This unique small batch Easy French Apple Jam Recipe is simple to make, has a gorgeous golden color, a fresh apple flavor, a chunky texture, and a surprise hint of spice from the cardamom.
small batch apple jam
This fabulous jam is worlds away from apple pie filling, although you could certainly use it to bake with. It’s so delicious and versatile that I’m surprised you don’t see it more often. This is a small batch, with just a handful of apples, and the quick process won’t overwhelm your kitchen or take all afternoon. I got two big pints of it, and we’ve been spreading it on toast all week. If you want a real treat, get yourselves some warm croissants to go with it. I’m already dreaming up ways to bake it into something fabulous…
best apples for apple jam
There are so many apples available right now, and you can really use any variety you like. I mixed Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you have local apples, all the better. But be aware that other varieties may behave differently when cooked. Mine retained their shape and color well, and they’re pretty commonly available in stores.
the unique flavor of cardamom
Rather than go with the obvious choice of cinnamon to spice up this jam, I used cardamom pods, lightly crushed to release their little black seeds. The result is subtle and keeps the flavor from reading as ‘apple pie’. I love warm flavor of cardamom, it’s ‘different’ without being overpowering. I love it so much I even have a pinterest board devoted to it! If you want to use a mix of fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and clove, that would be nice, too, just don’t overdo it ~ the apple should be your star.
what you’ll need for easy apple jam
- apples
- I like to use Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, but you can use any apple you like.
- cardamom
- I use the whole pods, available in the spice section next to ground cardamom. You can also use the ground spice if necessary.
- sugar
- feel free to cut down the sugar if you like. You can also use alternative sugars.
- lemon juice
- pectin
- the pectin is actually optional in this jam. If you don’t have it the jam will thicken fine on its own, you will have to cook it a little longer to allow it to thicken naturally as it releases moisture.
pro tips for apple jam
- All apples have a lot of natural pectin, which helps to thicken the jam as it cooks. I used a little powdered pectin as insurance, but you can leave that out if you don’t have any, you may just have to boil the jam a little longer. Don’t skip the lemon juice, though, because that helps prevent the apples from turning brown.
- If you don’t want the texture of the whole pods in your jam, use just the little black seeds.
- Add a few cranberries for a fresh flavor, or mix the apples with pears.
- Double or triple the cardamom for a delicious spread to serve with cheese and crackers.
homemade jams and jellies make great from my kitchen gifts
I’ve got recipes that cover every season of the year! If you love apple preserves, be sure to check out my how to make apple butter from apple sauce, and my cranberry apple butter. But I’ve made jam, jelly, or butter out of just about every fruit out there, so check out my whole collection for inspiration…
Apple Jam
Ingredients
- 6 apples, I mixed Granny Smith and Honeycrisp
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 cardamom pods, crushed, (use a rolling pin or heavy spoon to gently crack open the pods)
- juice of 2 lemons, divided
- 2 Tbsp pectin powder, (this is totally optional, the jam will set without it)
Instructions
- Fill a large bowl with cold water and add the juice of 1 lemon.
- Peel, core, and quarter the apples and add them to the lemon water as you work. This is to prevent the apples from turning brown.
- Remove the apples from the water (discard the water) and finely dice them.
- Add the apples to a heavy bottomed pot, along with the sugar, cardamom pods, (and any seeds that have escaped) the pectin (if using) and the juice of the other lemon. Stir well, and then bring to a boil.
- Boil, uncovered and stirring often, for about 30-40 minutes until thickened. About halfway through the cooking I used my stick blender to blend the jam just a bit, but I left lots of apple chunks intact. This is optional and depends on what texture you want your jam to have, and how large or small you chopped your apples in the first place. If you do this, be extra careful not to splatter yourself, the jam is very hot.
- Ladle the finished jam into clean (sterilized) jars, cover tightly, and let cool before refrigerating. See note below for preserving options.
Notes
- To can this jam you can follow the instructions from the Ball® website: Ladle hot jam into hot jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is fingertip tight. Process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off heat and remove cover. Let jars cool 5 minutes. Remove jars from canner, do not retighten bands if loose. Cool 12 hours. Check seals. Label and store jars.
Nutrition
For more apple inspiration, visit my collection of apple recipes here ~
I am dying to try this recipe but since I haven’t ever used cardamom pods before, do I use the black or green pods?
The green ones, the black are used in savory dishes like curries, etc.
Thanks!
One of my favorite recipes! I do add cinnamon & a few cloves to it 😊 we love it with sharp cheddar & crackers!
I’m so glad, thanks Theresa. Cloves are an inspired addition!
I recently made this jam recipe for our family as gifts and it was a big hit! The flavor of cardamom makes it very unique and versatile. Perfect for sweet or savory tastes.
Hello, You don’t strain out the cardamom pods and seeds?
No, but you can if you like.
Hi Sue, I was checking the 2x and 3x batches (as I wanted to make a larger quantity) I notice that most ingredients went up But the amount of APPLE did not. Is this an error or correct?
That function is automatic and glitchy Kim, I’d just do the calculating yourself, and multiply everything evenly. The only issue with doubling jam like tis is that a larger amount is going to take significantly longer to cook down.
Hello, just wondering if you have tried to lower the sugar?
You can lower the sugar without any issues.
I just found this recipe but am not a canned. Could it be frozen in sealed baggies and pulled out to use?
Yes, you can freeze it, for sure.