Easy Small-Batch Apricot Cardamom Jam Recipe No Pectin Included
A simple, small-batch apricot jam infused with warm cardamom spice, made without pectin. This jam is smooth with a slight chunkiness, lightly spiced, and perfect for quick homemade spreads.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 to 1.5 cups 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 g) fresh apricots, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
- Optional: pinch of sea salt
- Optional: splash of vanilla extract
- Optional sugar substitutes: honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Wash, pit, and chop apricots into roughly 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) chunks.
- In a small to medium saucepan, combine chopped apricots, sugar, water, lemon juice, and ground cardamom. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook over medium heat until mixture reaches a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring every few minutes and mashing some fruit against the pan for thicker texture.
- Test jam consistency by placing a spoonful on a cold plate; if it wrinkles when pushed gently after cooling, it is ready. If not, cook a bit longer.
- Remove from heat and let cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
- Transfer jam to a clean jar or container and refrigerate. Jam will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
Use firmer, ripe apricots for best natural pectin and texture. Stir often to prevent scorching and mash fruit for desired thickness. Test jam doneness with the cold plate method. Cooling thickens the jam further. Can substitute cardamom with cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg. Sugar can be replaced with honey or maple syrup but may affect cooking time and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (20 g)
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 9
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 0.5
Keywords: apricot jam, cardamom jam, small-batch jam, no pectin jam, homemade jam, fruit spread, easy jam recipe