Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (2024)

Published: by Felicia Lim · This post may contain affiliate links

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This easy apricot jam recipe is made with just 3 simple ingredients and is ready in under an hour! Perfect for spreading on homemade bread or English muffins for breakfast, drizzling over homemade yogurt or ice cream, or even eating it by the spoonful, this homemade apricot jam is totally gluten-free, vegan, and pectin-free. Learn how to make apricot jam at home today!

Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (1)

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Jump to:
  • My Love for Homemade Jams
  • Stone Fruit Season is Here!
  • Apricot Lovers, Rejoice!
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients You’ll Need:
  • Ingredient Notes/Substitutions:
  • How to Make Apricot Jam (Step by Step):
  • Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
  • Recipe FAQs:
  • What to Eat With Apricot Jam
  • Other Homemade Jam Recipes You’ll Love:
  • Spring/Summer Recipes to Try:
  • Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free)

My Love for Homemade Jams

My family and I visited a farm during a trip to New Zealand back when I was a little girl, and I remember waking up at the farm and being served a big pot of piping hot English breakfast tea, alongside freshly baked bread and homemade jam.

Since then, I’ve been obsessed with anytime homemade, from homemade bread (which I can’t stop baking!), and of course, homemade jams and marmalades.

From easy plum jam to strawberry jam, to kumquat marmalade, and even fig jam – I just really enjoy the process of making my own jams at home.

Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (2)

Stone Fruit Season is Here!

Now that it’s summer (which means that stone fruit season is here!), there is an abundance of stone fruit everywhere we go.

There are peaches (to make peach cobbler!), plums (to eat straight plucked off the tree or made into delicious plum jam), nectarines, and plenty of delicious apricots.

Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (3)

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Apricot Lovers, Rejoice!

Naturally, each time summer rolls around, it means time to make a few jars of jam.

And this time, to take advantage of apricot season, we’re making an easy apricot jam recipe that’s bursting with apricot flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Super Simple: Even if this is your first time making homemade jam, don’t worry! This easy homemade apricot jam recipe is really as simple as it sounds – all you need are literally three simple ingredients and less than an hour of hands-on time.
  • No Pectin Required: In this apricot preserves recipe, we don’t need pectin to create the gel-like consistency we love about jams – instead we’re using fresh lemon juice to help with that.
  • Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan: Best of all, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan but honestly it’s so rich and good that no one would care!
Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (4)

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a quick visual overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this homemade apricot jam recipe.

(For exact quantities, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.)

Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (5)

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions:

  • Apricots:Since this is an apricot jam recipe, apricots are the star. However, if apricots are not available, feel free to use other stone fruits such as plums or peaches in equal quantities as you prefer.
  • Sugar:I used granulated white sugar, but you can also use light brown sugar if you prefer. You may use a little less sugar, but I do not recommend omitting the sugar completely as it not only sweetens the recipe, but also plays a crucial role in binding the pectins and acids from the fruit to create the jam gel structure. Sugar also acts as a preservative and prevents mold from growing.
  • Lemon Juice:I highly recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, but if you only have bottled lemon juice, that will work too. For best results, don’t skip adding lemon juice because the acidity of the lemon juice helps to set the jam and prevents it from becoming runny.

How to Make Apricot Jam (Step by Step):

1. Wash, Dry and Cut the Apricots

Wash and then dry the apricots. Slice the fresh fruit into halves to remove the stones before cutting them into smaller pieces.

Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (6)

2. Combine Ingredients

Combine apricots, sugar and lemon juice in a large pot, Dutch oven, or large saucepan, and bring to a boil.

Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (7)

3. Simmer, Stir, and Mash

Reduce heat to low and let the apricot mixture simmer for the next 30 minutes until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally and mashing the fruit with a potato masher as it cooks.

Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (8)
Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (9)

4. Let Cool

Once the fruit reaches a thick jam-like consistency, switch off the heat. If there is any foam on top of the hot jam, use a spoon to remove it. Let the apricot marmalade stand for at least 10 minutes in the pot.

Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (10)

5. Transfer to Jars

Once slightly cooled, spoon the apricot preserves into sterilized half-pint jars and wipe the rims of the jars clean before you screw on the seals. Let stand at room temperature until fully cooled.

Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (11)

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

  • Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice:Since we are not using added pectin to set the jam, make sure you don’t skip the lemon juice, which is required because the acidity of the lemon juice helps to bind the ingredients and create the gel-like consistency we love about jam.
  • Use Sterilized Glass Jars:Make sure tosterilize your glass jarsbefore storing the apricot preserves to prevent any bacteria or mold from growing (which will cause the jam to spoil).
Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (12)

Recipe FAQs:

How to Store Apricot Jam

Store the apricot marmalade in jars for up to a year in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Must I Use Fresh Lemon Juice?

I personally like using fresh lemon juice because I almost always have a bunch of fresh lemons on hand. However, you may also use bottled lemon juice if that’s what you have.

Do You Peel Apricots Before Canning?

No, it is not necessary to peel the apricots before canning. Just make sure to wash them clean before coring and cutting the apricots into small pieces.

What to Eat With Apricot Jam

Now that you know how to make apricot jam, you might be wondering what can you eat apricot jam with?

Juan and I love starting the morning with toast and jam, alongside a steeping cup of tea. So I definitely recommend you eating this delicious apricot jelly with any of our favorite homemade bread recipes:

  • Soft, Fluffy Gluten-Free White Bread (Dairy-Free)
  • Soft Buckwheat Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
  • Fluffy Brown Rice Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
  • Tender Sorghum Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
  • Easy Gluten-Free No Knead Bread (Dairy-Free)
  • Fluffy Low-Carb Buns (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Keto)
  • Low-Carb Almond Flour Bread (Gluten-Free, Paleo)
  • Low-Carb Coconut Flour Bread (Gluten-Free, Paleo)
Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (13)

Other Homemade Jam Recipes You’ll Love:

  • Easy Plum Jam (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Mixed Berry Jam (Gluten-free, Vegan)
  • Strawberry Chia Seed Jam (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Easy Kumquat Marmalade (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Homemade Fig Jam (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Homemade Peach Jam (Gluen-Free, Vegan)
  • Homemade Strawberry Jam (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Homemade Grapefruit Marmalade (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Spring/Summer Recipes to Try:

  • Gluten-Free Lemon Olive Oil Cake (Dairy-Free)
  • Moist Gluten-Free Lemon Bundt Cake (Dairy-Free)
  • Easy Gluten-Free Garlic Bread (Dairy-Free, Vegan)
  • Moist Gluten-Free Carrot Cake (Dairy-Free)

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (18)

Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free)

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: felicia | Dish by Dish
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 2 16oz jars 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This easy apricot jam recipe is made with just 3 simple ingredients and is ready in under an hour! Perfect for spreading on homemade bread or English muffins for breakfast, drizzling over homemade yogurt or ice cream, or even eating it by the spoonful, this homemade apricot jam is totally gluten-free, vegan, and pectin-free. Learn how to make apricot jam at home today!

Ingredients

UnitsScale

  • 2 pounds fresh apricots
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Wash, Dry and Cut the Apricots:Wash and then dry the apricots. Slice the apricots into halves to remove the stones before cutting them into smaller pieces.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Pot: Combine diced apricots, sugar and lemon juice in a large pot, Dutch oven, or large saucepan and bring to a boil.
  3. Simmer, Stir and Mash: Reduce heat to low and let ingredients simmer for the next 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and mashing the fruit as it cooks.
  4. Let Cool and Transfer to Jars: Once the fruit reaches a thick jam-like consistency, switch off the heat. Let the apricot jam stand for at least 10 minutes in the pot before spooning the jam into sterilized glass jars and covering.

Notes

Apricots: Since this is an apricot jam recipe, apricots are the star. However, feel free to use other stone fruits such as plums or peaches in equal quantities as you prefer.

Sugar: I used granulated white sugar, but you can also use light brown sugar if you prefer. I do not recommend omitting the sugar as it not only sweetens the recipe, but also plays a crucial role in binding the pectins and acids from the fruit to create the jam gel structure. Sugar also acts as a preservative and prevents mold from growing.

Lemon Juice:I highly recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, but if you only have bottled lemon juice, that will work too. Don’t skip adding lemon juice because the acidity of the lemon juice helps to set the jam and prevents it from becoming runny.

