Easy Homemade Apricot Jam Recipe with Vanilla and Fresh Ginger
Make this Easy Homemade Apricot Jam with Vanilla and Fresh Ginger in just 30 minutes. After making it dozens of times, I discovered the trick to perfect, golden apricot jam every time. The fresh ginger adds a warm, cozy note that makes this jam irresistible. Try it on my Fresh Star-Spangled Watermelon Pizza or Beef Stew Egg Noodle Casserole. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Summer Star-Spangled Watermelon Pizza and Cozy Beef Stew Egg Noodle Casserole.
Why This Easy Homemade Apricot Jam Recipe with Vanilla and Fresh Ginger Is Pure Comfort
- Perfect for spreading on toast or filling donuts
- Better than store-bought with natural flavors
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Versatile – use in baking, on yogurt, or as a gift
What You'll Need for Easy Homemade Apricot Jam Recipe with Vanilla and Fresh Ginger
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 4 cups ripe apricots, pitted and chopped
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Whipped cream
- Optional: Greek yogurt
- Optional: Ice cream
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Apricots: Use ripe, but not overripe, apricots for the best flavor.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Ball Mason Jars — Perfect for storing and gifting your homemade jam. → See on Amazon
- KitchenAid Immersion Blender — Makes blending the apricots a breeze. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Homemade Apricot Jam Recipe with Vanilla and Fresh Ginger
- Prepare Apricots: Pit and chop the apricots. You should have about 4 cups.
- Cook Apricots: Combine apricots, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Blend and Simmer: Use an immersion blender to puree the apricot mixture until smooth. Add vanilla and ginger, then simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens.
- Can or Store: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Seal with lids and process in a water bath for 10 minutes, or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Homemade Apricot Jam Recipe with Vanilla and Fresh Ginger
- : Use a candy thermometer to ensure the jam reaches the gel point (220°F).
- Common mistake and fix: If your jam doesn't set, try adding a bit more pectin or cooking it a little longer.
- : For a smoother jam, blend the cooked apricots until smooth before canning.
- : To sterilize jars, boil them in a water bath for 10 minutes or run them through a hot dishwasher cycle.
Storing & Reheating Easy Homemade Apricot Jam Recipe with Vanilla and Fresh Ginger
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the apricots and measure the ingredients a day ahead.
Freezing Easy Homemade Apricot Jam Recipe with Vanilla and Fresh Ginger
Freeze for up to 1 year.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier jam, add more fresh ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: You can substitute peaches or plums for the apricots.
- Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 1 year.
- Scaling: This recipe can be doubled or halved easily.
- Troubleshooting: If your jam isn't setting, try cooking it a little longer or adding a bit more pectin.
Want to level up this recipe?
OXO Good Grips Silicone Spatula — Perfect for stirring and scraping the jam from the pot. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Homemade Apricot Jam Recipe with Vanilla and Fresh Ginger
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups ripe apricots, pitted and chopped
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Greek yogurt
- Ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare Apricots: Pit and chop the apricots. You should have about 4 cups.
- Cook Apricots: Combine apricots, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Blend and Simmer: Use an immersion blender to puree the apricot mixture until smooth. Add vanilla and ginger, then simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens.
- Can or Store: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Seal with lids and process in a water bath for 10 minutes, or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier jam, add more fresh ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: You can substitute peaches or plums for the apricots.
- Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 1 year.
- Scaling: This recipe can be doubled or halved easily.
- Troubleshooting: If your jam isn't setting, try cooking it a little longer or adding a bit more pectin.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 year.
- Make ahead: Prepare the apricots and measure the ingredients a day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 45
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 0g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Homemade Apricot Jam Recipe with Vanilla and Fresh Ginger FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the apricots and measure the ingredients a day ahead. However, the jam itself is best made and canned fresh.
There could be several reasons why your jam didn't set. Try cooking it a little longer, adding a bit more pectin, or using riper fruit.
Yes, you can freeze this jam for up to 1 year. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Yes, you can use frozen apricots. Thaw them first and measure after they're thawed.
You can sterilize jars by boiling them in a water bath for 10 minutes or running them through a hot dishwasher cycle.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Homemade Apricot Jam Recipe with Vanilla and Fresh Ginger and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
