Easy Apricot Jam in Slow Cooker (Fail-proof, Homemade Canning)

Discover the perfect recipe for making apricot jam in Slow Cooker! Stress-free and always successful, this method guarantees you an aromatic and well-preserved jam, which you will enjoy all year round. Below, you will find detailed steps and useful tips to prepare and preserve apricot jam right at home. Enjoy the taste of summer in every jar!

I chose to make apricot jam with the first ripe apricots of this year. After two years in which my apricot trees didn’t produce anything due to early spring frosts, this year I was blessed with an abundant harvest, so canning is required!

Apricot jam is my favorite, along with peach jam and cherry jam, so I decided to preserve the taste of these delicious Summer fruits and enjoy their flavor all year round. My impatience for making apricot jam was also fueled by a friend, who at our last meeting, served me a brilliant cheesecake, accompanied by the apricot jam she made. It was so delicious that I decided to make my own homemade apricot jam as soon as possible.

Benefits of using the Slow Cooker for making homemade jams

Although jam is usually made on the stove, you know that I’m always trying to find new and quick ways to cook without spending too much time in the kitchen. So this year I decided to use the Slow Cooker (which I love!) to make jam. Using a Crockpot for jams has many benefits:

• Worry-free preparation: The slow cooker allows you to put all the ingredients together and let the machine do its work, without having to constantly stir or worry that the jam might burn.
• Saves time: While the jam cooks slowly and evenly, you can take care of other activities or relax, knowing that your jam is safe in the Crockpot.
• Perfect temperature control: The slow cooker maintains a constant and suitable temperature to cook the fruit slowly and evenly, preventing overheating and preserving the natural flavor of the apricots.
• More intense flavors: Slow cooking allows flavors to develop better, resulting in a deeper, richer tasting jam.
• Efficient preservation of nutrients: The lower temperature of the slow cooker helps to preserve the vitamins and minerals in the fruit compared to the traditional method of rapid cooking on the stove.

So, if you want to try an innovative and effective method to make jam, I highly recommend using the slow cooker (Crockpot)! It’s simple, convenient and the results are delicious.

How to use apricot jam in desserts

Apricot jam is very versatile and can be added to many desserts. Here are some ideas:

• Cheesecake: Add a layer of apricot jam on top of your favorite cheesecake for extra flavor. I recommend you try my vegan cheesecake recipe with vanilla and apricot jam.
• Pancakes: Use apricot jam as a pancake filling or as a waffle topping. Try the recipe for oat pancakes or coconut flour pancakes, on top of which you can add a generous layer of apricot jam.
• Croissants: Fill croissants with apricot jam for a sweet breakfast or snack.
• Sandwiches: Prepare a delicious sandwich with goat cheese and apricot jam.
• Yogurt: Mix apricot jam into yogurt for a quick and tasty dessert or breakfast. Looking for a non-dairy option? Here’s how to make vegan yogurt with probiotics.
• Ice cream: Serve apricot jam as a topping for vanilla ice cream. You can also try it in combination with my banana ice cream recipe.

• Cream Cheese Bagel: Spread apricot jam on a bagel spread with cream cheese for a delicious breakfast. Try my non-dairy cream cheese version.
• Fruit tarts: Use apricot jam as a base for fruit tarts.
• Pie Filling: Combine apricot jam with apples or other fruit to create a delicious pie filling.
• Biscuits: Use the apricot jam as a filling for sandwich biscuits. I recommend you try my oat biscuits.
• Pavlova: Add apricot jam over a pavlova cake for a spectacular dessert.
• Parfait: Create a delicious parfait by layering apricot jam with granola and yogurt.
• Toast: Simple and classic, spread apricot jam on a slice of buttered toast.

Why adding apricot kernels makes the jam better?

Adding apricot kernels to jam is a traditional trick I learned from my grandmother, and it’s one that adds a nice touch of flavor and texture to the final dish. Apricot kernels add a subtle almond taste that perfectly complements the sweetness of the fruit and creates a more complex and refined flavor.

• Unique flavor: Apricot kernels contain a compound called amygdalin, which provides a slightly bitter taste similar to almonds. This flavor balances the sweetness of the jam, adding a new dimension to the taste.
• Texture: The small pieces of seeds added to the jam provide an interesting crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the fruit.
• Natural preservation: It is said that the kernels can also help preserve the jam better due to their natural properties.

Eating apricot kernels offers several health benefits: they are rich in vitamins (A, C, and E), minerals (potassium and magnesium), and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet. Additionally, they contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation and protect cellular health. The nutrients in apricot kernels also support heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation.

Instead of throwing away the apricot kernels, keep them! After eating the apricots, you can crack open the pits and occasionally consume the core. Add it to cereal, yogurt or salads for added flavor and nutritional benefits. But make sure you don’t eat too many at once, as apricot kernels contain amygdalin, which in large amounts can be toxic.

I hope you’ll try this traditional trick and discover how much it can improve the taste and nutritional value of your apricot jam!