Description
A warmly spiced, spreadable apple jam that tastes just like apple pie. Perfect for fall mornings, toast, or holiday gifting.
Ingredients
6 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn recommended)
1/4 cup bottled lemon juice
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 box (1.75 oz) regular powdered pectin
4 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
1. Wash jars, lids, and rings in hot soapy water. Place jars in a canner filled with water, bring to 180°F, and keep warm. Heat lids in hot (not boiling) water.
2. Peel, core, and dice apples into ¼-inch pieces to yield about 6 cups. Optionally toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine apples, lemon juice, and spices. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 10–15 minutes until apples soften.
4. Stir in pectin and bring mixture to a full, rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.
5. Add all sugar at once. Return to a full rolling boil and boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Test for gel set using a cold plate. If the jam wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready. If not, boil another 30 seconds and retest.
7. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes to distribute fruit. Ladle jam into hot jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and wipe rims clean.
8. Apply lids and rings fingertip tight. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (plus 1 minute per 1,000 feet elevation).
9. Turn off heat, let jars sit in water 5 minutes, then remove. Cool jars on towel-lined surface for 12–24 hours. Check for seals before storing.
Notes
Use high-pectin apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best gel and texture.
Avoid Red Delicious or Gala apples, which are low in pectin and may lead to runny or mushy jam.
Regular powdered pectin is used for reliable set; don’t substitute with low-sugar pectin without adjusting the recipe.
Don’t skip the lemon juice—it’s essential for safety and helps ensure proper acidity for water bath canning.
Sterilize your jars and keep them hot to avoid temperature shock when filling.
Jam should wrinkle slightly on a cold plate when tested—this means it’s ready to jar!
This jam makes excellent gifts and pairs beautifully with buttered toast, oatmeal, or even pork chops.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American