13 Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Jam or Fruit Preserves

I’ll admit it—I’ve always been a sucker for fancy jams and fruit preserves. Whether it’s a jar of homemade raspberry preserves from a friend or an impulse purchase of that artisanal fig jam at the farmer’s market, I’ve accumulated a small collection of half-used jars in my fridge.

And if you’re like me, you probably have a few of those jars too. They get tucked behind the mustard and salad dressing, forgotten until they’re too far gone.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different ways to use up those leftover jams and fruit preserves, and today I’m going to share what I’ve learned.

It happens to the best of us. You open a jar of jam for a Sunday brunch, spread a few spoonfuls on toast, and then the jar sits.

Or you buy that big jar of preserves on sale, only to realize you’ll never get through it all. The reasons are simple: jam is one of those things you use sparingly, and a little goes a long way.

But here’s the good news: jam and fruit preserves are incredibly versatile, and with a bit of creativity, you can transform those leftovers into something delicious and exciting.

1. Swirl into Yogurt or Oatmeal

Whenever I’m rushing in the morning and don’t have time to think about toppings, I grab a jar of jam.

I scoop out a spoonful—whatever flavor I have on hand—and swirl it into my plain Greek yogurt or hot oatmeal. The jam adds a burst of natural sweetness and fruitiness, giving plain yogurt a lift and making oatmeal feel luxurious.

For oatmeal, I’ve found that stirring the jam in while the oats are still steaming hot helps it melt into every bite. You can even create a marbled effect by adding the jam at the last minute and gently swirling it through.

Yogurt is equally versatile. I’ll often layer yogurt and jam in a glass jar, adding granola or nuts for crunch. The result? A parfait that looks fancy but takes minutes to throw together—and it’s a great way to use up small amounts of jam.

2. Glaze for Roasted Meats

One of the most unexpectedly delicious ways I’ve used leftover jam is as a glaze for meat. It might sound fancy, but it’s incredibly easy.

All you need is a few tablespoons of jam, a splash of something acidic (like balsamic vinegar or lemon juice), a little olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Mix it all and brush it onto pork, chicken, or salmon during the last 10–15 minutes of roasting.

The sugars in the jam caramelize beautifully, creating a glossy, flavorful crust. Apricot and peach jams work particularly well here, but I’ve also used raspberry and cherry preserves for a more vibrant glaze.

Once, I even used fig jam mixed with balsamic and rosemary on a pork tenderloin—it was a hit at dinner.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations. The sweet and savory contrast can elevate a simple weeknight meal into something special.

3. Make a Quick Salad Dressing

Instead, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil, a splash of vinegar (balsamic, red wine, or apple cider all work), a pinch of salt, and some mustard for emulsification. Then, put the lid on the jar and shake it vigorously.

The result is a vibrant, fruit-infused vinaigrette perfect for dressing up greens. I especially love using fig jam for this—it pairs beautifully with arugula, goat cheese, and toasted nuts. Strawberry or raspberry preserves also work well for a sweeter dressing.

Not only does this make a flavorful dressing, but it’s also a clever way to clean out that sticky jar. Just shake and pour.

4. Bake into Thumbprint Cookies or Bars

When I’m in the mood for baking—or when I have a lot of jam to use up—thumbprint cookies and jam bars are my go-to. They’re simple to make and let the jam take center stage.

For thumbprint cookies, I make a basic butter cookie dough, roll it into small balls, press my thumb into each one, and fill the indent with a spoonful of jam. They bake into tender, buttery bites with a pop of fruity flavor in the middle.

Jam bars are another favorite. I press two-thirds of a simple shortbread dough into a pan, spread a generous layer of jam over it, and crumble the remaining dough on top. Bake until golden, and you have a dessert that’s perfect for snacking or sharing.

This works with any jam flavor—strawberry, apricot, blackberry—and it’s a fantastic way to use up half a jar or more.

5. Fillings for Cakes or Pastries

Jam makes a fantastic filling for cakes, cupcakes, and pastries. I’ve used raspberry preserves between layers of vanilla cake, where it adds a bright, fruity contrast to the rich buttercream. Apricot jam works beautifully as a filling for Danish pastries or as a glaze on fruit tarts.

For a simple cake filling, I just spread a thin layer of jam between the cake layers before frosting. It adds moisture and a pop of color and flavor.

