Apple Pie Jam is the ultimate spoonable comfort food—a gloriously spiced preserve that takes all the nostalgia of fresh-baked apple pie and tucks it into a jar. Every bite bursts with tender apple chunks and a velvety, cinnamon-scented syrup, perfect for spreading on hot toast, topping pancakes, or simply enjoying by the spoonful. Whether you’re preserving the tail end of apple season or just craving that autumn flavor year-round, this jam is a celebration of simple ingredients and cozy moments. If you adore apple pie, you’re about to fall in love with its jammy cousin!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Apple Pie Jam is how it uses pantry staples to re-create the warmth and charm of a classic pie. Each ingredient not only pulls its weight but also brings something special to the table—think sweetness, texture, and those irresistible pie spices.

Golden Delicious Apples: Their sweetness and soft texture make them ideal for a jam that’s luscious, never mushy—aim for 2½ to 3 pounds, or about 4–5 large apples.
Water: Just enough to gently cook down the apples and coax out their natural juiciness.
Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness, preservation, and giving the jam its glossy sheen.
Butter: A touch of butter helps reduce foaming and adds a subtleness that rounds out the flavors.
Sure-Jell Liquid Pectin: This is the magic that gives the jam its perfect set and that satisfying, spoonable texture.
Apple Pie Spice: The spice blend that turns simple apple jam into Apple Pie Jam—cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove in one little spoonful.

How to Make Apple Pie Jam

Step 1: Prep Your Apples

Start by coring, peeling, and slicing the apples. You’ll want about 2 pounds of cut apples when you’re finished. Take your time here—the more evenly you slice, the more delightfully chunky your final Apple Pie Jam will be. Many people find this step to be surprisingly therapeutic!

Step 2: Cook the Apples

Place your prepared apples and the water into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir frequently and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the apples are fork-tender and fragrant. If you peek under the lid, you’ll notice a gentle apple steam filling your kitchen with pure fall coziness.

Step 3: Drain (If Needed)

You should now have about 4½ cups of beautifully cooked apples. If there’s any extra water left in the pot, go ahead and drain it—most of the time, almost all the water will have cooked off. The goal is juicy, not soggy!

Step 4: Add Sugar and Butter

Turn the burner to high. Stir in the granulated sugar and butter; keep stirring constantly as the mixture returns to a full, rollicking boil. This step is where the magic (and that lovely apple pie aroma) really begins.

Step 5: Add the Pectin

With everything bubbling, squeeze in the Sure-Jell Liquid Pectin, making sure to keep stirring. Let the jam boil hard for one full minute. The pectin is what sets your jam to that quintessential spreadable consistency—don’t rush this part!

Step 6: Skim and Spice

Remove the pot from the heat. Skim off any foamy bubbles that have formed on top (that tiny pat of butter keeps this to a minimum). Finally, gently fold in the apple pie spice, stirring just enough to blend without breaking up the apple pieces. You’ll instantly catch those classic pie spices wafting up!

Step 7: Jar the Jam

Ladle your hot Apple Pie Jam into 6 or 7 warm, sterilized half-pint jars, leaving about a 1/4-inch headspace. Use a chopstick or butter knife to remove any air bubbles and top off jars if needed. Wipe the rims, apply lids, and screw on bands until just finger-tight. You’re officially a home canner!

Step 8: Process and Cool

Place the filled jars into a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes. When the timer’s up, turn off the heat and let the jars sit for another 5 minutes before gently removing them. Set jars aside to cool completely. The jam will thicken beautifully as it reaches room temperature, locking in all that apple pie goodness.

