Easy French Apple Jam Recipe (2024)

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…

For more apple inspiration, visit my collection of apple recipes here ~