Apple Pie Jam (Canning Recipe)

There’s something magical about spreading this on a warm biscuit on a crisp October morning..all the cozy apple pie taste ready to go. The secret is using apple cider instead of just water, which gives you that deep apple flavor, plus the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that makes your whole house smell like fall.

I love making this canning recipe in the fall and like the thought of having some extra jars made for Christmas gifts. Do I always plan ahead for that? No. But it’s nice to aim for.

What You’ll Need

I used vanilla bean powder, but you can easily use vanilla extract. Just double the amount you use. And Granny Smith apples will give you the best flavor, but you can use whatever apples you have and like.

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ingredients measured out in bowls on counter.

This will make 5 pint jars and is super easy to double or triple. You can make adjustments in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6 cups peeled and diced Granny Smith apples (between 6-7 apples)
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 1.75 oz package powdered pectin
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla bean powder (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups sugar

Instructions

When the mixture is boiling, keep a close eye on it and keep stirring because it can burn easily.

Step One: Get Your Canning Stuff Ready

Wash your jars and put them in the water bath canner with enough water to cover them. Heat that up. Put your lids and rings in a small pot with simmering water.

Step Two: Cook The Apples

Throw your chopped apples, apple cider, and lemon juice in a big pot. Bring it to a boil, then turn it down and simmer for 10 minutes until the apples are soft. Stir it now and then.

pot of apple pieces before and during cooking.

Step Three: Blend Or Don’t

If you want it smooth, blend it with an immersion blender a few times. If you’re fine with it chunky, leave it alone.

immersion blender blending apple mixture.

Step Four: Add The Spices

Whisk in the pectin, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, vanilla, and salt. Turn the heat back up and get it to a hard boil – the kind you can’t stir down.

spices and pectin added to apple mixture in pot.

Step Five: Add The Sugar

Add the sugar and stir it in completely. Get it back to that hard boil and let it go for exactly 1 minute. Stir constantly – this will burn if you don’t.

sugar added and mixed in to mixture.

Step Six: Fill The Jars

Use a canning funnel and fill your jars.

jars being filled with canning funnel, and filled jars on wooden board.

Wipe the rims clean, put the lids on, and tighten the rings fingertip-tight.

four images showing rims wiped clean, lids and rings added.

Step Seven: Process

Put the jars in the boiling water bath for 10 minutes. When time’s up, turn off the heat and let them sit for 5 minutes before taking them out.

sealed jars in canner for processing.

Step Eight: Cool

Let them cool for 12-24 hours, then check that they sealed properly. Remove the rings and store them in a cool, dark spot.

jar being lifted out of canner.

Storage Instructions

Once the jars have cooled and sealed, remove the rings and store them in a cool, dark place for up to 18 months.

If you don’t want to can the jam, you can store the jars in the fridge and use them within 3 weeks. This won’t freeze well because the texture will get watery.

Spread this over your morning toast or give it as a gift. It tastes amazing over a slice of apple cider sourdough bread.

Questions and Troubleshooting

Do I really need to use pectin?

Yes, pectin is what helps the jam set properly. Without it, your jam might be more like a thick sauce. Make sure to use the powdered pectin listed in the recipe.

Can I skip the water bath canning step?

No, not if you want to store the jam for a long time. Canning makes sure that the jars are sealed properly and safe from bacteria. If you don’t can it, store your jars in the fridge and use quickly.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

That’s fine. You can use a regular blender to get the mixture smooth, or just leave it chunky. It’s really just about the texture you want.

three jars of apple pie jam lined up with cinnamon stick and nutmeg in front.

More Apple Recipes You’ll Love This Season

From drinks to dinner, you can use apples in just about anything.

Printable Recipe

Apple Pie Jam

This jam has all the warm and classic apple pie flavors. You'll love this on your toast and it makes a great gift. Makes 5 pint jars.
Print Recipe
jar of apple pie jam laying on counter next to apple and cinnamon sticks.
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Process Time:10 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6 cups peeled and diced Granny Smith apples (between 6-7 apples)
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 1.75 oz package powdered pectin
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla bean powder (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups sugar

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Instructions

  • Prep for canning. Wash your jars with hot, soapy water and then place them in the water bath canner. Fill your canner with water so the jars are fully covered. Place the canner over medium heat. Put your lids and rings in a saucepan with water and simmer on low.
  • Cook fruit. Add the chopped apples, apple cider, and lemon juice to a large pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until the apples become soft. Stir occasionally.
  • Blend (optional). If you want a smooth jam, blend the mixture with an immersion blender 4 or 5 times to break up the apple chunks. If you prefer a chunky jam texture, you can skip this step.
  • Add pectin and spices. Whisk in the pectin, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, vanilla bean powder (or extract), and salt. Turn the heat up to medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, stirring constantly.
  • Add sugar and boil again. Add the sugar, stirring to fully incorporate into the apple mixture. Return mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly (the mixture can burn so don’t leave this unattended).
  • Ladle into jars. Carefully fill jars with jam using a canning funnel.
  • Wipe rims and fasten lids. Wipe down the jar rims with a damp towel. Place the lids and rings on the jars, tightening the rings so they’re fingertip-tight.
  • Process. Place the jars in the water bath canner. Cover and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is fully boiling, set a timer for 10 minutes (adjusting for altitude).
  • Cool and check seals. After 10 minutes, turn off the heat, remove the lid, and let the jars sit in the water bath canner for 5 minutes. Remove the jars from the canner, place them on a heat-proof rack, and let them cool for 12-24 hours.
    After 24 hours check the jars for a proper seal. Once a proper seal has been confirmed, remove the rings and store the jars in a cool dark place for up to 18 months (depending on your lids manufacturer’s recommendation).

Nutrition

Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 0.02g | Fat: 0.02g | Saturated Fat: 0.003g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.004g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 8mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.02mg
Servings: 160
Calories: 15kcal
Author: Katie Shaw

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