Healthy Apricot Jam with Almonds (sugar free)

Name: Apricot Jam (sugar-free, low-carb)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 2.2 pounds (1 kg) fresh ripe apricots (pitted and halved); 3/4 cup (150 g) erythritol; 3 tbsp. lemon juice + lemon zest (optional); 1/2 cup (60 g) raw almonds (soaked, peeled and sliced)

This homemade apricot jam recipe is bursting with apricot flavor and a delightful crunch of almonds. This apricot jam is my absolute favorite and I’m thrilled I can finally enjoy it without any guilt thanks to this sugar-free recipe!

This apricot jam is made with only 4 simple ingredients: fresh apricots, low-carb sweetener, lemon juice, and almonds. It is naturally sweetened and thickened without any added sugar and pectin.

Add this healthy jam to your favorite recipes: pancakes, crepes, waffles, yogurt, ice cream, or any other dessert for a delicious touch!

Take control of your sugar intake: skip traditional jams loaded with sugar and make your own healthy apricot jam!

The recipe requires:

4 Ingredients

Active cooking time: 15 minutes

Total cooking time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Why you will love this!

Homemade jam bursting with apricot flavor and crunchy almonds.

Just wholesome ingredients: Skip the additives and artificial flavors.

No added sugars or pectin: This jam is naturally sweetened and thickens without extra ingredients.

Simple recipe: just 4 simple ingredients and no complicated techniques!

Healthy Jam: Add it to all your favorite dishes.

Perfect balance: A delightful harmony of sweet and sour notes that burst with fresh fruit flavor.

Apricot Jam Recipe

Ingredients

To make sugar-free apricot jam, you’ll need 4 main ingredients:

Apricots: For the best results, choose ripe apricots that are slightly soft when you gently press near the stem. Avoid any fruit with blemishes, bruises, or black spots. Look for ripe apricots at your local farmers market or grocery store during apricot season.

Low-carb sweetener: you can choose between erythritol, allulose, xylitol, monk fruit, or other low-carb sweetener of your choice.

Paleo Sweetener: use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar if you don’t restrict your carb intake.

Almonds (Raw or Sliced): Adding almonds to your apricot jam is a fantastic way to elevate both flavor and texture. The nutty richness of almonds complements the sweetness of the apricots perfectly and offers a delightful crunch.

Lemon Juice /Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon adds a bright zing and balances the sweetness of the jam.

Optional add-ins:

Lemon Zest: Enhances the flavor with a delightful citrusy touch and adds a textural contrast.
Cinnamon: A warm and comforting spice that complements the apricots beautifully.
Cardamom: A touch of cardamom adds a unique and aromatic depth to the jam.
Vanilla extract: Adds wonderful vanilla flavor.

*you’ll find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Equipment

To make this delicious jam, you’ll need:

Medium/ large pot
Wooden spatula
Rubber spatula
Potato masher (optional) to mash the apricots
Immersion blender/food processor (optional)
Clean mason jars

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the apricots

Wash the apricots thoroughly, dry them with a kitchen towel, then remove the seeds and cut the apricots in half.

Step 2: Combine ingredients

In a saucepan, combine the apricots and sweetener of your choice. Mix well to ensure the apricots are evenly coated in the sweetener. Cover with a lid and leave for 1-2 hours or even overnight.

This step is optional but it helps the apricots to release the juices and soften them. This process is called maceration.

Step 3: Cook the jam

Next, add lemon juice to the apricots, and turn on medium heat. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low simmer.

Cook the jam for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and sticking.

For a smoother jam, you can mash the apricots with a potato masher while they’re cooking. Alternatively, blend the jam after it reaches the desired consistency for a completely smooth texture.

To check if the jam is ready – dip a clean spoon into the jam and coat the back. If the jam runs freely, it needs more time. When the jam coats the spoon and you can draw a line down the center that holds its shape for a moment, it’s done.

Step 4: Add almonds

Meanwhile, prepare the almonds.

Place raw almonds in a bowl and add hot water. Soak them for 30 minutes or more. After soaking, the skins should slip off easily when you squeeze the almond between your thumb and forefinger. Once peeled, separate the almonds in half with a knife.

When to add almonds?

For a Softer Almond Texture: Add the almonds towards the end of cooking, after the jam has thickened slightly. This will allow the almonds to soften a bit and become more integrated with the jam.
For a Crunchier Almond Texture: Add the almonds just a few minutes before removing the jam from the heat. This will preserve their crunchier texture.

Remove the jam from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Transfer the jam to a clean jar, and store it in the refrigerator.

Enjoy delicious and healthy homemade apricot jam!

When the jam is ready?

When to Stop Cooking Your Jam:

There are two main ways to determine when your jam is ready:

Cold Plate Test: Place a small plate in the freezer for 5-15 minutes. Then, spread a small amount of jam on the chilled plate. The jam is ready when a line drawn through the center holds its shape for a moment.
Spoon Test: Dip a clean spoon into the hot jam and coat the back. If the jam runs freely, it needs more time. When the jam coats the spoon and you can draw a line down the center that holds its shape for a moment, it’s done.
Temperature Check: (Optional) For precise measurement, use a candy thermometer. Jams typically reach setting consistency between 220°F (104°C) and 225°F (107°C).

