Apricot Jam Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Natural

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Apricot jam is one of those delightful pantry staples that brings sunshine to your breakfast table all year round. Its sweet, tangy flavor and luscious texture make it perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping onto vegan yogurt, or even as a glaze for desserts.

What’s best is that making apricot jam at home is incredibly simple, and you can control exactly what goes into it—no preservatives, no artificial flavors, just pure, natural goodness. This vegan apricot jam recipe is not only wholesome but also allergy-friendly and utterly delicious.

Whether you’re a seasoned jam-maker or trying out your first batch, this recipe will guide you through each step with ease. Using fresh apricots and a touch of natural sweetener, you’ll create a vibrant jam that’s bursting with flavor.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to preserve the bounty of summer apricots and enjoy their taste long after the season ends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this vegan apricot jam recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients.

You won’t need any specialized pectin or additives—the natural pectin in apricots helps the jam set beautifully.

It’s also very versatile. Use it as a topping for your morning toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or add it to baked goods for a fruity twist.

Plus, this jam is 100% plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies.

Lastly, homemade jam offers a freshness and authenticity that store-bought varieties simply can’t match. You get to enjoy the pure essence of apricots without any hidden sugars or preservatives.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh apricots, pitted and chopped
  • 1 cup organic cane sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for added depth)
  • 1/4 cup water

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or jam pot
  • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
  • Jar funnel (optional but helpful for filling jars)
  • Glass jars with airtight lids, sterilized
  • Potato masher or immersion blender (optional for texture)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle for transferring jam

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apricots. Wash the apricots thoroughly, then pit and chop them into small pieces. The size can vary depending on your preferred jam texture—smaller pieces for chunkier jam, or you can mash them later for a smoother consistency.
  2. Combine apricots and water. Place the chopped apricots in the saucepan and add the 1/4 cup of water. This will help the apricots cook down without sticking to the pan.
  3. Cook the fruit. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the apricots are soft and breaking down.
  4. Add sugar and lemon juice. Stir in the cane sugar and fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice not only balances the sweetness but also helps with the jam’s natural setting process.
  5. Simmer and stir. Continue to simmer the mixture, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the jam thickens to your desired consistency. To test, place a spoonful on a cold plate—if it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s ready.
  6. Add vanilla extract. If using, stir in the vanilla extract in the last few minutes of cooking for a subtle, aromatic flavor boost.
  7. Adjust texture. If you prefer a smoother jam, use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down any large chunks at this stage.
  8. Sterilize jars. While the jam is finishing, sterilize your glass jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through a hot dishwasher cycle.
  9. Pour jam into jars. Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars using a funnel to avoid spills. Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
  10. Seal and cool. Wipe the rims clean, seal the jars tightly, and let them cool at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate and use within 3-4 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: For a natural pectin boost, add a peeled and grated green apple or a teaspoon of chia seeds to your jam while cooking. This helps your jam set firmer without using commercial pectin.

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for a warming twist. You can also combine apricots with other stone fruits like peaches or nectarines for a mixed fruit jam.

For a no-cook version, try soaking chopped apricots with sugar and lemon juice overnight in the fridge, then blend lightly and store. This will result in a fresher, chunkier jam with a different texture.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per 2 tbsp Serving
Calories 50
Carbohydrates 13g
Sugars 12g
Fiber 0.5g
Protein 0.2g
Fat 0g
Vitamin A 6% DV
Vitamin C 8% DV

Serving Suggestions

This vegan apricot jam is incredibly versatile. Spread it on your favorite crusty bread or bagels for a sweet start to the day.

It also pairs beautifully with vegan cream cheese or nut butter for a decadent snack.

Try using it as a topping on pancakes or waffles, or swirl it into plant-based yogurt or oatmeal for added flavor and sweetness. It also makes a fantastic filling for vegan pastries and thumbprint cookies, much like the ones in our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe.

For a gourmet touch, spread some apricot jam over a vegan cheese board or use it as a glaze on roasted vegetables or tofu dishes.

Conclusion

Making your own apricot jam at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a jar of pure, natural sweetness that’s perfect for a wide range of uses.

This vegan apricot jam recipe is free from animal products, preservatives, and artificial additives—ensuring a wholesome treat for you and your loved ones.

Not only does homemade jam taste better, but it also connects you with the rhythm of the seasons, allowing you to savor fresh apricots long after their harvest. Whether you’re enjoying it on toast, baking it into desserts, or gifting it to friends, this apricot jam is sure to become a beloved staple.

For more delightful recipes that complement your homemade jam, be sure to try our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe and our Glazed Twist Donut Recipe.

📖 Recipe Card: Apricot Jam Recipe Vegan

Description: A simple and delicious vegan apricot jam made with fresh apricots and natural sweeteners. Perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 cups

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds fresh apricots, pitted and chopped
  • 1 cup organic cane sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for thickening)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Combine apricots, sugar, lemon juice, water, and salt in a large pot.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  4. Mash the apricots gently with a spoon to desired consistency.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract and chia seeds if using, cook for 5 more minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to sterilized jars.

Nutrition: Calories: 80 | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.1g | Carbs: 21g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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