How to Make Apple Pie Jam at Home – A Cozy, Sweet Spread for the Holidays

How to Make Apple Pie Jam at Home – A Cozy, Sweet Spread for the Holidays
If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the flavors of a warm apple pie in a jar, this apple pie jam recipe is going to become your new favorite! Whether you’re a seasoned canner or just getting started, this simple, homemade jam brings together tart apples, sweet sugar, and aromatic spices for a comforting spread that’s perfect for toast, gifting, or even holiday baking.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make apple pie jam step-by-step—including how to can it safely or store it in your fridge for everyday use.

🍎 Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Jam
Tastes just like warm apple pie

Makes a thoughtful holiday gift

Uses simple pantry ingredients

Beginner-friendly canning method

Stores well for months (canned or refrigerated)

🧂 Apple Pie Jam Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious spread:

4 cups diced apples (Granny Smith recommended for tartness)

About 1 cup water (enough to cover apples in the measuring cup)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

6 tablespoons classic all-fruit pectin

4 cups granulated white sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar
Tip: No brown sugar? Mix 1 cup white sugar with 1 tablespoon molasses.

🍯 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Apples
Peel and dice your apples into small chunks. Place them in a 4-cup measuring cup and top with just enough water or apple juice to reach the 4-cup mark.

2. Start Cooking the Base
In an enameled cast iron pot (or your favorite jam pot), combine:

Diced apples

Lemon juice

Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger)

Pectin

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a hard boil—a boil you can't stir down.

3. Add the Sugar
Turn off the heat and mix in:

4 cups white sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar (or the white sugar + molasses mix)

Stir thoroughly until sugar dissolves. Then return the mixture to a boil and cook for 1 full minute.

🫙 How to Can Apple Pie Jam (Water Bath Method)
What You’ll Need:
6 half-pint jars (sterilized)

Canning funnel

Debubbler or small spatula

Clean cloth & white vinegar

Water bath canner

Canning Instructions:
Fill Jars: Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.

Debubble & Wipe Rims: Remove air bubbles and clean rims with vinegar-dipped cloth.

Add Lids & Rings: Tighten to fingertip-tight.

Process: Place jars in a water bath canner with at least 2 inches of water above jars. Bring to a full boil and process for 10 minutes.

Cool: Remove jars and place on a cushioned mat or towel. Do not place directly on a cold surface to avoid cracking. Cover with a towel and let cool for 12–24 hours.

🍏 Tips & Variations
Use Granny Smith apples for a tart balance to the sweet jam.

Try a blend of apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) for a different flavor.

No canner? Just store the jam in jars in the fridge for up to 3 months.

Leftover jam? Use it in braided bread, won-ton desserts, or over vanilla ice cream!

🎁 Perfect for Gifting
Apple pie jam makes a fantastic homemade gift during the holidays. Just label your jars and let recipients know to store in the fridge if it hasn’t been canned. It's a thoughtful, cozy gift that tastes like a hug in a jar.

💬 Final Thoughts

This apple pie jam recipe is cozy, simple, and filled with flavor. Even if you’ve never made jam before, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow—and the result is something truly special. Whether you can it or keep it in the fridge, it’s a great way to bring the taste of fall into your kitchen year-round.