By This Apple Jelly balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Apple Jelly captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Apple Jelly becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
3 ½ pounds apples, cored and diced
3 cups water, or as needed
7 ½ cups white sugar
½ teaspoon butter
1 (2 ounce) package powdered fruit pectin
PREPARATION STEPS
Place apples in a large pot; cover with water
Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer until apples are slightly tender, about 5 minutes
Crush cooked apples and simmer for 5 more minutes.
Transfer crushed apples to a sieve or cheesecloth
Let drip into a bowl until all liquid has drained, pressing gently to release all the juice
Measure 5 cups apple juice, adding water if necessary to have the exact amount
Stir sugar into juice; add butter to reduce foaming.
Bring juice mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly
Stir in pectin; boil for exactly 1 minute to dissolve pectin, stirring constantly
Remove from heat
Skim off excess foam with a metal spoon.
Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes
Ladle apple jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/8 inch of the top
Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles
Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue
Top with lids, and screw on rings.
Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water
Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder
Leave a 2-inch space between the jars
Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars
Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 5 minutes.
Carefully remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool
Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lids do not move up or down at all)
Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours
Store in a cool, dark area.
Recipe Tip
Refrigerate opened jellies for up to 3 weeks.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
