Transform fresh apples into delicious jelly with this straightforward slow cooker Apple Jelly recipe, featuring just 4 ingredients: apples, water, fruit pectin, and sugar.

To make Apple Jelly in your slow cooker or crockpot, just chop the apples, add water, and let them soften. After extracting the juice, mix in sugar and pectin and cook until it thickens—about 10 hours total.

Enjoy spreading this rich, homemade jelly on your morning toast or an English muffin. It’s also perfect for canning and long-term storage. This jelly might just become your new breakfast favorite.

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Is It Necessary to Use Pectin in This Apple Jam?

Yes, pectin is crucial here—it’s what sets your jam and gives it that perfect, spreadable consistency. Without it, you might end up with apple sauce instead of jam, and we’re not making that, are we?

Slow Cooker Apple Jam Ingredients

• 12 medium apples
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) of water
• 1.75 ounces (50 grams) of powdered fruit pectin (such as Sure-Gel)
• 5 cups (1.2 kilograms) of granulated sugar

How To Make Apple Jam in Slow Cooker

1. Prepare Your Apples: Start by washing your apples. Core and slice them, then place the slices along with the water into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
2. Cook the Apples: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let the apples cook for 8 to 9 hours, or until they turn mushy.
3. Extract the Juice: Once your apples are ready, line a colander with cheesecloth. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the apples into the lined colander. Bring the corners of the cheesecloth together and tie them into a knot. Hang the bundle over a large bowl to drain the juice completely.
4. Reduce the Apple Juice: Measure out 6 cups of the apple juice. Pour it back into the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 1 hour, covered.
5. Mix in Pectin and Sugar: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and powdered fruit pectin. Gradually add this mixture to the hot apple juice, stirring until everything is dissolved.
6. Final Cook: Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking on HIGH for another 30 minutes.
7. Boil the Jam: Carefully pour the jelly mixture into a large pan and place it on your stove top. Crank the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.
8. Test the Jam: Check if your jam is ready by dipping a cold metal spoon into it. If the mixture sheets off the spoon, it’s done.
9. Jar Your Jam: Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized 8-ounce jelly jars. Secure the lids and rings until they are finger-tight.
10. Store or Preserve: You can now process the jelly in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary) or simply store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Can I Reduce the Sugar in This Recipe?

You can certainly cut down the sugar if you’re not a fan of super-sweet jams. Just remember, sugar isn’t just for sweetness; it helps preserve the jam, too. Tinker with caution!

Recipe Tips

• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Fuji to balance the flavors and add a zing to your jam.
• Monitor the Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet jam, start with less sugar and adjust to taste after the apples have cooked down; it’s easy to add more, but impossible to take it out!
• Stir Gently: When adding the sugar and pectin, stir gently to avoid splashing, because nobody likes cleaning a sticky kitchen!
• Skim the Foam: If you notice foam forming on top of your jam as it cooks, skim it off with a spoon; it’s not harmful, but your jam will look much prettier without it.

Recipe Variations

• Add Spices: For a warm, comforting twist, add a cinnamon stick or a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and nutmeg during the cooking process; it’s like autumn in a jar!
• Berry Delicious: Mix in a cup of fresh or frozen berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a berry apple jam hybrid that’s bursting with flavors and colors.
• Vanilla Bean Jam: Split a vanilla bean pod, scrape out the seeds, and throw it all into your slow cooker for a vanilla-infused apple jam that pairs wonderfully with desserts.
• Chili Kick: For those who like it sweet and spicy, add a small finely chopped chili pepper to the mix; it’s a hot surprise that kicks up the flavor profile!

What To Serve With Apple Jam

Serve your Apple Jam with freshly baked scones, whole wheat toast, oatmeal pancakes, yogurt parfaits, and vanilla ice cream.

You can also pair it with artisanal cheeses, or roasted pork, making each bite a delightful experience.

How To Store Leftover Apple Jam

In The Fridge:

Pour your leftover Apple Jam into an airtight container, ensuring the seal is tight. Store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor; it will stay fresh for up to 6 months.

In The Freezer:

Apple Jam does not freeze well due to its sugar and pectin content, which may alter the texture and flavor when thawed.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Tomato Jam
• Slow Cooker Pear Jam
• Slow Cooker Fig Jam