If you’re making croissants or turnovers, dollop a spoonful of jam into the center of the dough before folding and baking. The heat transforms the jam into a molten center that’s irresistible.

You can even brush warmed jam over the top of pastries as a shiny glaze, giving them a bakery-worthy finish.

6. Mix into Homemade Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt

If you’re making homemade ice cream or frozen yogurt, consider adding swirls of jam just before freezing. It creates beautiful ribbons of fruitiness and adds a pop of color and flavor.

Even if you’re using store-bought vanilla ice cream, you can soften it slightly, fold in a few spoonfuls of jam, and refreeze. It transforms plain ice cream into something special without a lot of effort.

My personal favorite is mixing strawberry or raspberry jam into homemade frozen yogurt for a tangy-sweet treat. The contrast between the creamy base and the fruity swirls is unbeatable.

7. Use on a Cheese Board

Jam is a natural companion to cheese. A little dish of fruit preserves adds both visual appeal and a sweet counterpoint to savory cheeses.

I’ll often set out a cheese board with a selection of cheeses (like brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar), some crusty bread, crackers, and a couple of jam jars.

Fig, quince, or apricot jams are especially good here, but even classic strawberry works if you’re pairing it with soft cheeses.

You can also add nuts, grapes, and a drizzle of honey for an elegant touch.

8. Stir into Cocktails or Mocktails

Jam can be a great way to add sweetness and flavor to drinks.

Muddle a spoonful of jam with lemon or lime juice in a cocktail shaker, then add your favorite spirit and shake with ice. Or mix jam with sparkling water and a squeeze of citrus for a refreshing, non-alcoholic mocktail.

I’ve tried this with raspberry jam and gin for a twist on a bramble cocktail, and it was fantastic.

Strawberry or peach jam works beautifully in vodka or rum-based drinks. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a fun way to use up even small amounts of jam.

9. Top Pancakes, Waffles, or French Toast

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Instead of reaching for maple syrup, try warming up some leftover jam and drizzling it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast. You can thin it with a little water or orange juice if it’s too thick.

The jam adds a burst of fruity sweetness and pairs perfectly with the buttery richness of these breakfast favorites. I especially love using berry jams for a bright, tangy topping.

10. Make Fruit-Filled Hand Pies

Hand pies are one of my favorite ways to use up multiple jars of jam.

I roll out pie dough, cut it into circles or squares, fill the center with a spoonful of jam, and fold the dough over. Seal the edges, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden.

They’re portable, easy to make, and a great way to clear out the fridge. I like to make a variety of flavors in one batch—apricot, strawberry, and even fig—so there’s something for everyone.

11. Glaze for Roasted Vegetables

This one might surprise you, but brushing a light layer of jam onto roasted vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking creates a caramelized glaze that’s both savory and sweet.

I’ve tried this with carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, and the results are always a hit.

Apricot or peach jam works best for this, but you can experiment with different flavors. The natural sugars in the jam caramelize beautifully, adding depth to the veggies.

12. Add to Marinades

A spoonful of jam can add body and complexity to marinades for meats, tofu, or tempeh.

Mix it with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little oil for an Asian-inspired marinade. Or combine it with mustard, vinegar, and herbs for a more Western-style flavor.

The jam not only adds sweetness but also helps tenderize the protein. I’ve used this trick for chicken skewers and even for baked tofu, and it always turns out flavorful and juicy.

13. Whisk into Whipped Cream or Mascarpone

For a simple yet elegant dessert topping, whisk a spoonful of jam into lightly sweetened whipped cream or mascarpone.

It adds a subtle fruit flavor and a hint of color, perfect for topping cakes, pavlovas, or fresh fruit.

You can adjust the amount of jam depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.

This is one of those easy tricks that make a dessert look and taste fancy without much effort.

Final Thoughts

The next time you find a jar of half-used jam lurking in your fridge, don’t let it go to waste. With just a little creativity, you can transform those leftovers into delicious additions to breakfasts, dinners, snacks, and desserts.

I’ve found that using up leftover jam not only reduces waste but also adds flavor and flair to my everyday cooking.

So, go ahead, take stock of your fridge, pull out those jars, and start experimenting. I promise you’ll discover new favorites along the way.