Recipe for Apple Jam without Pectin

This recipe for Apple Jam without Pectin, gives you the perfect way to make a good Apple Jam. You can then use it in other recipes (such as baked goods) or enjoy it with bread and butter and a piece of toast.

I recently got a bucketful of apples from my in-laws (and they got it from some friends who have apple trees 🙂). I am not really a big fan of jams and preserves (except Strawberry), but there is this Addicting Apple Rugelach (Rogaliki) Recipe with apple jam filling that I seriously love. It is so so good, I usually cannot stop eating them. Because of this dessert, I just had to make apple jam! So here it is.

The recipe comes from my second mama (MIL) who’s been making it for years and requires no pectin. You just need two ingredients – apples and sugar.

How much sugar should I use to make apple jam?

Generally, the ratio of sugar to fruit is 1:1. So for every pound of apples, you will need to use a pound of sugar. If your apples are really sweet, reduce the amount of sugar so that you don’t end up with a super sweet jam.

What thickens jam without Pectin?

To make a thick jam without using pectin as a thickener, you basically just need time. The fruit and the sugar need time in order to cook and thicken. With this recipe, the jam is cooked at intervals and cools the rest of the time. This gives the jam enough time to become thick. The more often you cook and cool the jam, the thicker it becomes.

How to Make Apple Jam

1. Core and peel the apples. Using a box grater, grate all the apples directly into a big pot.

2. Add sugar to the pot with grated apples. Transfer to a stove and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Make sure that the whole pot is fully cooking (and not just the center). You can tell if that is the case when you stir the jam. If you stir and the pot stops boiling, it is not really boiling yet. Once the jam is really boiling, cook for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let the jam completely cool.

3. Repeat this step 3 to 4 times. The amount of times to cook the jam depends on your apples and the consistency that you want your jam to have. I cooked my jam 4 times to get there. This process does take 2-3 days, depending on how fast the jam cools, but it’s mostly just resting time and requires no extra work.

4. On the fourth time, bring your jam to a boil on low heat and make sure to keep stirring constantly in order to avoid burning the jam (it happens very fast). Transfer boiling jam to sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 – 1/2 in. headspace, wipe off the rims of the jars with a dampened towel or clean rag and proceed with canning.

Side Note: To sterilize jars, make sure they are clean and then submerge them in boiling water for 10 minutes. There should be enough water to cover the jars by about 1-2 inches. The jars can be left in the water until they are ready to fill. (Source)

Canning

1. Place full jars with jam into the canning pot and cover by about 1-2 inches of water. Process for 15 minutes.

2. Remove jars from canner using a jar lifter and let cool to room temperature (may take up to 24 hours). You might hear the lids pop when the jars seal.

3. Once the jars are cool, test if the jars sealed properly by pressing on the middle of the lid. The lid shouldn’t move at all. If a jar hasn’t sealed properly store it in the fridge and use up within a few weeks.

Canning Guidelines

Visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation for the latest Canning guidelines. Another good resource for canning information is the USDA’s Complete Guide to Home Canning.

Serving Apple Jam

• Here in Germany a lot of people buy jams to eat for breakfast. Usually with bread and butter and then topped with a jam. This apple jam is perfect for that.
• If you ever make pancakes (Here is my awesome Buttermilk Pancakes recipe), use the jam as a spread on the top. Yummy! yummy!
• Eat the jam plain with a hot cup of tea. This is how the Russians would do it:)

Enjoy!

If you make this Apple Jam recipe, make sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating here! I’d love to hear back from you and will do my best to answer and respond to every comment. And of course, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you make this recipe. I’d love to see the photos of the recipes you have made!