Description
This French Apple Jam is fragrant, cozy, and slightly spiced with cardamom. It’s the perfect spread for toast, biscuits, or to swirl into yogurt. With Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness, this jam strikes a beautiful balance that feels both rustic and refined.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 cardamom pods, crushed
- Juice of 2 lemons, divided
Instructions
- Peel, core, and finely chop the apples. Place them in a large heavy-bottomed pot.
- Add half the lemon juice to the apples to prevent browning, then stir in the sugar and crushed cardamom pods.
- Let the mixture sit for 30–45 minutes to allow the apples to release their juices.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring often.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 40–50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
- Remove the cardamom pods. Stir in the remaining lemon juice for brightness.
- Carefully transfer the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal tightly.
- Allow to cool, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in a hot water bath for longer storage.
Notes
- Using a mix of apples gives a more complex flavor, but you can use all of one kind if preferred.
- If you like a smoother texture, mash the apples as they cook or use an immersion blender.
- The cardamom adds a gentle floral spice—use fewer pods if you prefer a milder flavor.
- This jam pairs beautifully with cheese boards, pastries, or as a filling for cakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: french apple jam, homemade apple jam, cardamom apple spread, easy apple preserves, fall apple recipes