods.
For deeper flavor, caramelize the pineapple slightly in a pan before adding the pectin.
Using butter helps reduce foaming during boiling, making for easier cleanup.
Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.