Use Sterilized Glass Jars: Make sure to sterilize your glass jars before storing your jam to prevent any bacteria or mold from growing (which will cause the jam to spoil).

Storing: Store the jam in jars for up to a year in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

This recipe was originally published in Nov 2016 but has since been republished to include clearer instructions, ingredients notes, and process shots.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Category: Jam
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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  • Easy Plum Jam Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Pectin-Free)
  • Mixed Berry Chia Seed Jam
  • Strawberry Chia Seed Jam
  • Homemade Fig Jam + Letter to my mother

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Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (23)

About Felicia

Hey you! I’m Felicia, a Singaporean girl who moved to Buenos Aires for love. A couple of things about me: I love food, writing and food photography. I wrote a grain-free ecookbook that I know you’ll love and I also do freelance writing and photography if you want to work with me. Follow me on this blog as I navigate the world of cooking gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free.

Did you make a recipe? Tag @felicialimhz on Instagram. I love to see what you cook!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (24)Nikki says

    I made this jam and it taste really good but it didn’t set up real firm. I followed your directions but it just didn’t get firm. Is there something else I can do to make it firmer. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (25)Felicia Lim says

      Hi Nikki! If you want it more firm, cook the jam a little longer so you evaporate more of the water content 🙂

      Reply

  2. Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (26)Denise says

    I don’t see any mention of water bathing? All my other jams have to be water bathed. Mine is cooking now. I can’t wait!!

    Reply

    • Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (27)Felicia Lim says

      No water bathing needed! Hope you enjoyed this apricot jam dear!

      Reply

  3. Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (28)Kim says

    I don’t see any mention of peeling the apricots.?

    Reply

    • Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (29)Felicia Lim says

      Hi Kim! No peeling needed 🙂 Just wash the apricots clean before cutting them!

      Reply

  4. Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (30)Grace Lim says

    Thanks Felicia for refreshing us by re-publishing this recipe again to salivate our tastebuds. I am reminded that I need to replenish this tantalising jam in my fridge.

    With much love from us in SG,
    Mum

    Reply

  5. Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (31)M.M. says

    Can I use dried apricots? Maybe just pre-soak them? Have a whole bunch I need to use up, somehow!

    Reply

    • Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (32)Felicia Lim says

      Hi!
      I don’t see why not. Just note that dried apricots tend to be much sweeter than fresh apricots, so you might want to reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe (this will totally depend on your preference)!

      Hope this helps, and see you on the blog again sometime soon!

      Reply

  6. Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (33)Grace Lim says

    Thank you Felicia.

    This is a super simple and well-loved jam that goes pretty well with all or any kinds of bread or crackers. A great home-made item to have available in every pantry to make tea-time a great refreshment break from the daily grinds.

    I was also attracted to the well-taken photos of your bottled apricot jam that I could imagine you enjoying your jam with your freshly baked bread . Yum…yum!

    I love you, darling!
    Mum

    Reply

    • Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (34)Felicia Lim says

      Hi mummy, yes, this jam really goes well with everything! 🙂 Love you lots too!!

      Reply

  7. Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (35)sinyee says

    Happy birthday! May the new year be even more wonderful than this one. Good to know you are doing well – keep having the passion and the courage to try new things that you now already have in spades!

    Reply

    • Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (36)felicia | Dish by Dish says

      Thank you Sin yee!

      Reply

  8. Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (37)Jin Hua Choo says

    Love your photos! So resplendent, just like the photographer!

    Reply

    • Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (38)felicia | Dish by Dish says

      Awwww thank you sweetie!! <3

      Reply

  9. Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (39)Grace Lim says

    Hi Felicia,
    I really like your attitude of gratitude for 2016 and posssitivity in welcoming the fast approaching 2017.
    Everyday is a good day to celebrate life. In two days time you will have a better reason to do so because it is your special day – your Birthday!!!
    Blessed Birthday ! May the favours and blessings of God be upon you now and always!.
    Cheers with love,
    Mum

    Reply

    • Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (40)felicia | Dish by Dish says

      Thank you mummy. Love you lots!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Easy Apricot Jam Recipe (Gluten-free, Vegan, Pectin-Free) (2024)

FAQs

How do you make jam thicker without pectin? ›

The secret ingredient to making jam without pectin is time. The fruit and sugar need plenty of time to cook and thicken. A long, slow boil drives the moisture out of the fruit, helping to preserve and thicken it at the same time. Fruit varies in water content as well, and some fruits may take longer to jam up.

