Apple Blackberry Jam

This ZeroPoint Apple Blackberry Jam is incredibly easy to make and tastes divine! Save money and skip the added sugar by making your own Weight Watchers-friendly jam at home using just a few simple ingredients. 

I like to combine two fruits for balance—apples provide the sweetness and a smooth texture, while blackberries add a pop of color, a touch of acidity, and a bit of texture thanks to their seeds. It’s naturally sweetened, too!

Why should you try Apple Blackberry Jam?

• Save money: If you’re a fan of jams but find them disappearing all too quickly, making your own can be a cost-effective solution. Store-bought jams, especially the healthier ones, can be pricey, and it’s easy to go through a jar in no time. 
• Control ingredients: When you make your own, you know exactly what’s in it, and you can control the sweetness, acidity, and fruit combination to suit your taste.
• Homemade tastes better! Sure, it takes a bit more effort, but the results are worth it. You can control the amount you make, customize the flavors, and even experiment with different fruit combinations.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes 

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 2 jars (about 2 cups each) 40 tablespoons

Portion Size: 1 tablespoon (15 g)

0 WW Points Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW App here. (WW login required.)

Ingredients:

• 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and grated (about 4 cups or 500 g)
• 2 cups blackberries (300 g)
• ½ cup water (120 ml)
• 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin (5 g)
• 5 packets of stevia (or to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Peel, core, and grate the apples. To prevent browning, you can sprinkle a few drops of lemon juice over them.
2. Cook the Fruit: In a large saucepan, combine the grated apples and blackberries. Add the 1/2 cup of water and stir to mix the fruits. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruits break down and become soft.
3. Stir Gelatin: While the fruit is cooking, dissolve the teaspoon of powdered gelatin in 6 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it blooms (thickens).
4. Thicken: Once the fruit mixture is soft and well-cooked, remove it from the heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until it fully dissolves into the hot fruit.
5. Sweeten the Jam: Add the stevia to the fruit mixture, starting with 5 packets. Stir well and taste. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more stevia if needed.
6. Simmer: Return the saucepan to the stove over low heat. Simmer the jam for another 5-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
7. Let it cool: Once the jam has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. 
8. Store: Pour the jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal the jars tightly with lids and let them cool completely at room temperature.
9. Serving: Your Apple Blackberry Jam is now ready to enjoy! Store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. This jam pairs beautifully with toast, yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of homemade jam is its versatility. 

• Different berries: While this recipe calls for apples and blackberries, you can easily swap out the blackberries for other berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. By incorporating different fruits, you can introduce varied flavors and shades, allowing you to create jams that cater to your tastes.
• Different sweetener: I use Splenda in this recipe, but you can substitute it with other natural sweeteners like Stevia or monk fruit. Just be mindful of the sweetness level and adjust it to your preference.
• Try pears: When it comes to the apples, they serve as a base in this recipe, but pears can work just as well. Pears will add a slightly different texture, but they complement the tartness of the blackberries nicely.

Tips and Tricks for Making Apple Blackberry Jam

1. Prevent Browning: If you don’t want the apples to turn brown while grating, add a few drops of lemon juice. This will help maintain their color and freshness until you’re ready to cook them.
2. Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a softer jam, cook it for a shorter time or use less gelatin. 
3. Recycle Glass Jars: For storing your jam, any recycled glass jar with a lid will do. Just make sure they’re thoroughly cleaned and dried before use. It’s a great way to reuse jars and reduce waste.
4. Taste as You Go: Depending on the natural sweetness of your apples and the tartness of your blackberries, you might need to adjust the amount of sweetener. Taste the mixture before adding the gelatin, and tweak it to your liking.
5. Store Properly: Once your jam is ready, let it cool completely before sealing the jars. