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Cranberry Apple Jam Recipe

Cranberry Apple Jam Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 19 reviews

A delightful Cranberry Apple Jam combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of tender apples, perfect for spreading on toast or adding to your favorite recipes. This easy-to-make homemade jam balances flavors with a hint of lemon juice and is ideal for canning or immediate use.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

  • 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 lbs or just under 1 kg fresh as purchased)
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries (200 grams)

Other Ingredients

  • 3 cups sugar (600 grams)
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 to 3 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces about 1/4 inch (1/2 cm) cubes to ensure even cooking and texture in the jam.
  2. Macerate the fruit: Toss the diced apples in lemon juice to preserve color and add brightness. Then coat evenly with sugar. Cover and let the mixture sit for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to draw out natural juices and dissolve the sugar.
  3. Combine fruits: After maceration, place the apple mixture along with fresh cranberries into a large jam pot. Prepare your water bath canner if you plan to preserve the jam.
  4. Cook the jam: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 6 to 10 minutes. The jam is ready when cranberries have popped and mostly broken down, while apple chunks retain their shape but are tender. Remove from heat before it reaches final thickness as it will continue to set while cooling.
  5. Jar the jam: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during processing.
  6. Process jars (optional): If canning for shelf storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (or 15 minutes if above 6,000 feet in elevation) to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
  7. Cool and store: Set jars on a towel and allow them to cool completely. Check seals when cool. Store sealed jars in a pantry. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used promptly. Once opened, keep refrigerated.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties.
  • Maceration overnight improves flavor depth and juice extraction.
  • Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized if canning to prevent spoilage.
  • Adjust sugar quantity slightly for personal taste but note sugar acts as a preservative.
  • Store opened jam refrigerated and consume within a month for best quality.
  • Use a candy or jam thermometer if desired to check for setting temperature (~220°F/104°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry jam, apple jam, homemade jam, fruit preserves, holiday jam recipe

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/cranberry-apple-jam-recipe/