Does lemon juice add pectin to jam? ›

The addition of lemon juice also helps to activate the pectin and set your jam. Slightly unripe fruit contains more pectin and is more acidic than very ripe fruit and will also help to set your jam more easily.

Do apricots contain pectin? ›

While we did not use pectin in our apricot jam, apricots are generally low in pectin. And as such would need the addition to it. The thing is with soft fruits, especially when ripe, the pectin pretty much disappears.

How do you thicken jam without sugar? ›

Add pectin.

Whisk a tablespoon of powdered pectin (preferably the no-sugar-needed variety) into the pot of cooking jam. Test for thickness and add another tablespoon if needed.

What can replace pectin in jam? ›

Pectin Substitute

Cornstarch - Another plant-based thickening agent, cornstarch is a great substitute for pectin. Gelatin - For non-vegan menu items, you can substitute gelatin for pectin, but it will yield a different consistency.

Is jam better with pectin or without pectin? ›

Strawberry jam with added pectin can be cooked in as little as ten minutes, preserving that fresh berry flavor and quality. Strawberry jam without added pectin needs to be cooked up to four times longer to reach the gel stage, resulting in a much sweeter, less fresh-tasting jam.

What sugar is best for jam making? ›

Coarse-grain white granulated sugar is best for jam-making as it ensures a good clear jam, but fine caster sugar can also be used. The coarse grains dissolve more slowly and evenly, giving a better result. Granulated sugar with added pectin is also available, but it shouldn't be necessary to use this.

What happens if you don't put lemon juice in jam? ›

Unfortunately, now that the pectin is dissolved and free, the strands of pectin repel each other because they carry an electric charge that is negative. Without a little help, the pectin strands can't come together to form a network that will set your batch of jam — that's where the lemon juice comes into play.

How much lemon juice to substitute for pectin? ›

For every two cups of fruit puree, add to the pot one scant cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir to combine, and taste. Very tart fruit (such as sour cherries or some plums) might need a little more sugar. Very sweet fruit (such as white peaches) might need a little more lemon juice.

Why put kernels in apricot jam? ›

The white bits (kernel) of the apricot seeds is commonly added to apricot jam to impart a another dimension of bitter flavour.

How do you keep apricot jam from turning brown? ›

To slow down the process of color loss, store your sealed jars in total darkness. You can also add some lemon juice even when a recipe does not require it (1 tablespoon per cup of mashed fruit or juice at the most).

What thickens jam without pectin? ›

If you aren't using pectin as a thickener, the sugar as well as the cornstarch slurry will work to thicken quite well. Feel free to add more for an even thicker jam.

What happens if you add sugar too early when making jam? ›

It's important to add the jam sugar at the right time. If you add it in too early, the sugar can cause the fruit to break down and become mushy. If added too late, the jam may not set properly.

Will arrowroot thicken jam? ›

I like to use arrowroot powder as my main thickening agent. It's a healthier option over cornstarch and it works great for jams! Cornstarch can also be used.

How to fix a jam that is too runny? ›

For every 4 cups of jam that needs to be remade, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon powdered pectin. Pour the jam into a low, wide pan and add the sugar and pectin combo. Stir until the sugar and pectin has dissolved.

Why does lemon juice thicken jam? ›

The Acid. Adding acid in the form of fresh lemon or lime juice is important for two reasons: First, it makes for a more well-balanced jam, returning some of the acidity lost with the addition of sugar. Second, pectin needs acid to properly activate, or firm up.

How do you make homemade jam thinner? ›

We would suggest you experiment by using ¼ to ½ teaspoon less pectin than the recipe calls for, or perhaps up to a teaspoon less for recipes that call for 4 teaspoons of pectin.

How to make jam more spreadable? ›

If you need to make jam soft in order for it to spread easier, then try using the following tip. Take your jar of jam out of the fridge or cupboard and place it in a jug of hot water for approx 10 minutes. For plastic jam, pots reduce the temperature to very warm rather than hot.

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