Spiced Christmas Apple Jam

I’ve always loved making small edible gifts for the holidays, and Spiced Christmas Apple Jam has quickly become my favorite. This jam combines the crisp sweetness of apples with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg—turning a simple preserve into something magical. Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or pair it with a cheese board, it always brings a little Christmas cheer with every bite.

The process of making this jam is just as festive as enjoying it. The aroma of simmering apples and spices fills the kitchen and makes the whole house smell like the holidays. I always make a few extra jars because friends and neighbors start hinting for it by early December. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, cozy, and downright delicious homemade gift—or just want to elevate your breakfasts this winter—this recipe belongs in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Christmas Apple Jam

This jam is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and the texture is rich without being too thick. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and made with simple pantry staples. It also stores beautifully, which means you can make it ahead for holiday gifting or enjoy it through the colder months.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

I prefer using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for a more complex flavor. If you use only sweet apples, the jam can become a bit one-dimensional. On the other hand, tart varieties bring brightness that balances the sugar and spices perfectly.

Options for Substitutions

• Sweetener: Swap white sugar with maple syrup or honey for a slightly deeper flavor (note: honey is not vegan).
• Spices: Feel free to play with the spice mix—cardamom or star anise can be beautiful additions.
• Pectin: If you don’t have powdered pectin, use lemon juice and apple cores as natural thickeners (though this will require longer cooking).
• Texture: Want it chunky? Don’t puree the apples fully. Prefer it smooth? An immersion blender does wonders.

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Ingredients for This Spiced Christmas Apple Jam

• Apples: The star ingredient. Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for balance.
• Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and preservation.
• Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses depth.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and helps the jam set.
• Ground cinnamon: Gives the jam its classic warm spice profile.
• Ground cloves: Deepens the holiday flavor.
• Ground nutmeg: Brings subtle warmth and complexity.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and fragrance.
• Powdered pectin: Helps thicken and set the jam.
• Water: Needed to help the apples cook down smoothly.

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Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and finely chop the apples. You can use a food processor for convenience, but I like to hand-chop them for a slightly chunky texture.

Step 2: Combine and Simmer

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, add the chopped apples, both sugars, lemon juice, water, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes until the apples are soft.

Step 3: Blend the Mixture (Optional)

If you prefer a smoother jam, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the pot. For a more rustic texture, you can skip this step or mash with a potato masher.

Step 4: Add Pectin and Boil

Stir in the powdered pectin and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil. Boil for exactly 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly. This is crucial for the jam to set properly.

Step 5: Stir in Vanilla Extract

Once the boiling is complete, remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma at this point is heavenly!

Step 6: Jar the Jam

Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, apply the lids, and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.

Step 7: Process or Cool

If you’re planning to store the jam long-term, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Otherwise, let them cool to room temperature and store in the refrigerator for immediate use.

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How Long to Prepare the Spiced Christmas Apple Jam

Prep Time

Preparing the apples—peeling, coring, and chopping—takes about 20–25 minutes depending on the quantity and method you use. Using a food processor can significantly reduce this time.

Cook Time

The cooking time is around 30–40 minutes from start to finish. This includes softening the apples, boiling the mixture with spices and sugar, and incorporating the pectin. If you're water-bath canning, add an extra 10 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Spiced Christmas Apple Jam

• Always sterilize your jars before filling to ensure shelf-stability and food safety.
• Use a mix of apples to create layers of flavor and natural pectin balance.
• Add the vanilla extract after boiling to preserve its aroma.
• Keep stirring while boiling with pectin to avoid scorching.
• Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution and faster reduction.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the lemon juice: It’s essential for both flavor and pectin activation.
• Over-pureeing: You could end up with apple sauce instead of jam.
• Boiling too long with pectin: Can cause the jam to become too stiff or even rubbery.
• Incorrect jar filling: Always leave proper headspace to avoid spoilage.
• Using only sweet apples: Without tartness, the jam becomes overly sweet and lacks brightness.

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What to Serve With Spiced Christmas Apple Jam?

1. Toasted Brioche

Soft, buttery brioche complements the rich, spiced sweetness perfectly.

2. Cheese Boards

Pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar, brie, or gouda for a festive appetizer.

3. Oatmeal or Porridge

Swirl in a spoonful for a cozy, flavorful breakfast boost.

4. Pancakes and Waffles

Use instead of syrup for a seasonal twist on weekend brunch.

5. Roasted Meats

Makes a delicious glaze or side for pork, turkey, or ham.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Once opened or if not canned, store jars in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 weeks.

Pantry (Canned)

If water-bath processed correctly, jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.

Freezing

You can also freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. Just leave space at the top for expansion.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Tablespoon)

• Calories: 40
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugars: 9g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 0g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the jam is ready?

Use the spoon or plate test—if the jam wrinkles when pushed, it's ready.

Can I use liquid pectin instead of powdered?

Yes, but the steps change slightly—add liquid pectin after boiling with sugar.

What if my jam doesn't set?

You can reboil it with additional pectin or use it as a spiced apple syrup.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but it may affect the set and shelf life. Use low-sugar pectin if needed.

Is it safe to skip the water-bath canning step?

Only if you’re refrigerating the jam and consuming it within a few weeks.

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Conclusion

Spiced Christmas Apple Jam is more than just a seasonal treat—it’s a jar full of memories, warmth, and comfort. Whether you're spreading it on toast or gifting it with love, this jam captures the essence of the holidays in every spoonful. Once you’ve made it, you’ll see just how easy and satisfying homemade preserves can be!

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