Name: Homemade Apple Thyme Jam Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 4 medium apples; Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves; 1 cup apple juice or cider; 3 cups granulated sugar; 1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell or Certo); 2–3 sprigs of fresh thyme for steeping in the jar

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Apple Thyme Jam is a delightful blend of sweet apples and earthy thyme, perfect for spreading on toast or adding to cheese boards. This easy recipe captures the fresh flavors of autumn in a jar.

The image shows a glass jar filled with a golden-yellow jelly or jam topped with a small green herb sprig, placed at the center on a wooden surface. Surrounding the jar are neatly cut pale yellow cheese cubes on the left and a wedge of white cheese with a soft texture and a white rind with a few small green herb leaves on top in the upper background. There are round, light beige crackers with small holes and a rough texture in the foreground. On the right side, there is a cream cheese log or spread with visible green herb bits, next to a small pile of fresh green herbs. The entire scene is set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 4 medium apples; Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 cup apple juice or cider
3 cups granulated sugar
1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell or Certo)
Optional: 2–3 sprigs of fresh thyme for steeping in the jar

Instructions

Step 1: Peel, core, and finely chop the apples into small, even pieces to ensure they soften quickly and evenly during cooking.
Step 2: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the chopped apples, lemon juice, lemon zest, and apple juice. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples begin to soften.
Step 3: Stir in the fruit pectin and increase the heat. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
Step 4: Add the granulated sugar and chopped thyme leaves. Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off any foam from the surface with a spoon.
Step 5: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. If desired, add a fresh thyme sprig into each jar before sealing for extra aroma and visual appeal.
Step 6 (Optional): For longer storage, process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. If you skip processing, allow the jars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for short-term use.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
Adjust the amount of thyme to suit your taste, starting with less if you prefer a milder herbal note.
If you like a smoother jam, gently mash the apples after cooking, or use an immersion blender for a few seconds.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for a warm spice twist.
Sterilize jars in hot water or the dishwasher to ensure a safe seal.

Storage

Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year if processed in a water bath. Once opened, or if not processed, keep the jam refrigerated and use within 3 to 4 weeks. Reheat gently before serving if desired, but heating is not necessary.

How to Serve

A metal pot with two handles sits on a white marbled surface, filled halfway with a bubbling, light brown liquid. Inside the liquid are several pieces of yellowish fruit or vegetables, partially submerged and rising slightly above the surface. In the background, a beige cloth is loosely folded with a wooden spoon resting on top of it, creating a soft contrast with the shiny metal pot. The scene has a simple, clean look with warm natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use any apples you like, but firmer varieties such as Honeycrisp or Fuji hold up well and provide great flavor. Mixing sweet and tart apples can also enhance the taste.

Do I have to use fresh thyme?

Fresh thyme is recommended for its bright flavor, but dried thyme can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount if substituting dried herb for fresh.