How to Serve Apple Pie Jam

Garnishes

A little goes a long way when making your Apple Pie Jam look as lovely as it tastes. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or grate a little fresh nutmeg on top of a spoonful. For added flair, a paper-thin apple slice or a crumble of oat streusel can boost both texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve this jam with warm, crusty bread, flaky biscuits, or toasted English muffins for a classic pairing. It’s pure magic on pancakes, waffles, or a thick slab of French toast. For a sweet-savory contrast, try it alongside sharp cheddar cheese or as a compliment to roast pork.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon Apple Pie Jam over vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for an instant dessert. Swirl it through oatmeal, spread it on thumbprint cookies, or use as a dreamy cake filling. Tuck a cute jar into a holiday gift basket with some homemade scones and a cinnamon stick for a truly heartfelt present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once opened, keep your Apple Pie Jam tightly sealed in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three weeks. Make sure to use a clean spoon each time to help it last even longer. The deeply spiced flavor only improves over the first couple of days!

Freezing

This jam freezes like a dream! Pour any extra into clean plastic containers or freezer-safe jars, leaving at least 1/2-inch headspace to allow for expansion. Stored this way, your Apple Pie Jam will be ready to enjoy for up to six months—just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you like your Apple Pie Jam slightly warm (especially for drizzling on pancakes or ice cream), simply microwave a small portion in a bowl for 10-15 seconds, or warm it gently in a small saucepan on the stove over low heat. Stir well, and enjoy it gooey and golden!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this jam?

Absolutely! While Golden Delicious apples bring natural sweetness and a tender bite, feel free to try Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples. Just note that tarter apples (like Granny Smith) may need a touch more sugar, and firmer apples will keep their shape more in the finished jam.

Is it possible to make Apple Pie Jam without pectin?

Pectin gives this recipe its perfectly spreadable texture, but if you don’t have any, you can simmer the jam longer until it thickens naturally. Just keep in mind you’ll need extra patience, and your jam might be a little softer and less “set” than the classic version.

Can I adjust the spice blend?

Of course! One of the joys of homemade jam is making it your own. Try more cinnamon for a classic warmth, or experiment with hints of cardamom or ginger for a spicier twist. Always taste as you go so you get the perfect balance for your palate.

How do I tell if my jars have sealed properly?

After cooling, the center of each jar lid should be concave and not flex up and down when you press it. If any jars didn’t seal, simply pop them into the refrigerator and enjoy those first—they’re still perfectly safe to eat!

Can I double this recipe?

While it’s tempting to make a jumbo batch, doubling can sometimes affect how well the jam sets. For best results and consistent texture, stick to one batch at a time. If you want more, just make a second separate batch right after!

Final Thoughts

If you love apple pie, there’s just no resisting the charm of Apple Pie Jam. It’s a super cozy homemade treat that’s easy to make and endlessly versatile. Whether you gift it, share it, or keep every last spoonful for yourself, this jam brings a burst of joy to breakfast, dessert, or anytime in between. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without a stash of apple pie in a jar!

Apple Pie Jam Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6–7 half-pint jars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delicious Apple Pie Jam recipe. It captures the essence of apple pie in a delightful spread that you can enjoy on toast, pastries, or even ice cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples:

2½ to 3 pounds Golden Delicious apples (4–5 large apples)

Jam Mixture:

1 cup water
5 cups granulated sugar
½ teaspoon butter
1 3-ounce pouch Sure-Jell Liquid Pectin
2 ½ teaspoons apple pie spice

Instructions

Prepare Apples: Core, peel, and slice the Golden Delicious apples, aiming for 2 pounds of sliced apples.
Cook Apples: In a large pot, combine apples and water. Boil covered for 8-10 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
Drain Excess Water: Ensure you have about 4½ cups of cooked apples, draining excess water if needed.
Add Sugar: Stir in sugar and butter, bringing the mixture to a boil. Add liquid pectin, boil for another minute.
Season and Finish: Remove from heat, skim foam, add apple pie spice, and gently stir. Ladle into sterilized jars.
Can: Process jars in a water bath for 10 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before removing and cooling.

Notes

Ensure jars are properly sterilized before canning.
Adjust sugar quantity based on desired sweetness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Canning
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 50
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 10mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Apple Pie Jam, Jam Recipe, Canning, Apple Spice Jam