How to Make Apricot Jam without Sugar

Name: How to Make Apricot Jam without Sugar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 Cup Apricots; 1/4 Cup Water; 1/2 Tablespoon Lemon Juice; 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon Xanthan Gum (optional)

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Let us make a homemade apricot jam that is made out of fresh apricots. With a hint of tangy flavor from the lemon juice that balances out the natural apricot flavor. This apricot jam recipe can be done in minutes and is very simple and easy to make.

A dish with a bowl of apricot jam. — How to Make Apricot Jam without Sugar. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Among other jams, an apricot jam gives a good balance of sweet and tart that I really like. This is my kid’s go-to spread over their breakfast waffles and pancakes, I love to mix mine with oatmeal. I find this very convenient because I don’t need a big jar of jam from the grocery. Making this at home and having a stock on the fridge is cost-saving and I get to control the portions I want.

Store-bought and Homemade Apricot Jam

Both store-bought and homemade apricot jams are accessible. Store-bought apricot jams have that consistent taste. Preservatives and artificial flavors are added to them and are also available in most groceries. The flavor of homemade apricot jams can be adjusted depending on your preference or taste. You have the freedom to add simple ingredients to make homemade apricot jam taste better than the store-bought one.

Is Pectin Required for an Easy Apricot Jam Recipe

In making homemade recipes like strawberry jam, blueberry jam, peach jam, raspberry jam, or this recipe that we have here apricot jam, it is not required to add pectin or xanthan gum.

These ingredients are thickening agents. Some fruits have natural pectin in them which when made as a jam, it is not required to add other thickening agents. Depending on the desired consistency of the jam, you have the freedom to add thickener.

The Best Apricot Jam Uses Fresh Fruit

Did you know that you can also use dried or frozen apricots? While it is true that the fresher your fruits, the better is its quality. But apricots are not always in season and are sometimes hard to find. You can make the best apricot jam by following this recipe.

Jars of apricot sauce are surrounded by whole apricots, a halved apricot with a pit, a lemon slice, and cinnamon sticks on a gray cloth. — Jars of apricot sauce.

Easy Instructions for Creating Apricot Jam without Sugar

Must-Have Tools for Your Kitchen

Cooking Pot: This is where we can cook and simmer the apricots.
Potato Masher: Helps in breaking down chunks of apricot.
Hand Blender: A kitchen tool that will help smoothen the jam.
Glass Jar Containers: Clean and sterilize jars with a lid where you can store the fresh apricot jam.

Key Ingredients:

Apricots: The ideal apricot needs to be juicy and ripe. Dried or frozen is also an option.
Water: Water helps soften the apricot. It’s not required to use boiling water.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy hint to the apricot mixture. It prevents the jam from turning brown.
Cinnamon: A hit of spice and sweetness compliments the natural flavor of apricot.
Xanthan Gum (optional): Thickens the mixture, an ingredient in jam making.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Detailed Directions for Making Apricot Jam Recipe

In making the apricot jam without sugar recipe, it is very easy and can be done within 20 minutes. All you have to do is follow the guide on how to make this delicious jam. Read and follow through the step-by-step process below.

One: Prepare All Ingredients

Ready all the ingredients on the side, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and optional xanthan gum, for easy access. Wash and chop apricots into small pieces

Ingredients and materials, including a pot, a bowl of chopped apricots, cinnamon, lemon juice, water, and optional xanthan gum, are placed on a black countertop in preparation for making sugar-free apricot jam. — Ingredients for making sugar-free apricot jam.

Two: Boil and Cook Apricot

Put the sliced apricots inside the cooking pot together with water, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Turn on the heat and allow the mixture to cook for 20 minutes until the water evaporates. Don’t forget to stir frequently.

Step-by-step cooking process: Step 1) Adding liquid to a pot of peaches; Step 2) Adding sugar; Step 3) Adding spice; Step 4) Stirring the mixture. — Cooking apricots.

Three: Homemade Jam Thickener

If the jam is a little runny, xanthan gum is the key. Add xanthan gum if you want the jam consistency to be thicker. Stir it well together.

Side-by-side images of a pot on a stove. Image 1 shows someone adding seasoning to a mixture. Image 2 shows the mixture being stirred with a wooden spatula, revealing chunks of ingredients. — Cooking apricot jam.

Four: Blend the Mixture

To achieve a smooth consistency, use a potato smasher for the chunks. After smashing it, get your hand blender and blend the mixture to achieve an even more creamier texture.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Do not overcook: Stirring the jam regularly helps not to burn it. I will also not clump up if stirred continuously.
Try Adding Other Spices: Ginger and nutmeg can also be added for that spice and peppery kick. Both give off warmth and aroma.
Testing for Doneness: Get a chilled plate and drop a small amount to know if your jam is ready. If it sets, it’s ready.

A bowl of apricot puree is in the foreground with apricots and jars of puree in the background. Two wooden spoons are nearby. — A bowl of apricot puree.

Common Questions Answered

What are the Perfect Pairings for the Best Apricot Jam?

Apricot jam can be paired with a lot of food. I like to spread mine on toast, waffles, or pancakes during breakfast. Whenever I bake I also use it as a filling for cakes and cupcakes. Adding it to savory dishes like roasted vegetables gives that sweet and savory flavor.

How Can You Store No Sugar Apricot Jam?

Fully clean and wash glasses and lids. Place into the microwave for 5 minutes before filling up. Fill while boiling hot, put the lid but do not screw it. The lid will suck in. After you screw, add a freezing ice-cold towel on top for the lid to suck even more for 15 minutes. Turn all jars upside down and fold into a thick blanket for 24 hours. Put the jars in the refrigerator for storage.

Three jars of apricot puree are arranged with whole and halved apricots on a grey cloth. A lemon slice and a spoon are also present. — Three jars of apricot puree.

How to Freeze Apricot Jam?

In freezing, it is important to label the jars to know their content and the date they were made. Make sure to place the jar on a surface that is flat for even freezing. Cracks will also be avoided when the surface is flat.

Additional Easy Small-Portion Recipes You’ll Love

If you find this recipe helpful, we have a lot of other recipes we can offer to you. Just check out our website Tiny Batch Cooking. Want to taste an upgraded version of Cauliflower? Check out our recipes for Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash and How To Make Mashed Cauliflower.

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Top view of apricot jam in a jar surrounded by fresh apricots, lemon slices, and a cinnamon stick. Text reads, "Quick and easy: How to make apricot jam," with a website link, "tinybatchcooking.com". — Top view of apricot jam.

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