Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Recipe Difficulty: Easy
Recipe Intensity: Easy
Yield: About 5 cups
Servings: 40 (2 tablespoons per serving)
Course: Breakfast, Condiment, Preserve
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and finely diced apples
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (1.75 ounces) fruit pectin
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar for a richer flavor
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon butter to reduce foaming
- A pinch of allspice for extra warmth
Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan or preserving pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Potato masher (optional)
- Sterilized glass jars with lids
- Ladle
- Jar funnel
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples (20 minutes)
Wash, peel, core, and finely dice the apples into small, even pieces.
Add the diced apples to a large saucepan along with the lemon juice to help prevent browning.
If you prefer a smoother jam, lightly mash some of the apples with a potato masher.
Step 2: Cook the Fruit (15 minutes)
Place the saucepan over medium heat.
Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and optional ginger.
Cook the apples, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin releasing their juices, about 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Pectin (10 minutes)
Stir in the fruit pectin until fully dissolved.
Add the granulated sugar and optional brown sugar.
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
Boil for about one minute after the mixture reaches a full boil.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
If foam develops on the surface, skim it off with a spoon for a clearer jam.
Step 4: Fill the Jars (10 minutes)
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace.
Wipe the jar rims clean and seal with the lids.
If canning for long-term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath according to safe home canning guidelines.
If not canning, allow the jars to cool completely before refrigerating.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the jam to cool completely before serving.
The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.
Spread generously on your favorite breads or use it in desserts and pastries.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Pie Jam is delicious served with:
- Toast
- English muffins
- Biscuits
- Croissants
- Pancakes
- Belgian waffles
- French toast
- Oatmeal
- Yogurt
- Vanilla ice cream
- Cheesecake
- Thumbprint cookies
It also makes an excellent filling for pastries and cakes.
Flavor Profile
This jam captures all the comforting flavors of a traditional apple pie.
Texture
- Thick
- Smooth with tender apple pieces
- Spreadable
Flavor
- Sweet
- Fruity
- Warm cinnamon
- Light vanilla
- Gentle spice
- Bright citrus finish
Each spoonful tastes like homemade apple pie in a convenient spread.
Recipe Tips
- Choose firm apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala for the best texture.
- Dice the apples evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Fresh lemon juice helps balance sweetness and preserve color.
- Adjust the cinnamon to suit your personal taste.
- Allow the jam to cool completely before evaluating its final consistency.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store opened jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Freezer
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months, leaving room for expansion.
Pantry
Properly processed and sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 12 months.
Always refrigerate after opening.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 55
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Total Sugars: 13 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Vitamin C: 2% Daily Value
- Potassium: 35 mg
- Calcium: 1% Daily Value