Delicious Pineapple Upside Down Jam Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Pineapple Upside Down Jam, a tropical twist on a classic favorite. This homemade jam perfectly captures the essence of pineapple upside-down cake with its rich blend of crushed pineapples, brown sugar, maraschino cherries, and a hint of almond extract. The sweet and tangy spread is not only ideal for your morning toast but also makes a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends and family.

Crafted with care and using simple ingredients, this Pineapple Upside Down Jam recipe will transport you to nostalgic memories of loved ones gathered around the table. The process of water bath canning ensures that each jar preserves the freshness of summer, allowing you to savor the taste of homemade goodness all year long. Whether you are spreading it on warm biscuits or layering it between cakes, this versatile jam is sure to bring a touch of sunshine to every bite. Get ready to experience the magic of Pineapple Upside Down Jam – a slice of paradise in every jar!

Quick Benefits

• Transforms classic flavors: Pineapple Upside Down Jam captures the essence of the beloved cake in a spreadable form, perfect for any time of the day.
• Simplicity in preparation: Ready in just a few hours with minimal active cooking time, making it a convenient homemade treat.
• Versatile usage: From toast to cake fillings, this jam can elevate various dishes with its rich and fruity flavors.
• Ideal for gifting: Creates 8 half-pint jars, making it a thoughtful and delicious present for loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Pineapple Upside Down Jam Recipe Recipe

• Brings a Taste of Tropical Paradise: Combines classic pineapple flavors with a twist of brown sugar, almond extract, and maraschino cherries for a sweet and tangy spread that captures the essence of pineapple upside-down cake.
• Easy and Quick Prep: Ready in just a few hours with minimal active cooking time, making it perfect for busy individuals looking to create delicious homemade treats.
• Perfect for Sharing: Makes 8 half-pint jars, ideal for gifting to friends and family or for keeping in your pantry for a taste of sunshine any time of year.
• Versatile Usage: Can be used as a topping for toast, ice cream, or cakes, adding a burst of tropical flavor to various dishes and desserts.
• Nostalgic Flavors: Reminiscent of childhood desserts and family gatherings, this jam evokes warm memories and creates new ones with its delicious taste.
• Beautiful Presentation: Creates an amber-colored jam with festive red cherry pieces, making it visually appealing and perfect for gift-giving or special occasions.
• Memorable Gifting: Easy to personalize with decorative labels, fabric covers, and unique pairings, turning each jar into a thoughtful and memorable gift for loved ones.
• Classic Recipe with a Twist: Features a combination of fresh pineapples, sugars, lemon, and cherries, along with almond extract, adding a unique bakery note that elevates the flavor profile.

Ingredients for Delicious Pineapple Upside Down Jam Recipe

• 2 quarts crushed pineapples (about 2 whole)
• 1 lemon, pulp and juice, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 cups water
• 1 jar (16oz) maraschino cherries, chopped and rinsed
• 2½ cups brown sugar
• 2½ cups white granulated sugar

Pro Tips for Delicious Pineapple Upside Down Jam Recipe

Pro Tip 1: When selecting pineapples for this recipe, choose ones that are ripe, fragrant, and heavy for their size. Fresh pineapples will provide the best flavor and natural pectin for proper jam setting. While canned pineapple can be used in a pinch, the fresh fruit will elevate the taste of your homemade jam.

Pro Tip 2: For a chunky texture in your jam with visible pineapple pieces, crush half of the pineapple roughly and the other half more finely. This will create a dynamic texture that showcases the fruit while still providing a spreadable consistency. Testing for the gelling point by chilling plates in the freezer beforehand will help you determine when the jam is ready for processing, ensuring the perfect set for your Pineapple Upside Down Jam.

How to Make Delicious Pineapple Upside Down Jam Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Gather and ready all water bath canning supplies, such as mason jars, lids, and rings.

Step 2: Step 02

In a large saucepot, combine all ingredients except cherries and almond extract. Slowly bring to a boil, stirring frequently until sugar dissolves.

Step 3: Step 03

Cook quickly until mixture reaches gelling point, stirring frequently as it thickens.

