24 Homemade Jam Recipes to Pair with Your Scones and Biscuits
If you're a fan of scones and love hosting afternoon tea parties, then you know that the perfect jam or preserve can take your tea-time treats to the next level. Making your own jams and preserves is not only a fun and rewarding activity, but it also ensures that you're using high-quality, fresh ingredients without any added preservatives or artificial flavorings. In this article, we've compiled a list of 24 delicious jam and preserve recipes that are perfect for pairing with scones and for serving at your next afternoon tea party. From classic strawberry jam to many unique flavor combinations, there's something for every taste bud. So, dust off your canning jars and get ready to impress your guests with these homemade jams and preserves!
24 Best Jam Recipes for Perfectly Paired Scones and the Ultimate Afternoon Tea Experience
If you're a tea lover and enjoy sweet treats, then you'll want to check out this article which presents 24 delicious and easy-to-make jam, curd, jelly and preserve recipes that pair perfectly with tea time treats!
The History of Jam for Tea Time
The tradition of serving scones with jam and clotted cream during afternoon tea dates back to 19th century England, and has become a beloved culinary tradition that is enjoyed by people all over the world. The combination of sweet, fruity jam and rich, creamy clotted cream perfectly complements the crumbly texture of the scone, making it a true tea-time delicacy.
Jam and clotted cream were often served alongside scones to add sweetness and richness to the plain bread-like pastry.The popularity of scones with jam and clotted cream spread quickly, and it soon became a staple of afternoon tea menus across the country. The combination of sweet, fruity jam and rich, creamy clotted cream perfectly complements the crumbly texture of the scone. In fact, many people believe that the combination of jam and clotted cream is what makes scones truly delicious.
24 Delicious Jam and Preserve Recipes for Your Afternoon Tea
If you're looking for some inspiration for your next tea party or just want to elevate your scone game, we've compiled a list of 24 delicious jam and preserve recipes that are perfect for serving with your homemade scones and for adding some sweet variety to your afternoon tea.
1. Refrigerator Blueberry Earl Grey Jam
Refrigerator Blueberry Earl Grey Jam by Brunch & Batter
Oh, you simply must try this Blueberry and Earl Grey Jam! It's got this lovely sweet taste with just a hint of floral notes from the bergamot in the fragrant Earl grey. And the best part is, it's so easy to make refrigerator jam - no need for canning equipment or sterilization. Trust me, it's the perfect addition to any afternoon tea and scone pairing - the tartness of the blueberries just complements the sweetness of the scones so perfectly!
2. Wild Rose Petal Jam
Wild Rose Petal Jam by Frolic and Fare
Have you ever tasted Wild Rose Petal Jam made with strawberries? It's a beautiful blend of floral and fruity flavors that's simply divine! And when paired with an afternoon tea and scones or a hot cup of tea (perhaps a hot rose latte!), the delicate flavor of the rose petals really shines through, making for a truly enchanting experience.
3. Easy 4 Ingredient Watermelon Jam
Easy 4 Ingredient Watermelon Jam by Vegan in the Freezer
This Easy Watermelon Jam recipe is an unexpected delight - it has a subtly sweet and refreshing taste that's perfect for summertime! Whether you're enjoying it at an afternoon tea, adding it to summer recipes, or spreading it on toast alongside a refreshing glass of iced tea or a deliciously cooling watermelon and mint agua fresca, watermelon jam is a delicious addition to any summer spread!
4. Apple Jam
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this homemade apple jam recipe, the perfect accompaniment for your afternoon tea and scones. This recipe showcases the natural sweetness and aromatic essence of fresh apples, creating a luscious spread bursting with fruity goodness. The slightly tart undertones beautifully complement the warm, buttery scones. For a harmonious pairing, consider serving this homemade apple jam with a fragrant Earl Grey tea, as the citrusy notes of bergamot in the tea complement the apple flavors exquisitely, creating a truly memorable tea-time experience.
