Description
This Spiced Christmas Apple Jam captures all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of the holidays. Infused with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus, it’s perfect for spreading on toast, spooning over pancakes, or gifting in jars to loved ones. Simple to make and delightfully festive!
Ingredients
4 cups peeled and diced apples
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
1 whole star anise (optional)
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon powdered pectin (optional)
Instructions
1. Peel, core, and finely dice the apples. Place 4 cups of diced apples in a large saucepan.
2. Add brown sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and water. Stir well and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
3. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes until apples soften.
4. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to achieve your desired consistency. Remove cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. If using pectin, stir it in and simmer 5 more minutes.
5. Stir in vanilla extract and taste. Adjust with more lemon juice or sugar if desired.
6. Pour the hot jam into clean jars. Cool completely before refrigerating, or process using proper canning methods.
Notes
Choose apples that are sweet-tart like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor.
You can skip pectin for a more spoonable texture; just simmer longer to naturally thicken.
This jam makes a lovely holiday gift in small jars—tie with twine and add a cinnamon stick for flair.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 1
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: apple jam, Christmas jam, holiday preserves, spiced apple spread, DIY food gift