Small Batch Fresh Pineapple Jam Made With Just 3 Ingredients (2024)

May 27, 2021May 15, 2021 by Ronda Eagle

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Sweet and slightly tart and full of fresh pineapple, small-batch pineapple jam needs no special canning equipment or even pectin to yield a delicious fresh pineapple jam. In about a half-hour and just 3 simple ingredients, you will have the most amazing Fresh Pineapple jam. It’s simple and delicious.

Small Batch Fresh Pineapple Jam Made With Just 3 Ingredients (1)

If you’re new to making jams and jellies and don’t know how to begin, this super-easy jam is the place to start. It’s easy, uses pantry staples and requires not too much more than a pan, a knife, and a stirring spoon. A blender [paid link] is helpful, but in the tips below, you’ll see it’s also not needed exclusively. There are other ways to get around the blending step.

Pineapples are convenient to purchase at the grocery or farmers market and are on sale often typically costing about $2 USD. Using a fresh pineapple, a little bit of sugar, and a squeeze of fresh lemon, you can easily create a pineapple jam compote that tastes amazing and is super versatile. For a list of ideas, check out the Serving Suggestions below.

The best part is that this recipe makes only a small batch — 3 cups and your done. No canning, preserving, or even expensive jars, rings, and lids — unless of course you want to store it that way. Honestly, a saved cleaned an sterilized jar or refrigerator-safe storage container will absolutely do the trick.

This recipe makes about 3 cups of jam (depending on the size of your particular pineapple) and has so many uses, I’m pretty sure none of it will go to waste.

The incredibly small amount of jam produced makes this recipe perfect for singles, grandparents, students or anyone who doesn’t have the time, space, or equipment to can bottles upon bottles of jam.

That’s me, I’m over here jumping up and down raising both my hands in the air.

It’s also perfect for gift-giving. I cannot think of a host or hostess who would not appreciate a fresh jar of this bright and tangy jam, a wheel or brie, and a box of fancy crackers as a thank you gift for having guests over.

Place items in a small wicker multi-use basket or gift bag and you’ve made your host or hostess feel incredibly appreciated and blessed. It’s a total win-win.

If you’re going for broke, add a nice bottle of sweet dessert wine for a complementary flavor or with a dryer wine to bring out the sweetness of the pineapple. For sweet wine try Stella Rosa Pineapple Moscato or for a dryer wine try a nice chardonnay.

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Ingredients for Pineapple Jam

Pineapple – I use fresh pineapples but frozen or canned pineapple may also be used.
Sugar – I used granulated white cane sugar but Splenda, Truvia, or MonkFruit may also be used with this recipe
Lemon juice – to balance the sweetness. Alternatively, you could use lime juice.

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Tools & Equipment

Medium-sized, heavy-bottomed stockpot
Potato masher, emersion blender [paid link], or food processor [paid link]/blender [paid link]
Silicone Spatula [paid link]
Mason Jar or storage container

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How to Prepare Fresh Pineapple Jam

You can view the entire recipe on the printable recipe card below, but basically you will:

Peel and cut the pineapple into 1-inch chunks, discarding the fibrous core and outer peel. Then add the pineapple to a heavy-bottomed stockpot.
Next, add the sugar and a splash of lemon juice to the pineapple. (All the liquid you see in the photo below is from the natural pineapple juices).
Simmer for about 30 mins, stirring occasionally, or until the pineapple is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
Remove pan from the heat and allow to cool.
Blend to desired consistency.
Store in an airtight container like a plastic storage container or glass jar for up to 3 weeks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked a lot of questions about pineapple jam so I will try and sort through the FAQs here:

Does Pineapple Jam need Pectin?

Like strawberries, pineapples are very low in natural pectin, so if you wanted a traditional “stiff” jam or jelly, you would need to add pectin. However, you can make a natural pineapple jam and have it thicken considerably simply by adding sugar and reducing the juices into a jam-like consistency.

Can I Freeze Pineapple Jam?

Absolutely! Freeze jam in air-tight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

How Long Does Pineapple Jam Last?

Pineapple jam lasts in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I use Canned Pineapple?

Yes, Start with 3 cans of crushed, chunks or tidbits plus the natural juices in the can and follow the recipe. Depending on which type of pineapple you begin with tidbits, chunks, or crushed, you may or may not need to blend at the end.

Can I use Frozen Pineapple Chunks.

Yes, start with 4 to 5 cups cups of frozen chunks and then follow the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serving this jam as a topping on toast, homemade English muffins, croissants, biscuits, or scones is an obvious choice. But there are many other ways to use this easy pineapple jam.

Coleslaw – mix the desired amount into coleslaw with raisins and make a sweet Hawaiian-style coleslaw for your next Kalua pork or luau-themed party food or BBQ.
Ice cream – This topping is fabulous on vanilla or easy No-churn Rum Raisin ice cream. Add some chopped toasted macadamia nuts for a luau-themed dessert. Of course, it’s also great as a topping for a classic banana split-inspired dessert as well.
Mojitos – Add pineapple jam into the mojito mix for a new twist on the classic mojito. You’ll be so glad you did!
Cheese – If you love a good melting brie cheese with its classic fruit topping, you’ll love the combination of tangy brie cheese with this sweet pineapple jam topping. Of course, it’s also amazing on crostini paired with Homemade Ricotta Cheese as well. Try it. It’s amazing!
Compote/Sauce – Warmed Pineapple compote pairs very well with roasted pork tenderloin or chops for a tropical flair.
Cheesecake – Pineapple compote is also a great topping for cheesecake. Try a tropical-themed cheesecake with a coconut base. Garnish with toasted macadamia nuts for a divine dessert that is sure to please your guests.
Pancakes – Pancakes are perfect served with a sweet pineapple jam. Warm the jam in a saucepan [paid link] and serve alongside pancakes with syrup or whipped cream.
Cupcakes – For a tropical theme, add a dollop of pineapple jam to the center of a cupcake or as a topping to Pineapple Cupcakes.
Barbecue Sauce (BBQ Sauce) – Stir pineapple compote into a basic barbecue sauce to create a tropical or Caribbean flare. This is great on pulled pork, grilled chicken, or even ribs.
Rice Pudding – Add a dollop of jam over the top of rice pudding with some fresh mango slices for a play in Thai sticky mango rice pudding. It’s incredible
Oatmeal – Stir a dollop into a bowl of cooked oatmeal and garnish with bananas and toasted macadamia nuts for a tropical-themed breakfast.
Host/Hostess Gifts – It’s also perfect for gift-giving. I cannot think of a host or hostess who would not appreciate a fresh jar of this bright and tangy jam, a wheel of brie, and a box of fancy crackers as a thank you gift for having guests over.