Apple Pie in a Jar Recipe for Canning

This apple pie in a jar jam recipe is an easy canning recipe.  It's delicious on toast or use to make desserts or on top of ice cream.  This is a low sugar apple pie jam recipe that uses powdered pectin for a deliciously different jam recipe.

Apple Pie in a Jar Canning Recipe

The first thing we noticed the first time we drove up the driveway at the farm was the large orchard.  The previous owners loved to can, so they create a rather large orchard.

They planted apple trees for applesauce, pies, eating, and jams.  When the apples are ripe, you won't see me for a few weeks.  I'll be in the kitchen making the best apple pie jam recipe.

This is a low sugar apple pie jam recipe that uses regular powdered pectin.  It doesn't get quite as thick as other jams I've made, but it's still pretty thick and definitely a jam like consistency.

I try to make low sugar jams and jellies, but the low sugar pectin hasn't been on sale in quite a while.  I like these recipes that use regular pectin and less sugar because I can use bulk pectin.

For more canning recipes, check out these posts:

• Vanilla Bourbon Peach Jam Recipe
• Spice Apple Cider Jelly Recipe Low Sugar
• Apple Cider Syrup Recipe
• Canned Cinnamon Red Hot Pears
• Canned Spiced Vanilla Pears
• Low Sugar Apple Jelly Recipe
• How to Make Hot Pepper Jelly Canning Recipe
• How to Make Blueberry Jam Recipe for Canning
• How to Make Dandelion Jelly Recipe
• How to Make Applesauce for Canning
• Canned Bread and Butter Pickles
• Old Fashioned Dill Pickle Recipe for Canning

Canning Basics

I'm not going to get into the basics of canning in this apple pie jam recipe.  You can read how to can food for beginners to learn more.  I'm always open to answering emails, so email me if you need more help.

Also check out my canning supplies for beginners to see what I recommend for getting started canning.

Canning food is a great way to start your emergency food supply.  I can a lot of jams, jellies, and fruits each year.

Keep track of your canning recipes with my printable canning journal.  This has 29 pages for recipes, notes, lists, and more.  I also included seasonal fruits and vegetables by month and a conversion chart.

What is the Difference Between Jam and Pie Filling?

I make both canned apple filling and an apple cinnamon jam recipe each year.  Canned apple pie filling is thickened with a modified corn starch called Clear Gel.

This Sure Jell apple jam recipe is thickened with pectin.  Pectin and Clear Gel are not the same thing and can't be used interchangeably.

This apple pie in a jar jam recipe is a little thicker due to the pectin and tastes sweeter.  I also cut the apples into smaller chunks.

Can I Use Preserves as Pie Filling?

Yes, you can use an apple pie jam canning recipe in place of apple pie filling to make an apple pie.  This recipe makes 5 half pint jars, and you'd use several to make a pie.

Personally, I'd rather just use one canning lid to make a quart to use in a pie, but you could substitute if you wanted to.

Pectin for Low Sugar Apple Pie Jam Recipe

This apple pie jam with powdered pectin uses regular pectin and not no or low sugar pectin.  These two types of pectin are very different, and you can't just reduce the amount of sugar when you use regular pectin.

With that said, I did use regular pectin and reduced the sugar.  Apples are high in natural pectin, which helps this apple jam recipe with pectin set up.  

This Sure Jell apple jam recipe doesn't get as firm as my strawberry jam, but it definitely holds it shape and has a good texture.

I like using regular pectin when I can because I can buy bulk pectin to save money.

What Kind of Apples Are Best for Jam?

I used Cortland apples to make this apple pie jam canning recipe.  I've used several kinds of apples over the years, and I almost always mix a few kinds.

Try these apples for the best apple pie jam recipe:

• Pink lady apples
• Granny Smith apples
• SweeTango apples

Why Do You Add Lemon Juice to Jam?

Lemon juice lowers the pH of this apple pie jam recipe for canning.  It also helps the pectin work for a firmer jam.  

If this apple pie jam doesn't set, learn how to fix runny jam.

What Can You Do With Apple Pie in a Jar Jam Recipe?

You can eat this apple cinnamon jam recipe on toast or biscuits, but I rarely eat it that way.  Try using his low sugar apple pie jam recipe in one of the following recipes:

• Use to naturally flavor and sweeten oatmeal.  I use it in place of the fresh apples in this Instant Pot apple cinnamon oatmeal.
• Spread on pancakes or waffles instead of syrup.
• Add to Instant Pot cold start yogurt for a natural flavor.
• Make a quick dessert by using prepared pie crust, puff pastry, or crescent rolls and using this apple cinnamon jam recipe in place of apple pie filling.
• Use it to make stuffed french toast.
• Add apple pie jam recipe on top of cinnamon rolls before baking.
• Use as an ice cream topping.

I make two batches of this best apple pie jam recipe when I make it because it's that good, and it never lasts all year!

Can You Freeze an Apple Jam Recipe With Pectin?

Yes, you can freeze an apple jam recipe with pectin.  To freeze jam, put the jam in a freezer container and leave a 1/2 inch head space for expansion.

Then set on the counter for 24 hours before freezing to give the jam time to set up.

How Long Does Homemade Apple Jam Last?

This apple pie jam recipe for canning will last for two years canned.  Once opened, use it within three weeks.

How Do You Know if Homemade Jam is Bad?

If a canning jar is still sealed, your low sugar apple pie jam recipe should be good for two years.  If you see any signs of mold or yeast or notice a foul odor, toss it.

Bad jam can smell like yeast or alcohol if it goes bad. You may also see mold spots or growths on the surface.

I always remove the rings from my canned goods before storing.  This way, if the lid doesn't seal, I will notice it.

Apple Pie Jam Recipe Ingredients

This recipe makes 5 8-ounce jars.  To make apple pie jam with powdered pectin, you will need:

• 8 cups peeled and chopped apples
• 2 cups apple juice or apple cider
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp powdered pectin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

How to Make Apple Pie in a Jar Jam Recipe

Step #1

In a large Dutch oven or pot, bring the peeled and chopped apples, apple juice or apple cider, and lemon juice to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until the apples are soft.  Stir occasionally.

Step #2

Whisk in the powdered pectin, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and ground nutmeg.  Bring to a full rolling boil that can' be stirred down  over high heat while stirring constantly.

Step #3

Add the sugar and stir to dissolve.  Return to a boil and boil hard for 1 minute while stirring.  Remove from heat and skim off foam if necessary.

Step #3

Ladle hot jarm into prepared hot jars.  Leave a 1/4 inch head space.  Remove air bubbles and wipe jar rim.  Place the lid and ring on the jar and tighten to fingertip tight.  

Step #4

Use the jar lifter to place jars in a boiling water canner.  Process for 10 minutes.  Turn off heat and remove the lid from the canner.  Let the jars sit in the hot water for 5 minutes.  Then remove jars with a jar lifter and place on a towel to cool.

I hope you love this apple jam recipe with pectin as much as we do!

This apple pie jam recipe for canning was originally posted at Homesteading in Ohio.

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