Making your own apricot freezer jam is not only easy but also a fantastic way to enjoy the sweet, sun-kissed flavor of apricots all year round. This no-cook recipe preserves the fresh fruit’s natural taste, and it requires minimal time and effort. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a delicious jam that’s perfect for spreading on toast, adding to yogurt, or drizzling over desserts!
Homemade Apricot Freezer Jam Recipe
1
jar20
minutes3
minutes45
kcal23
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 kg 2 1/5 lb fresh apricots, pitted and chopped
500 g 2 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon lemon juice
50 g 3 3/8 tbsp powdered pectin
180 ml 3/4 cup cold water
Equipment
Large mixing bowl- Potato masher or food processor
- Medium saucepan
- Sterilized freezer-safe jars or containers
- Ladle or funnel
Directions
- Wash, pit, and chop the apricots. Leave the skins on for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a potato masher to crush the apricots until you reach your desired consistency. For a smoother jam, you can pulse them briefly in a food processor, but don’t over-blend—you want some fruit texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the crushed apricots and stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Mix well to combine.
- Let the fruit and sugar mixture sit for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sugar to dissolve and the fruit juices to develop.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the pectin and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute and then remove from heat.
- Immediately pour the hot pectin mixture into the sugared apricot mixture. Stir well for 3 minutes to ensure the pectin is fully incorporated.
- Using a ladle or funnel, pour the jam into sterilized, freezer-safe jars, leaving about 1 cm (½ inch) of space at the top to allow for expansion when freezing.
- Seal the jars tightly.
- Let the jam sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set.
- After 24 hours, store the jam in the freezer for up to 1 year. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and use it within 3 weeks.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm apricots for the best flavor. Overripe apricots may become too mushy when mashed.
What is freezer jam?
Freezer jam is a type of uncooked jam that is stored in the freezer instead of being canned. It preserves the fresh flavor and color of the fruit, making it a great alternative to traditional cooked jams.
How long does apricot freezer jam last?
Apricot freezer jam can last up to 1 year in the freezer. Once thawed and opened, store it in the refrigerator and use it within 3 weeks for the best quality.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet jam. However, be cautious—sugar helps preserve the fruit and affects the jam’s texture. Reducing it too much could result in a jam that doesn’t set properly or spoils more quickly.
Can I make this jam without pectin?
Freezer jam requires pectin to thicken properly, as it’s not cooked down like traditional jams. If you don’t want to use commercial pectin, you could try using naturally high-pectin fruits (like apples or citrus peel) to add some thickening power, but the texture may differ.
Can I use frozen apricots for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apricots if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using them in the recipe. This helps maintain the correct texture and consistency.
Do I need to peel the apricots?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds a bit of texture and fiber to the jam. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blanch the apricots briefly and peel them before making the jam.
Why does the jam need to sit for 24 hours before freezing?
The 24-hour resting period allows the pectin to fully set and the sugar to dissolve, ensuring that the jam thickens properly before it’s frozen.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes! You can mix in other fruits like peaches, plums, or berries to create a delicious mixed fruit freezer jam. Just make sure to maintain the overall fruit-to-sugar ratio to ensure the jam sets properly.
Can I refreeze apricot jam if I thawed too much?
Once thawed, it’s best to consume the jam rather than refreezing it, as refreezing can affect the texture and quality. If you find that you’ve thawed too much, consider incorporating it into recipes like baked goods or desserts.
