Description
This Spiced Christmas Apple Jam is a holiday must-have. Rich, cozy, and layered with warm spices, this jam tastes like a jar of mulled cider. Whether you’re spreading it over warm toast, spooning it into thumbprint cookies, or gifting it in tiny jars, it captures everything I love about Christmas flavors. It’s one of those easy recipes that looks fancy but comes together with pantry basics. A perfect homemade gift or sweet addition to your breakfast ideas list, this jam is part of my essential food ideas for winter.
Ingredients
4 cups grated tart apples (like Granny Smith)
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cinnamon sticks
3 whole cloves
1 star anise
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup water
Instructions
1. Grate apples with skin on and measure out 4 heaping cups.
2. In a large saucepan, combine apples, brown sugar, lemon zest, juice, and water.
3. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
4. Simmer over low heat uncovered, stirring frequently for 45–60 minutes.
5. Once the mixture is thick, glossy, and reduced, remove the whole spices.
6. Stir in grated nutmeg, then spoon jam into sterilized jars while hot.
7. Let jars cool at room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Notes
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best texture and flavor.
Don’t skip the lemon zest — it makes the whole thing sing.
Store in fridge up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Jam & Spreads
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 48
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy recipe, holiday jam, apple jam, Christmas food, food ideas, homemade gift, breakfast ideas, winter preserves