Cinnamon Apple Preserves Recipe for Easy Homemade Jams

There’s something truly magical about the combination of warm cinnamon and sweet, tender apples simmered slowly into a luscious preserve. Cinnamon apple preserves evoke cozy memories of autumn afternoons and holiday breakfasts, making them a timeless addition to your pantry.

Whether spread on toasted bread, dolloped onto yogurt, or used as a filling for pastries, this homemade preserve bursts with natural fruit flavors enhanced by the comforting spice of cinnamon. Unlike store-bought versions, making your own allows you to customize the sweetness, texture, and spice level to perfectly suit your taste.

Plus, it’s a rewarding and enjoyable cooking project that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma.

In this detailed recipe, I’ll guide you through every step to create thick, flavorful cinnamon apple preserves that will impress family and friends. From selecting the best apples to preserving tips that ensure your batch lasts for months, this recipe is both accessible for beginners and satisfying for seasoned cooks.

Get ready to fill your home with the delightful essence of cinnamon and apples!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cinnamon apple preserves recipe strikes the ideal balance between sweet and spicy, capturing the essence of fresh apples with a warm cinnamon kick. It’s a versatile preserve that complements a variety of dishes, from breakfast spreads to dessert accompaniments.

Homemade Goodness: Using fresh apples and natural ingredients means no artificial additives or preservatives. You control the sugar level and the intensity of cinnamon.

Simple Technique: The recipe uses straightforward cooking and canning methods, perfect for beginners or anyone looking to make delicious preserves without fuss.

Long Shelf Life: When properly canned, these preserves can be stored for months, ensuring you have a taste of autumn anytime you crave it.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds of apples (a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji, peeled, cored, and chopped)
• 2 cups granulated sugar (adjustable based on your sweetness preference)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed to balance sweetness and preserve color)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 packet of pectin (optional, for thicker preserves)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot (for cooking preserves)
• Sharp knife and cutting board (for prepping apples)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula (for stirring)
• Glass jars with lids (sterilized for canning)
• Large pot or canner (for water bath canning)
• Jar lifter and funnel (for safe handling and filling jars)

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small, uniform pieces. This helps ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
2. Combine ingredients: In your large pot, combine the chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and water. Stir well to mix everything together evenly.
3. Cook the mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples become soft and the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Add pectin if desired: If you prefer thicker preserves, sprinkle in the pectin while stirring vigorously. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, making sure the pectin is fully dissolved and the mixture reaches your desired consistency.
5. Test for consistency: To check if your preserves are ready, place a spoonful on a chilled plate and let it cool for a minute. If the preserve wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s done. If not, cook for a few more minutes and test again.
6. Sterilize jars: While your preserves are cooking, sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Keep them hot until ready to fill.
7. Fill the jars: Using a funnel, carefully ladle the hot preserves into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace at the top. Wipe rims clean, then seal tightly with lids and bands.
8. Process jars: Place the filled jars in a boiling water bath canner, ensuring they are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Boil for 10 minutes to properly seal the jars.
9. Cool and store: Remove jars carefully and set them on a clean towel to cool. You should hear the satisfying “pop” of lids sealing as they cool. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

Tips & Variations

“For a deeper flavor, try adding a vanilla bean or a splash of apple brandy during cooking.”

• Apple Variety: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples to create a balanced flavor. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Fuji or Gala bring sweetness.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a more complex spice profile.
• Chunky or smooth: For smoother preserves, mash the apples with a potato masher during cooking or pulse briefly in a food processor.
• Sugar alternatives: Substitute part or all of the granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Storage Tip: Refrigerate after opening and consume within 3 weeks for best flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon apple preserves are incredibly versatile and can enhance many dishes. Spread them on warm toast or bagels for a cozy breakfast treat.

Stir a spoonful into plain yogurt or oatmeal to add natural sweetness and spice.

Try using the preserves as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or as a flavorful swirl in your favorite cheesecake or ice cream. They also make a delightful filling for thumbprint cookies or layered into a parfait with granola and cream.

For a savory twist, serve alongside roasted pork or chicken – the sweet and spicy notes complement the meat beautifully.

Conclusion

Making your own cinnamon apple preserves is a rewarding culinary experience that brings the warmth of the season right into your kitchen. This recipe balances the natural sweetness of apples with the comforting spice of cinnamon, resulting in a preserve that’s both delicious and versatile.

Whether you’re new to canning or a seasoned preserve maker, the step-by-step instructions make the process approachable and enjoyable.

By preparing these preserves at home, you not only ensure freshness and quality but also create a homemade gift that friends and family will cherish. Keep a few jars on hand to brighten up breakfasts, desserts, and even savory dishes throughout the year.

Happy preserving!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cinnamon Apple Preserves”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A sweet and spiced apple preserve perfect for toast or desserts. Made with fresh apples and warm cinnamon for a cozy flavor.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “4 cups”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples”, “2 cups granulated sugar”, “1/2 cup water”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine apples, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large pot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until thickened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in vanilla extract and cook for another 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and let cool slightly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer preserves to sterilized jars and seal.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Store in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120”, “proteinContent”: “0.2g”, “fatContent”: “0g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “31g”}}