Small Batch Apricot Jam is an easy homemade jam with no pectin, special equipment or canning required!   You only need 4 ingredients and it cooks up in about 20 minutes!

jar of apricot jam with spoon buried into the center

Normally I don’t eat a lot of jam, but when it’s homemade I can’t seem to stay out of the jar.  I love to sneak spoonfuls of my fig, strawberry and apricot jams because homemade simply tastes better.

I say that a lot because it’s true.  The apricots are the star of this recipe, and their flavor really shines.  

apricots in a bowl

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • This jam is thick and sweet with big chunks of apricot and freshness you can taste.  It’s lower in sugar, so the apricot flavor really shines.
  • You only need FOUR ingredients to make it.
  • It cooks up in about 20 minutes.
  • This is a small batch jam, which means there is no pectin, special equipment or canning requirements.  Simply store it in an air tight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2-3 weeks.

Recipe Ingredients

overhead shot of apricot jam ingredients

Ingredient swaps

Try the following variations to change things up:

  • This recipe may be made with 2 pounds of your favorite fresh or even frozen fruit.  Peaches, plums, cherries and any type of berries are wonderful options.
  • All or part of the granulated sugar may be substituted with unrefined sugars such as coconut sugar, honey or maple syrup.
  • Lemon zest and juice may be substituted for the orange.  Lemon is also higher in pectin, which promotes thickening.

How to make Apricot Jam

This is an easy recipe with about 10 minutes of prep.

apricot jam collage before and after cooking

apricot jam collage before and after stirring in vanilla

    1. Place the apricots, sugar, orange zest and juice in a large sauce pan.
    2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring well to combine.  Reduce heat to medium low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or until the jam reaches the desired level of thickness.
    3. Remove from heat and add the vanilla bean paste or vanilla.
    4. Stir well and cool completely at room temperature.  The jam will thicken as it cools.

Ways to serve this recipe

  • Slather it on toast, english muffins, scones or peanut butter sandwiches.
  • Stir it into oatmeal.
  • Use as a topping for pancakes, waffles, yogurt or ice cream.
  • Add to homemade barbecue sauce for sweetness.
  • Apricot jam is the perfect ingredient for a cheeseboard!

FAQs

How do you know when jam is done cooking?

It’s done when it has reached your desired level of thickness, which normally takes place after 20-30 minutes. 

Pro tip:  If you’re unsure, run a spoon down the center of pan and if liquid doesn’t fill the middle of the pan, it’s done!  

How do you thicken jam without pectin?

Cooking the jam over a low boil will thicken it.  I’ve found that it takes only 20 minutes to reach my desired thickness (it thickens as it cools), but you can cook yours up to 10 minutes longer if you like yours thicker.  

Apricots are not high in pectin, but using high pectin fruits will produce an even thicker jam as well.  See this list of High and Low Pectin Fruits by The Spruce Eats for more info.

Can I freeze this apricot jam?

This jam may be frozen in an air tight container for up to 3 months. 

How long does small batch jam last?

Up to 3 weeks, although it rarely lasts that long!

Recipe notes

  • Lemon juice may be substituted for the orange juice. It’s also higher in pectin, which will promote thickening.
  • After 20 minutes, your jam will have thickened well, and it will thicken as it cools. If you’d like your jam to be very thick, cook up to 10 minutes longer, stirring regularly to prevent burning.  If you’re unsure, run a spoon down the center of pan and if liquid doesn’t fill the middle of the pan, it’s done!  
  • Store jam in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Because this is a small batch jam, there is no pectin required or canning equipment required.

spoonful of apricot jam close up

More small batch jam recipes you’ll love:

Apple butter by Baking a Moment

Chia seed jam

Strawberry rhubarb jam

jar of apricot jam with spoon buried into the center

Small Batch Apricot Jam

Small Batch Apricot Jam is an easy homemade jam with no pectin, special equipment or canning required!   You only need 4 ingredients and it cooks up in about 20 minutes!
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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. apricots unpeeled, pitted, and chopped
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • Place the apricots, sugar, orange zest and juice in a large pot and bring to a boil, stirring well.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium low, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until the jam has thickened, about 20 minutes. If you're unsure, run a spoon down the center of pan and if liquid doesn't fill the middle of the pan, it's done!  
  • Remove the jam from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste or vanilla.
  • Cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the jam to an airtight jar or container and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

Notes

    • After 20 minutes, your jam will have thickened well, and it will thicken as it cools. If you'd like your jam to be very thick, cook up to 10 minutes longer, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
    • Lemon juice may be substituted for the orange juice. It's also higher in pectin, which will promote thickening.
    • Store jam in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
    • This recipe may be made with 2 pounds of your favorite fresh or even frozen fruit.  Peaches, plums, cherries and any type of berries are wonderful options.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 40kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 76mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 548IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

  

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