Step 4: Step 04

Take the mixture off the heat and skim off any foam. Stir in chopped cherries and almond extract until well combined.

Step 5: Step 05

Using a ladle, fill hot canning jars with hot jam, leaving a ¼ inch space at the top.

Step 6: Step 06

Securely place lids and rings on jars and process in a boiling water bath canner for 15 minutes. Allow jam to sit untouched for 24 hours.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared and canned your Pineapple Upside Down Jam, correct storage is crucial to maintaining its quality. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. Make sure to keep the jars away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to preserve both the flavor and texture of the jam. Properly stored, your jam will remain fresh for up to a year, allowing you to enjoy its delicious tropical flavors long after preparation.

When storing your Pineapple Upside Down Jam, always remember to label the jars with the date of preparation. This simple step will help you keep track of the jam’s freshness and ensure you consume it within the recommended timeframe. Additionally, refrigerate the jam after opening a jar to extend its shelf life. Once opened, consume the jam within a few weeks to savor its vibrant taste and prevent spoilage. By following these storage guidelines, you can continue to relish the delightful flavors of your homemade Pineapple Upside Down Jam for an extended period.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for this pineapple upside-down jam recipe, there are a few options. For the crushed pineapples, you can use canned crushed pineapples as a convenient alternative. Ensure you drain them well before using to control the liquid content in the jam. Additionally, if fresh lemon is unavailable, you can use bottled lemon juice, although fresh lemon will provide the best flavor.

In place of maraschino cherries, you can opt for fresh cherries or even dried cherries for a different texture and flavor profile. Just remember to pit and chop fresh cherries before adding them to the jam. If almond extract is not on hand, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute to add a hint of bakery essence to the jam. These simple swaps can help you customize the jam to your taste preferences or ingredient availability while still maintaining its delicious tropical essence.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Pineapple Upside Down Jam in a unique way by incorporating it into a charcuterie board. Pair it with a selection of cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and crackers for a sweet and savory flavor combination that will impress your guests. The jam’s caramelized pineapple and cherry notes will add a delightful contrast to the other items on the board, creating a delicious and visually appealing spread.

For a delightful dessert option, consider using the Pineapple Upside Down Jam as a filling for homemade thumbprint cookies. Simply create an indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball before baking, then spoon in a dollop of the jam once the cookies are fresh out of the oven. The jam’s tropical flavors will shine in this buttery and irresistible cookie treat, perfect for serving at parties or enjoying with a cup of tea.

FAQs for Delicious Pineapple Upside Down Jam Recipe

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for this recipe?

While you can use canned pineapple in a pinch, fresh pineapples are preferred as they provide superior flavor and natural pectin for proper setting. Fresh pineapple also adds a delightful freshness to the jam that canned pineapple may lack.

How can I ensure my jam sets properly without adding extra pectin?

No additional pectin is needed for this recipe as pineapples naturally contain enough pectin for proper setting. To test for proper set, chill small plates in the freezer before cooking the jam. Then, place a small amount of jam on the chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it is ready.

What equipment do I need for water bath canning?

For water bath canning, you will need mason jars, lids, rings, and a water bath canner. Before starting, make sure all equipment is sanitized to prevent any contamination during the canning process.

Can I substitute maraschino cherries with fresh cherries in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries if desired. Simply chop and pit the fresh cherries before adding them to the jam mixture. This substitution can provide a fresh twist to the flavor profile of the jam.

Conclusion

As you embark on making your own batch of Pineapple Upside Down Jam, remember that each jar holds not just a sweet spread but a slice of heartfelt nostalgia and the warmth of cherished memories. The process of creating this jam is a labor of love that will surely bring joy to those who taste it, whether it’s shared around the breakfast table or gifted to friends and family.

So embrace the aromas of caramelized pineapple and almond extract wafting through your kitchen, savor the rich flavors of nostalgia and creativity intertwined in this jam. The Pineapple Upside Down Jam is not just a recipe; it’s a story waiting to be shared, a taste of homemade happiness that captures the essence of togetherness and tradition. Let your creativity shine as you experiment with different ways to enjoy and share this delightful jam, spreading joy one jar at a time.