Description
This ultimate apple jam recipe transforms fresh apples into a homemade preserve bursting with flavor. With just apples, sugar, and lemon juice, you’ll create a versatile spread perfect for toast, baking, cheese boards, and more. A simple, rewarding recipe for sweet success!
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 lbs fresh apples (about 16 cups diced; mix Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- Optional: honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar as substitutes
Instructions
- Peel, core, and dice apples into 1/4–1/2-inch pieces.
- Place apples in a bowl, sprinkle with sugar and lemon juice, stir, and refrigerate 4–24 hours.
- Drain macerated fruit into a heavy-bottomed pot, reserving liquid.
- Boil the liquid until syrupy, then add drained apples.
- Cook on medium-high for 20–30 minutes, stirring to prevent scorching.
- Test consistency on a cold plate. Jam should hold its shape and not run.
- Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and seal with lids.
- Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, then cool completely on a towel-lined surface.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place up to 18 months. Refrigerate after opening.
Notes
Mix sweet and tart apple varieties for best results. Overnight maceration enhances flavor and texture. Always sterilize jars and follow safe canning procedures for long-term storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (20g)
- Calories: 188
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.03g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: apple jam, homemade preserves, fruit jam, canning recipe, apple spread