Description
Cranberry Apple Jam brings together two classic autumn fruits in a delightful spread that makes your morning toast sing with seasonal flavor. Simmering tart cranberries and sweet apples creates a rich, ruby-red preserve perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh cranberries
- 3 medium apples
- 4 cups granulated sugar
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Rinse 4 cups of fresh cranberries thoroughly. Peel 3 medium apples and dice them into small, uniform chunks about ½-inch in size.
- Transfer cranberries, diced apples, ¼ cup lemon juice, and 1 cup water into a large saucepan. Heat mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat at 375°F, then reduce temperature and simmer for 12 minutes until fruits soften and begin breaking down.
- Gradually incorporate 4 cups granulated sugar into the fruit mixture, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Increase heat to high and return to a vigorous boil for 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 18 minutes at 225°F. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and monitor jam’s consistency. Test readiness by placing a small amount on a chilled plate – it should wrinkle when pushed with your finger.
- Carefully ladle hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace at the top. Wipe jar rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure proper sealing.
- Process filled jars in a boiling water bath at 212°F for 10 minutes, adjusting time for your specific altitude. Remove jars and allow them to cool undisturbed for 18 hours.
- Check jar seals by pressing center of lids. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to 12 months.
Notes
- Check apple varieties for best flavor, with Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offering nice tartness that complements cranberries.
- Test jam’s thickness by placing a small amount on a cold plate and watching how quickly it sets and wrinkles when pushed with a finger.
- Always sterilize jars completely to prevent bacterial growth and ensure safe preservation of your homemade jam.
- Use fresh cranberries when possible, as frozen can release extra liquid and potentially change the jam’s consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-42 minutes
- Category: Tarts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 337
- Sugar: 84 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 88 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg