Homemade Apple Pie Jam Recipe: Sweet Simplicity in a Jar

three jars of Apple Pie Jam In a Jar On the Counter.

There’s something magical about turning fresh apples into a jar of sweet, delicious jam. This simple homemade apple jam recipe is perfect for preserving the flavors of the season and is a fun activity to share with your kids. Plus, it’s a great way to teach them about cooking and the science of preservation. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 cups of apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work great, fresh apples taste the best!)
2 cups of white sugar or brown sugar (you could also try honey for a natural alternative)
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth

Kitchen Tools Required

Large pot with a high-heat canning rack
Half-pint jars
Flat lids and screw bands
Wooden spoon
Potato masher or immersion blender
Water bath canner
Canning tongs

Step-by-Step Your Apple Pie Jam

1. Prepare Your Apples

Start by washing and peeling the apples into small pieces, making sure to remove the cores and any seeds. It can seem like a lot of apples at first, but the apple mixture will boil down.

up close photo of cut up apples with a wooden spoon immersed on the right

2. Cook the Jam

In a big pot, combine the apples, sugar, spices and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the apples are soft and the sugar dissolves.

3. Blend the Mixture

Use an immersion blender for a smooth consistency jam or a potato masher for a jam with fruity chunks. This part is always my daughter’s favorite part to help with!

If you’re planning on eating your jam right away, go ahead and let it cool and enjoy! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or even in the freezer for up to 3 months.

This jam is delicious on a piece of morning toast or even on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Canning Your Jam

If this is your first time canning, I encourage you to take a peak at Canada’s Home Canning Safety Guide.

1. Prepare Your Jars

First, wash the lids and rings and set them aside (no need to boil them). Next, wash jars with hot soapy water and fill your water bath canner with water. Set it on high heat and bring it to a full boil. Using your canning tongs, immerse your jars into the boiling water for 10 minutes.

2. Can Your Jam

Using your canning tongs, lift the jars out of the canner and set them on the counter.(Be careful of the hot water). Carefully pour the hot jam into the hot jars, leaving a 1-inch headspace at the top.

Use a butter knife to remove any air bubbles by dipping it into the jar 3-4 times.

Wipe jar rims with a clean cloth and seal the jars fingertip tight. (This means you only tighten the jars using your fingertips and not your whole hand.)

Use your trusty canning tongs again to lower your jars of jam into the canner. Adjust the water level to be sure the tops of the jars are at least 2 inches below the water level. Place the lid on and bring to a full rolling boil for 25 minutes.

When the time is up, take your jars out and carefully set them on the counter. Let them cool to room temperature and sit for 24 hours before adding them to your pantry.

Tips for Perfect Apple Jam

Consistency Check: Place a small spoonful of jam on a plate and chill it in the freezer for 1 minute. If it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready!
Storage: Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening.
Fun Variations: Add a handful of cranberries or a dash of vanilla extract for unique flavors.

Homemade Apple Jam Recipe

This homemade apple pie jam recipe is a favorite in our home. It's delicious on a piece of toast or even a bowl of vanilla ice cream! Try not to eat it all right away!

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Servings 4 Jars

Ingredients

4 Cups Apples
2 Cups White or Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
1 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Pinch Nutmeg

Instructions

Wash and peel the apples into small pieces, make sure to remove the cores and any seeds.
Cook the Jam
In a big pot, combine the apples, sugar, spices and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the apples are soft and the sugar dissolves.
Blend the Mixture
Use an immersion blender for a smooth consistency jam or a potato masher for a jam with lots of fruity chunks!
If you’re planning on eating your jam right away, go ahead and let it cool and enjoy! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or even in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Canning Your Jam
Prepare Your Jars
First, wash the lids and rings and set them aside. Next, wash jars with hot soapy water and fill your water bath canner with water. Set it on high heat and bring it to a full boil. Using your canning tongs, immerse your jars into the boiling water for 10 minutes.
Can Your Jam
Using your canning tongs, lift the jars out of the canner, empty and set them on the counter. (Be careful of the hot water). Carefully pour the hot jam into the hot jars, leaving a 1-inch headspace at the top.
Use a butter knife to remove any air bubbles by dipping it into the jar 3-4 times. Wipe jar rims with a clean cloth and seal the jars fingertip tight. (This means you only tighten the jars using your fingertips and not your whole hand.)
Use your trusty canning tongs again to lower your jars of jam into the canner. Adjust the water level to be sure the tops of the jars are at least 2 inches below the water level. Place the lid on and bring to a full rolling boil for 25 minutes.
When the time is up, take your jars out and carefully set them on the counter. Let them cool to room temperature and sit for 24 hours before adding them to your pantry.

Healthier Options for Your Jam

If you’re looking to reduce sugar without sacrificing flavor, try using low-sugar pectin or natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. These options allow you to maintain the sweetness while making a jam that fits healthier eating goals. Additionally, adding a small amount of fruit juice (such as apple or grape) can enhance the flavor and help balance sweetness naturally.

Another great tip? Use apples with higher natural pectin levels, such as Granny Smiths, to help thicken the jam without relying heavily on added sugar or commercial thickeners.

Make It a Family Activity

Involve your kids in the process! Younger children can help wash apples or stir the pot (with supervision), while older ones can measure ingredients or design labels for the jars. It’s a hands-on way to teach life skills and create cherished memories.

Looking to make this experience even more fun? Set up a “jam day tradition” in your household. Each year, have your family vote on different fruit combinations to try, or experiment with adding spices like cardamom, ginger, or cloves to create signature family flavors.

Enjoy your homemade apple jam on toast, pancakes, or even as a topping for yogurt. Share this recipe with friends or gift a jar to someone special—because nothing says “home” like a jar of homemade goodness!

Take a look at some of our other recipes!