Apple and Pear Jam Recipe

This Apple and Pear Jam is a spiced and homemade recipe, which is made with fresh apples and pears. It’s the definition of fall, ready in about an hour.

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Apple and Pear Jam Ingredients

1 ½ lbs apples, peeled and chopped
1 ½ lbs pears, peeled and chopped
2 ¼ cups organic cane sugar
1 lemon, juiced
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
pinch of sea salt

How To Make Apple and Pear Jam

Combine and heat the fruit: Heat a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped apples, pears, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and all the spices. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Boil the jam: Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil. Continue to boil for about 30 minutes, or until the jam has thickened. If you have a candy thermometer, the target temperature is 220°F.
Mash and finish: Use a potato masher to gently mash some of the fruit to your desired consistency. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the pinch of salt.
Store the jam: Transfer the hot jam to clean jars and let it cool at room temperature. Once cooled, store the jam in the fridge. For long-term storage, you can process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Recipe Tips

How do I know when the jam is set? The most reliable method is a candy thermometer (220°F). Alternatively, you can use the cold plate test. Before you start, place a small plate in the freezer. When you think the jam is ready, put a small spoonful on the cold plate. After a minute, push it with your finger; if it wrinkles, it’s ready.
What are the best fruits to use? It’s important to use fresh, undamaged apples and pears, as bruised or overripe fruit can cause the jam to spoil more quickly.
Why is lemon juice important? The acid in the lemon juice is crucial for helping the natural pectin in the apples and pears to set, which is what creates the jam-like consistency.
Can I use a different sugar? While regular granulated sugar will work, the recipe recommends high-quality cane sugar for a better flavor.

What To Serve With Apple and Pear Jam

This spiced jam is wonderfully versatile and is a staple on the breakfast table.

Spread on hot, buttered toast or a fresh croissant
Served with warm scones and clotted cream
Swirled into plain yogurt or oatmeal
As a filling for thumbprint cookies or layer cakes
Paired with a sharp cheddar on a cheese board

How To Store Apple and Pear Jam

Refrigerate: Once opened, or if not canned, the jam must be stored in the refrigerator and used within 1 month.
Canning: Properly sealed and processed jars of jam can be stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry for up to 2 years.

Apple and Pear Jam Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 37kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 9g
Fiber: 1g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Why did my jam not set?

This usually means it was not cooked for long enough to reach the setting point of 220°F (105°C). The natural pectin in the fruit needs to combine with the sugar and acid and reach this temperature to form a gel.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar?

It is not recommended to significantly reduce the sugar in a traditional jam recipe like this one. The sugar is not just for sweetness; it is essential for the jam to set properly and also acts as a preservative.

Do I have to peel the fruit?

Yes, it is recommended to peel the apples and pears for this recipe. This will result in a smoother, more pleasant texture in the final jam.

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