5. Small Batch Bourbon Peach Jam
Small Batch Bourbon Peach Jam by The Simple Sweet Life
Bourbon Peach Jam is a real treat for the taste buds - the sweetness of the peaches is balanced perfectly by the rich, smoky flavor of the bourbon. This jam would be the perfect addition to a cozy autumnal tea time, where it could be paired with warm, spiced teas and hearty treats like freshly-baked biscuits or flaky pastries.
6. Basil Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
Basil Strawberry Rhubarb Jam by Recipes From a Pantry
Basil Strawberry Rhubarb Jam has a fresh and herbaceous taste that perfectly balances the sweetness of the strawberries and the tartness of the rhubarb. This jam would be an ideal accompaniment to a summertime tea time, where it could be paired with light, refreshing teas like mint or lemon verbena, and sweet treats like shortbread cookies or fruit tarts.
7. Microwave Lemon Curd
Microwave Lemon Curd by Kelly Neil
Microwave Lemon Curd is a quick and easy way to create a tangy and sweet spread that's perfect for slathering on warm scones. When paired with a dollop of rich, velvety clotted cream, it transforms into the perfect cream tea treat that's sure to delight your taste buds with its zesty and creamy flavors.
8. Blueberry Sage Ginger Jam
Blueberry Sage Ginger Jam by Recipezazz
This Blueberry Sage and Ginger Jam has a deliciously unique flavor profile that's both sweet and savory, with just the right amount of spice from the ginger. This jam would be the perfect addition to a cozy winter tea time, where it could be paired with robust, warming teas like chai or Earl Grey, and hearty treats like gingerbread cookies or warm, buttery scones.
9. Wild Dandelion Jelly
Wild Dandelion Jelly by Hilda’s Kitchen Blog
Wild Dandelion Jelly just like this recipe has a subtle, delicate flavor that's both floral and earthy, and pairs beautifully with afternoon tea and treats. The lightness of the jelly makes it a perfect accompaniment to lighter teas, like green or white tea, and it complements sweet treats like shortbread cookies or tea cakes, without being overly sugary.
You may also like: The Health Benefits of Dandelion Tea
10. Fig Preserves Recipe with Vanilla
Fig Preserves Recipe with Vanilla by Cooking on the Weekends
Fig preserves with vanilla have a unique and indulgent taste that's both sweet and savory. They pair beautifully with a wide variety of teas, from black tea to herbal blends, and go especially well with treats like buttery croissants, warm scones, and creamy cheeses. Trust me, one taste and you'll be hooked!
11. Lemon Honey Marmalade
Lemon Honey Marmalade by the Honest Spoonful
Marmalade just like this recipe for Lemon Honey Marmalade has a zesty, tangy flavor that's balanced perfectly by the sweetness of the honey, making it a delicious addition to any breakfast toast. And when paired with breakfast tea first thing in the morning, it's a refreshing and invigorating way to start the day!
12. Small Batch Strawberry Champagne Jam
Small Batch Strawberry Champagne Jam by The Simple Sweet Life
Strawberry Champagne Jam just like this small batch recipe, has a luxurious taste that's both sweet and sophisticated, making it the perfect addition to a royal afternoon tea. Made in small batches, it has a rich and decadent flavor that pairs beautifully with black teas, like Darjeeling or English Breakfast, and indulgent treats like chocolate truffles or delicate petit fours.
13. Plum Jam
Plum Jam by Spice Cravings
Making Plum Jam without peeling them and without pectin is surprisingly easy, and it results in a jam with a delightfully rustic texture and robust flavor. This homemade jam pairs well with a wide variety of treats, from flaky croissants to hearty whole-grain bread, and is a perfect addition to a cozy breakfast or a afternoon tea time spread.
14. Easy Apricot Vanilla Jam
Easy Apricot and Vanilla Jam by Waiting for Blancmange
Making Apricot and Vanilla Jam is surprisingly simple, and the resulting jam has a deliciously complex flavor that's both sweet and sophisticated. This jam pairs perfectly with tea time treats from delicate butter cookies to hearty scones, and it's especially well-suited to warm, sunny days in late spring or early summer, when the fresh flavors of apricot and vanilla are at their best.
15. Healthy Homemade Summer Mixed Berry Jam
Healthy Homemade Summer Mixed Berry Jam by xoxo Bella
Making Summer Mixed Berry Jam is a fun and rewarding project that results in a jam bursting with the vibrant flavors of summer. This jam is the perfect complement to a summer afternoon tea party in a garden setting, with pitchers of iced tea and a spread of delicate sandwiches, fresh fruit, and decadent pastries.
16. Pineapple Jam
Pineapple Jam by Three Olives Branch
Pineapple Jam has a bright, tropical and sunny flavor that's both sweet and tangy, making it a perfect complement to a wide variety of tea time treats. This jam pairs beautifully with buttery croissants, coconutty scones, and delicate shortbread cookies, and it's especially well-suited to enjoying with a light and refreshing tea like green tea or jasmine tea.
17. Date Jam
Date Jam by Aubrey’s Kitchen
This healthy natural Date Jam made with medjool dates has a rich, caramel-like flavor that's both indulgent and healthy. This versatile jam is perfect for spreading on scones, toast, or even drizzling over a bowl of yogurt or oatmeal for an indulgent and nutritious afternoon tea treat.
18. Huckleberry Jam
Easy Homemade Huckleberry Jam Recipe by The Typical Mom
This Huckleberry Jam is naturally sweetened with agave and has a rich, fruity flavor that's both sweet and tangy. This jam is a perfect addition to any season, but it works especially well in the late summer and early fall, when the huckleberries are at their peak ripeness and the weather is starting to cool off.
19. Pomegranate Curd
Pomegranate Curd by Waiting for Blancmange
Using pomegranate for making curd, just like this recipe for Pomegranate Curd, is a delicious alternative to lemon, with a slightly tart and sweet flavor that's perfect for spreading on scones at afternoon tea. Pomegranate curd pairs beautifully with the light sweetness of scones and the tangy creaminess of clotted cream, making for a delightful and unexpected treat.
20. Easy Fig Jam with Ruby Port
Easy Fig Jam with Ruby Port by What a Girl Eats
Making Fig Jam with Ruby Port is a great way to add a touch of savory richness to afternoon tea time. The jam has a deep, complex flavor that's perfect for cheese boards, and pairs well with a variety of different cheeses, from tangy goat cheese to sharp cheddar.
21. Kumquat Jam Recipe
Easy Kumquat Jam Recipe by Christina’s Cucina
Making this Easy Kumquat Jam without pectin is a delightful way to use up these tangy little fruits, and it pairs beautifully with buttery croissants and a cup of aromatic Earl Grey tea.
22. Honey Fig Jam
Small Batch Honey Fig Jam by Flavor the Moments
This recipe for Honey Fig Jam with coconut sugar, honey and vanilla is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional jams. It pairs perfectly with a cheese board, breakfast waffles, or fruity scones for a delightful afternoon tea treat. Try it with a cup of Darjeeling tea to balance out the sweetness.
23. Pumpkin Jam with Spices
Easy Pumpkin Jam with Spices by Give Recipe
Pumpkin Jam is a cozy and comforting addition to fall time afternoon tea. Its warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor make it the perfect spread for fresh fruit scones, especially when paired with a hot pumpkin spiced tea latte.
24. Cranberry Orange Jam for Christmas
Cranberry Orange Jam by Sugar Yums
Making a Christmas Jam with Cranberry and Orange is a delightful way to add some holiday cheer to your afternoon tea spread. This tangy and sweet jam pairs perfectly with scones, toast, and a warm cup of spiced tea such as a masala chai latte.
Try Making Your Own Jam for Afternoon Tea!
Scones with jam and clotted cream are a beloved tea-time tradition that has stood the test of time. Making your own jams and preserves is a fun and rewarding activity that allows you to experiment with unique flavor combinations and impress your guests with homemade treats. With these 24 delicious jam and preserve recipes, you'll have plenty of options to choose from and create the perfect pairing for your scones and tea. Whether you prefer classic flavors like strawberry and raspberry or more unique combinations like apricot and vanilla or strawberry and basil, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and elevate your afternoon tea experience.
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