Easy Vanilla Cardamom Apricot Jam
A simple and reliable homemade apricot jam recipe infused with warm cardamom and subtle vanilla, perfect for toast, yogurt, or gifting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 3 half-pint jars (approximately 12 servings, 1 tablespoon each) 1x
- Category: Preserves
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900 grams) fresh apricots, pitted and chopped
- 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 whole vanilla bean, split and scraped or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions
- Wash, pit, and roughly chop 2 pounds (900 grams) of fresh apricots into bite-sized pieces. (About 10 minutes)
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine apricots, 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes to macerate.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Once bubbling, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring often, until fruit breaks down and mixture thickens. Optionally, mash gently halfway through cooking for smoother texture.
- Add scraped seeds from 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract) and ½ teaspoon ground cardamom. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend flavors without overcooking.
- Test jam consistency by dropping a spoonful on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it is ready. Remove from heat and ladle into sterilized glass jars using a funnel. Let cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.
Notes
Do not rush the simmering phase to avoid burnt sugar and bitterness. Stir frequently but gently to maintain texture. Add vanilla and cardamom at the end to preserve their bright flavors. Sterilize jars by boiling or dishwasher cycle before filling. Use the wrinkle test on a chilled plate to check jam readiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (20 gra
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 0.5
Keywords: apricot jam, homemade jam, vanilla cardamom jam, easy jam recipe, fruit preserves, breakfast spread