If you love the classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake and wish you could capture that luscious, caramelized pineapple flavor all year round, the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe is your new best friend. This jam condenses the warm spice notes, sweet brown sugar, and bright pineapple into a spoonable delight that’s perfect on toast, swirled into yogurt, or even as a decadent topping for desserts. It’s like having that nostalgic cake experience anytime you want, without the need for baking a full cake. Trust me, once you try this jam, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, acidity, and spice to replicate the beloved dessert in jam form. You don’t need fancy or complicated items – just thoughtful, accessible ingredients that build layers of flavor.
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely chopped: The star of the show, fresh pineapple brings vibrant sweetness and natural tang.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes essential for that signature Pineapple Upside Down Cake taste.
- 1/4 cup white sugar: Balances the brown sugar for sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the jam, enhancing the pineapple’s freshness and preventing cloying sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma reminiscent of baked cake.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces subtle spice that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives just a hint of earthy warmth to complement the pineapple.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the jam to your preferred consistency without altering flavor.
- 1/4 cup water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch and control jam thickness.
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional): Adds luscious richness and a silky finish.
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
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 so the spices and sugars evenly coat the pineapple. This mix is what creates that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that remind you of a freshly baked Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
Step 2: Simmer the Mixture
Set the saucepan over medium heat. As it warms up, stir occasionally. You’ll notice the sugars dissolving, and soon the mixture will begin to gently simmer. This process, which usually takes about 5 minutes, starts melding all those lovely flavors and softening the pineapple, making it luscious and jammy.
Step 3: Thicken the Jam
While your pineapple mixture simmers, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this into the saucepan, stirring constantly. This will help the jam thicken beautifully over the next 5 to 7 minutes. If you prefer a softer, less set jam, feel free to skip this step or reduce the cornstarch.
Step 4: Blend for Smoothness (Optional)
If you love a smoother texture, grab an immersion blender and pulse the mixture right in the pot. This step is completely optional but highly recommended if chunky bits aren’t your jam style. The blending will create a velvety consistency that spreads effortlessly.
Step 5: Add Butter for Extra Richness
Once your jam has thickened perfectly, remove it from the heat and stir in a tablespoon of butter if you’re using it. This small addition elevates the jam, making it silky and indulgent—much like that irresistible buttery glaze on an upside down cake.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Let the jam cool slightly before spooning it into sterilized jars. Sealing and refrigerating the jam will keep it fresh for 2 to 3 weeks. If you’re a fan of preservation, you can can it to enjoy even longer. The result is a beautiful jar of jam that captures the very essence of Pineapple Upside Down Cake in every spoonful.
How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam shine on the table, consider garnishing with fresh pineapple slices or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. A light dusting of cinnamon on top can also elevate the presentation while hinting at the warm spices inside the jam.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Spread it generously on buttered toast or warm biscuits for breakfast. It also makes an unexpected but delightful topping for vanilla ice cream or creamy panna cotta. Feeling adventurous? Try it alongside sharp cheeses or baked brie to balance sweet and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the jar and use your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe as a filling for thumbprint cookies, a glaze for grilled pork or chicken, or swirled into cream cheese frosting for a unique cupcake twist. Its versatility means you can enjoy this jam in countless fun and delicious ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once opened, keep your jam tightly sealed in the refrigerator. This preserves its flavor and prevents spoilage. Using clean utensils each time you scoop helps maintain its freshness for up to three weeks.
Freezing
If you want to extend the life of your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam, freezing is a fantastic option. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen jam retains its flavor well and can be thawed gently in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
When ready to use frozen jam or if your refrigerated jam has thickened too much, simply warm it up gently in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often to ensure it heats evenly without burning. Reheating also revives the fragrant spices and silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh pineapple is ideal for bright flavor and texture, canned pineapple can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well and consider reducing the sugar slightly since canned pineapple is often packed in syrup.
How long does the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe last without refrigeration?
For safety and best quality, this jam should be refrigerated after cooking and canning. Without refrigeration, it may spoil within a few hours due to the natural sugars and moisture content.
Can I adjust the spice levels in the jam?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cinnamon and nutmeg. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ground ginger or even a little cayenne for heat. This recipe is flexible and welcomes your personal twist.
Is the butter necessary in the recipe?
The butter adds richness and a silky texture but is entirely optional. If you want to keep the jam lighter or dairy-free, simply leave it out without compromising the overall flavor.
Can I make this jam vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan-friendly version, omit the butter or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making this jam accessible to many diets.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about capturing the homey, caramelized delight of Pineapple Upside Down Cake in a jar. This Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe lets you savor those classic flavors anytime you want, with the added joy of spreading, dipping, or dolloping it wherever your heart desires. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a treasured part of your kitchen and your taste adventures!
Print
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup
- Category: Jam
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam is a luscious, tropical twist on the classic dessert, capturing the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh pineapple, brown sugar, and warm spices in a thick, spreadable jam. Perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on yogurt, or using as a cake topping, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice with a rich, buttery finish.
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 chopped pineapple, brown sugar, white sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to mix all the flavors evenly.
- Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to simmer gently as the sugars dissolve completely, about 5 minutes.
- Thicken Jam: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with water to form a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this into the simmering pineapple mixture while stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir for 5-7 minutes until the jam thickens to your desired consistency.
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the jam at this stage until it reaches your preferred smoothness.
- Add Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the tablespoon of butter, if using, to add extra richness and depth to the jam.
- Cool and Store: Let the jam cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars. Seal the jars and refrigerate. The jam keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 weeks or can be canned for longer-term preservation.
Notes
- For a thicker jam, be sure to use the cornstarch slurry as directed.
- If you prefer a chunkier jam, skip the blending step.
- Use fresh, ripe pineapple for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- This jam is fantastic as a spread for bread, a topping for pancakes or yogurt, or as an ingredient in desserts.
- Ensure jars are properly sterilized if you plan to can the jam for longer storage.
