If you have a soft spot for tropical flavors and love the nostalgic charm of classic desserts, the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful jam captures the essence of the beloved pineapple upside down cake in a spreadable form, mixing sweet, tangy pineapple with warm spices and a touch of vanilla that will brighten up your breakfast toast, swirl into yogurt, or dollop on your favorite desserts. It’s like sunshine in a jar, bursting with rich layers of flavor that are both comforting and refreshingly vibrant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build a jam that’s sweet but balanced, thick yet silky, and with that unmistakable classic flavor that’s impossible to resist.
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely chopped: The star ingredient, providing juicy sweetness and a tropical punch.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that echo the richness of the original cake.
- 1/4 cup white sugar: Balances the sweetness and enhances the natural fruit flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a lovely brightness and helps preserve the jam.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle warmth and creaminess reminiscent of vanilla cake.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle spice that’s comforting and familiar.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A pinch for depth and a hint of cozy fall notes.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Ensures a thicker, spreadable texture for the perfect jam consistency.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar and cornstarch, and prevents sticking.
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional): Provides a luscious finish and richness to the final jam.
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fruit and Sugar
Start by placing your finely chopped fresh pineapple into a medium saucepan. Add the brown sugar, white sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir everything together to coat the pineapple evenly. This mixture will slowly transform into that golden, syrupy base packed with tropical spice goodness.
Step 2: Simmer and Sweeten
Put the saucepan over medium heat, gently warming the mixture. Stir occasionally while you wait for it to come to a simmer, allowing all the sugars to melt and merge beautifully with the pineapple juices. This usually takes about five minutes, and it’s the moment the jam’s aroma starts to fill your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness ahead.
Step 3: Thicken the Jam
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth—this slurry is the secret to that perfect jam texture. Slowly pour it into your simmering pineapple mixture while stirring constantly. Keep stirring for five to seven minutes as the jam thickens, turning luscious and spread-worthy right before your eyes.
Step 4: Blend for Smoothness (Optional)
If you prefer your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe with a silky, uniform texture, now is the time to grab an immersion blender and pulse the mixture until smooth. This extra step isn’t necessary but makes the jam wonderfully velvety and divine on everything from crackers to pancakes.
Step 5: Enrich with Butter
Turn off the heat and stir in a tablespoon of butter if you like your jam a little richer and creamier. This final touch melts into the jam, rounding out the flavors and adding a glossy finish that’s utterly tempting.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Let your homemade jam cool slightly before spooning it into sterilized jars. Seal them well and store in the refrigerator. Your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe will keep fresh and delicious for 2 to 3 weeks, or you can preserve it by canning for longer shelf life.
How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe
Garnishes
This jam is already packed with flavor, but a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a few fresh pineapple chunks on top can add texture and a beautiful tropical flair. A light dusting of extra cinnamon or nutmeg also complements the warm spices inside the jam endlessly well.
Side Dishes
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam is incredibly versatile. Spread it on buttered toast or mix it into creamy yogurt for a sweet twist. It’s equally fantastic spooned atop vanilla ice cream or dolloped on a warm biscuit, turning ordinary dishes into unforgettable delights.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring a jar of this jam to brunch and use it as a glaze for roasted meats or as a sweet dip for fresh fruit. It’s also wonderful layered in parfaits or swirled into oatmeal or smoothies, giving those everyday meals a surprisingly decadent upgrade inspired by the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your jam, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop over a few days, making it even more delicious. Just make sure to keep it well-sealed to preserve freshness and prevent any moisture from diluting that perfect jam texture.
Freezing
If you want to save your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe for even longer, freezing is an option. Use freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen jam can last for several months and simply thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
To enjoy your jam warm, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving as it can cause uneven heating. A warm spoonful spread on toast or stirred into warm dishes delivers the luxury of that just-made flavor, bringing comfort with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh pineapple gives the best texture and flavor for the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe, canned pineapple can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture that could thin the jam.
Is the cornstarch necessary?
Cornstarch helps thicken the jam to a spreadable consistency but is optional. If you prefer a looser jam or plan to use it as a syrup or topping, feel free to skip it.
How long does the jam last once opened?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, this jam will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 to 3 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing bacteria.
Can I make this jam vegan?
Yes! Simply skip the butter or substitute it with a plant-based alternative, and the jam will still taste incredible.
What are some other uses for the jam?
This jam is fantastic not just on bread or toast but also as a filling for pastries, a topping for cheesecakes, or even mixed into cocktails for a tropical twist inspired by the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Bringing a classic dessert flavor into jam form has never been easier or more satisfying than with the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe. Whether you’re spooning it over your morning toast or using it in your favorite recipes, this jam promises a burst of tropical sweetness mixed with cozy spices that will have you reaching for the jar again and again. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of jam
- Category: Jam
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam transforms the beloved flavors of a classic dessert into a luscious, spreadable jam. Combining fresh pineapple with warm spices, brown and white sugars, and a hint of vanilla, this jam offers a rich, tropical taste perfect for toasting, baking, or swirling into yogurt.
Ingredients
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 finely chopped pineapple, brown sugar, white sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a simmer and the sugars dissolve completely, about 5 minutes.
- Add Thickener: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the simmering pineapple mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir as the jam thickens over 5-7 minutes.
- Optional Blending: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the jam right in the saucepan until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Finish with Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the tablespoon of butter to add 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 can be stored for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator or processed in a canner for extended shelf life.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for the best natural flavor and texture.
- Cornstarch is optional but recommended for a thicker jam consistency.
- Butter adds richness but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- The jam keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 weeks; for longer storage, consider proper canning methods.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing sugar quantities to taste.