Cooking Tips:

Overcooking can lead to a tough or rubbery jam. Be mindful of the cooking time and remove the jam from heat as soon as it reaches the desired consistency.
Letting the jam cool slightly before testing it with the spoon test can provide a more accurate representation of the final texture.
For a thicker jam, you can add a pinch or two of xanthan gum according to the package instructions.

Apricot jam vs jelly vs sauce

Here’s a breakdown of the difference between jam, sauce, and jelly:

Jam: This is a spread made from crushed or whole fruit until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency. It typically contains visible pieces of fruit.
Sauce: This is a looser, more liquidy fruit preparation than jam. It can be made with or without added thickeners and may be smooth or contain some fruit chunks. Sauces are often used as toppings for desserts or drizzled over meats.
Jelly: This is the clearest and smoothest of the three. It’s made from fruit juice (excluding the pulp) and has a gelatinous texture.

How to use apricot jam?

Here are some of my favorite ways to use apricot jam:

Spread on keto crepes, a slice of crusty low carb bread, or waffles
Make Austrian chocolate cake “Sacher” in keto variation
Swirl it into yogurt or chia pudding
Layer in the parfait or trifle
Add to whipped cottage cheese
Top baked cottage cheese breakfast “zapekanka”
Add jam to your cheese board
Add to an Ice Cream or Blueberry Pie filling .

keto crepes

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Zapekanka

Chia pudding with strawberry chia jam

More sugar-free jam recipes

Discover other flavors with these delicious homemade jam recipes:

FAQ

How to store apricot jam?

Store apricot jam in clean/sterilized jars for 1-2 weeks in a fridge.

Apricot jam: nutritional information

Servings: 1 medium jar, 30 servings

Nutritional value per serving:

Calories 27

Protein 0.9 g

Total carbohydrate 4.1 g

Dietary fiber 0.9 g

Total sugars 3.1 g

Net carbs 3.8 g

Total fat 1.2 g

Saturated fat 0.1 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

Potassium 101 mg

Calcium 10 mg

Disclaimer: The nutritional value provided is based on general information and should not be considered as a substitute for professional dietary advice or medical guidance. The values are derived from reputable sources, such as food databases or nutritional labels, but there may be variations in nutrient content depending on factors such as brand, preparation methods, and serving sizes.

Is sugar-free apricot jam recipe suitable for canning?

No, canning sugar-free apricot jam without added pectin is generally not recommended for safe storage. Here’s why:

Safety Concerns: Canning is a process that relies on high heat and acidity to create a shelf-stable product that prevents the growth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum. Sugar plays a role in both the thickening process and creating an acidic environment for safe storage. Without enough sugar, the acidity level might not be low enough to inhibit bacterial growth.
Thickening and Gelling: Sugar helps thicken jams and jellies during the canning process. Pectin can also be used as a thickener, but most sugar-free and low sugar pectin substitutes require some amount of sugar to function properly. Without proper thickening, the jam might not set and have a runny consistency, making it unsuitable for canning.

How to preserve sugar-free apricot jam?

Freezer jam is probably the best way to preserve fresh fruits if you don’t use sugar and pectin.

Here is how:

Use my recipe to make the apricot jam. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
Then immediately transfer the jam to freezer-safe jars and label them with the date. Leave headspace for expansion during freezing. Place jars in the freezer.
Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Now you can enjoy your favorite jam anytime you want!

TIPS:

Smaller Portions: Consider freezing the jam in smaller portions for quicker defrosting and consumption to avoid repeated freezing and thawing cycles that can affect quality.
Ice Cube Trays: Freeze the jam in ice cube trays for an easy way to portion out small amounts for yogurt parfaits, smoothies, or toppings.
This recipe is perfect for a small batch of jam, but you can easily scale it up to meet your needs. Simply multiply all ingredients by the desired quantity.

Shelf Life: Freezer jam with sugar typically lasts up to a year. Sugar-free jams, especially those without pectin, might have a shorter shelf life due to the lack of both sugar’s preservative properties and pectin’s thickening abilities. Aim to consume it within 3-6 months.

Are apricots keto (low-carb) frienldy?

Apricots are a delightful summer fruit bursting with flavor and vitamins. While they might not be a staple a low-carb diet due to their natural sugar content (3 g-4 g net carb in one apricot), there are ways to still enjoy them occasionally! Pair them with some low-carb nuts or a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream for a decadent yet controlled treat.

Additionally, enjoy a small portion of apricots after a workout when your body might utilize carbs more readily.

Remember, it’s all about balance! With a little planning and portion control, you can still enjoy the delicious taste of apricots while staying within your low-carb goals.

Try these keto recipes next:

Jello

Strawberry Marshmallows

Whipped Cream

Matcha Latte

Berry Whipped Cottage Cheese

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