Apple Pie Jam Recipe Without Pectin

Make an Amazing Apple Pie Jam recipe without pectin this fall! Tastes just like Apple Pie because it’s so similar to pie filling. Get ready to be addicted! Put it on your English muffins, pancakes or use it to make your next peanut butter and jelly sandwich! This is a great, DELICIOUS way to use up extra apples in the fall and it is also a great gift idea.

Original post: October 2014 | Updated: September 2021

Why This Recipe Works

I promised I would continue to post some apple recipes, so here is another delicious one. It took me THREE batches to get this Apple Jam recipe without using pectin just right. It was worth the effort (shout out to my awesome apple peeler!) because I learned an important lesson: DO NOT OVERCOOK.

Even if the mixture appears runny, do not cook past the 20-minute mark or you will have an apple-jam ROCK on your hands.

We all love this stuff and hope you do, as well!

Recipe Ingredients

Apples – Peel and chop 1 large or 2 small apples into small pieces.

Apple cider – Add a few tablespoons of apple cider or apple juice to the mixture for an added touch of flavor.

Lemon juice – Squeeze half a lemon into the dutch oven or use 1 tbsp lemon juice from a bottle.

Sugar – Cater the amount of sugar to your liking, but I’ve found that 3 cups is the perfect amount for this recipe. Use less if you prefer.

Spice mixture – If you don’t have apple pie spice on hand, you can mix your own up! Just use 1/2 a teaspoon each of nutmeg and cinnamon. If you enjoy more flavors, you can add an 1/8 teaspoon of cloves and allspice.

How To Make Homemade Apple Jam Recipe Without Pectin

Place the following ingredients in a Dutch oven or heavy saucepan:

• 6 medium apples, peeled, cored and chopped
• 3 cups sugar
• Juice from 1/2 lemon (approximately 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice

Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for twenty minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool. Skim off any foam that’s on the top.

Ladle the jam into your prepared glass jars and seal tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 weeks.

Recipe Notes

• After removing the mixture from heat, let it sit for five minutes then stir. This helps to prevent the fruit from floating.
• Wash the jars and lids in a hot soapy water or in boiling water. Place them in the oven at 250 to let the excess water dry off. Remove the jars when you’re ready to fill them.
• This is similar to Apple Pie Filling but here’s that recipe if you want a great pie filling!
• A good way to tell if the jam is ready is to dunk a spoon in the mixture and hold it over the pan. If there is a slow drip off the back side of the spoon, the consistency is perfect and it’s ready to pull off the heat.

Ways To Enjoy Apple Jam

• Use it as a glaze on pork or chicken.
• Top your favorite cheesecake recipe with the jam.
• Replace syrup with jam for your favorite pancakes or waffles.
• It’s a perfect gift for co-workers, neighbors, teachers and friends!
• Add it into a bowl of oatmeal for a sweet flavor!
• Add a dollop to your favorite plain Greek yogurt.
• Replace cherries with this jam on Pan-Fried Brie.
• Use some on top of your Thumbprint Shortbread Cookies.
• Add it to your favorite toast, muffin or croissant.
• Make a smoothie and add some jam!
• Top a bowl of ice cream with a few spoonfuls.

Which Apples Are Good For Jam?

I recommend using a variety of apples and at the very least, use two kinds: one sweet and one tart. My favorite combo is Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples.

What Is The Difference Between Jam and Jelly?

Texture is the short answer. Processing time for jelly is a little longer because the fruit is broken down in the cooking process and turns into fruit juice whereas jam is more chunky because it is made up of fruit pulp or crushed fruit. Both are good, it just depends on your preference!

Why Is Pectin Not Used In This Recipe?

Pectin is a naturally made fiber that helps to thicken the jam and then there’s a quicker cooking time. The beauty of this jam is that you cook it slow and let the natural pectin in the cherries do its job. Your grandmothers did not use pectin and they made delicious jams.

FAQ About Apples

More Jellies and Jams to Make at Home

• Instant Pot Mixed Berry Jam
• Hot Pepper Jelly
• Cherry Jam
• Rhubarb Peach Jam

More Sweet Homemade Sauces

• Easy Blueberry Sauce – Blueberry Sauce is super easy to make and goes great on pancakes, waffles or works great as a pie filling!
• Homemade Chocolate Fudge Sauce – You’ll enjoy spoonfuls of this gooey homemade chocolate fudge sauce perfect for summer treats!
• Apple Butter – This tasty Homemade Apple Butter Recipe is worth the wait! After you enjoy picking your favorite assortment of sweet and tart apples, you can add just a few spices to the rest of the ingredients and let it simmer.
• Crockpot Applesauce – Homemade applesauce is fun to make and better than the store stuff! Plus it’s the perfect fall treat. Let your slow cooker do the work so kids and adults alike can have a healthy snack!

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