Description
Homemade apple jam is a delicious and natural fruit preserve made from fresh apples, sugar, and a touch of citrus. This easy-to-make jam is rich in flavor, versatile, and perfect for spreading on toast, mixing into yogurt, or using as a filling for pastries. With no artificial preservatives, this apple jam is a wholesome and tasty way to enjoy the flavors of the season all year round.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Apple Jam:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- 500 g (2 ½ cups) granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash, peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes.
- Cook the Apples: In a large pot, combine apples, water, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat until apples soften (about 10-15 minutes).
- Add Sugar and Spices: Stir in sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Cook for another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mash or Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, mash the apples with a potato masher or blend lightly with an immersion blender.
- Check for Doneness: Test the jam by placing a spoonful on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- Jar the Jam: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Seal tightly.
- Store Properly: If not canning, refrigerate and consume within 3 weeks. If using the water bath canning method, process for 10 minutes and store for up to a year.
Notes
- For a thicker jam, let the apples cook longer to allow natural pectin to develop.
- For a smoother consistency, blend the jam before jarring.
- Adjust sugar depending on the sweetness of the apples.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Spreads
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per 1 Tablespoon Serving
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Apple jam recipe, homemade apple jam, apple preserves, how to make apple jam, easy jam recipe, apple spread