Before diving into making apple jelly jam, consider how you can enjoy it. This simple yet delightful spread complements many dishes. Use it to liven up breakfast. Slather it on toast, pancakes, or waffles for a sweet start to your day.
You can stir it into yogurt or oatmeal for added flavor and sweetness, turning a mundane meal into something special.
Apple jelly is also fantastic with cheese. Pair it with sharp cheddar or creamy brie. The combination creates a balance of sweet and savory, perfect for a sophisticated snack.
Even better, mix it into savory dishes, like a glaze for roasted meats or as a drizzle over grilled chicken.
With that in mind, let’s step into the wonderful world of making easy apple jelly jam.
Today, I want to share a recipe that is deceptively simple yet a true crowd-pleaser: easy apple jelly jam. There’s something about the sweetness of apples and the tang of lemon that simply sings joy.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to spread on your breakfast toast, this jam brings happiness to the table.
So, gather your ingredients and let’s get started!
What is Easy Apple Jelly Jam?
Easy apple jelly jam is a fruit spread made primarily from apples, sugar, and pectin. It’s smooth, sweet, and has a delightful apple flavor. What sets it apart from regular jam is its jelly-like consistency.
When you spread it on your bread, it glides on like a dream. The process of making this jelly is all about capturing the fresh apple essence and transforming it into a lovely spreadable treat.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor profile of apple jelly jam is a delightful harmony of sweetness and a touch of tanginess, thanks to the addition of lemon juice. You’ll taste the natural sweetness of apples complemented by a slight zest.
Additionally, if you decide to add a hint of cinnamon, you’ll get subtle warm spice notes that elevate the overall taste experience.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Easy Apple Jelly Jams?
What makes this easy apple jelly jam recipe stand out is its simplicity and the use of few ingredients. Many apple jelly recipes can be overly complicated, but this one streamlines the process without sacrificing taste.
I’ve perfected this recipe over years of experimenting in my kitchen. Every batch has turned out consistently delicious, and I know you’ll love it too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your apple jelly jam, gather the following ingredients:
- 7 ½ cups of granulated white sugar
- 1 (2-ounce) packet of fruit pectin powder
- 3 ½ pounds of fresh apples, peeled and chopped into small pieces
- 3 cups of filtered water, or as needed
- ½ teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by washing, peeling, and chopping your fresh apples into small pieces. You want about 3 ½ pounds for this recipe. The smaller the pieces, the better they will break down.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
Place the chopped apples into a large pot. Add 3 cups of filtered water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the apples are soft and mushy.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
After cooking, use a fine-mesh strainer to separate the juice from the apples. It’s important to extract as much juice as you can, as that’s where all the flavor lies.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a new pot, combine the apple juice and 7 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved. The mixture will be quite sweet but don’t worry; that’s part of what makes it delicious!
Step 5: Add Pectin and Lemon Juice
Sprinkle the pectin powder into the mix while constantly stirring. Bring it to a full rolling boil and add the lemon juice and butter (the butter helps reduce foaming).
Step 6: Boil and Jar
Once boiling, let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. After that, quickly pour the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Seal them with lids.
Step 7: Process the Jars
To ensure preservation, process your jars in a boiling water bath for about 5-10 minutes. This step helps create a vacuum seal that keeps your jelly fresh.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Once processed, remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a clean kitchen towel. Once cooled, check the seals. If the center of the lid pops back when pressed, it hasn’t sealed correctly. Store your jars in a cool, dark place.
Tips on Making Easy Apple Jelly Jam
Here are five handy tips to ensure your apple jelly jam turns out perfectly every time:
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples. Granny Smith and Fuji or Honeycrisp work great together.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The acidity from lemon juice helps preserve the color and enhances the flavor of the jelly.
- Avoid Overcooking: Watch your boil time closely. Overcooking can lead to a jelly that’s too firm.
- Use Sterilized Jars: Always sterilize your jars and lids to prevent any spoilage.
- Label and Date: Once your jelly is cool, label each jar with the date. This tips you off on freshness and helps you keep track of your delicious stash!
How Can I Store This Easy Apple Jelly Jam?
To store your apple jelly jam, keep it in a cool, dark space like a pantry or cupboard. If you’ve opened a jar, store it in the refrigerator. Homemade jelly can typically last for about a year if sealed properly. Once opened, use it within a few weeks for the best flavor.
Substitutes for Ingredients
Sometimes we run out of ingredients when we want to make something delicious. Here are some possible substitutes:
- Sugar: If you’re looking for a healthier option, opt for honey or agave syrup. They can add a unique flavor, but do adjust the quantity since they are sweeter than sugar.
- Pectin: If you don’t have pectin, you can use cornstarch as a thickener. Use about 2 tablespoons mixed with water to make a slurry.
- Apples: Don’t have fresh apples? Use canned apple slices in juice, but make sure to reduce the added sugar because they are already sweet.
- Butter: If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or leave it out. The butter is mainly for reducing foam during cooking, so omitting it is perfectly fine.
Easy Apple Jelly Jam Recipe
Equipment
- jars
Ingredients
- 7 ½ cups of granulated white sugar
- 1 2-ounce packet of fruit pectin powder
- 3 ½ pounds of fresh apples peeled and chopped into small pieces
- 3 cups of filtered water or as needed
- ½ teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Start by washing, peeling, and chopping your fresh apples into small pieces. You want about 3 ½ pounds for this recipe. The smaller the pieces, the better they will break down.
- Place the chopped apples into a large pot. Add 3 cups of filtered water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the apples are soft and mushy.
- After cooking, use a fine-mesh strainer to separate the juice from the apples. It’s important to extract as much juice as you can, as that’s where all the flavor lies.
- In a new pot, combine the apple juice and 7 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved. The mixture will be quite sweet but don’t worry; that’s part of what makes it delicious!
- Sprinkle the pectin powder into the mix while constantly stirring. Bring it to a full rolling boil and add the lemon juice and butter (the butter helps reduce foaming).
- Once boiling, let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. After that, quickly pour the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Seal them with lids.
- To ensure preservation, process your jars in a boiling water bath for about 5-10 minutes. This step helps create a vacuum seal that keeps your jelly fresh.
- Once processed, remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a clean kitchen towel. Once cooled, check the seals. If the center of the lid pops back when pressed, it hasn’t sealed correctly. Store your jars in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples. Granny Smith and Fuji or Honeycrisp work great together.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The acidity from lemon juice helps preserve the color and enhances the flavor of the jelly.
- Avoid Overcooking: Watch your boil time closely. Overcooking can lead to a jelly that’s too firm.
- Use Sterilized Jars: Always sterilize your jars and lids to prevent any spoilage.
- Label and Date: Once your jelly is cool, label each jar with the date. This tips you off on freshness and helps you keep track of your delicious stash!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Making easy apple jelly jam is a rewarding experience. You not only create a delicious treat but also take part in a time-honored tradition. As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I can assure you that this recipe is straightforward and filled with potential for deliciousness.
So, whether you’re spreading it on toast, pairing it with cheese, or using it as a glaze, this apple jelly will surely enhance your meals. Plus, it makes for a wonderful gift for family and friends.
Now, roll up your sleeves and embrace the joy of crafting your own apple jelly jam. You won’t regret it!
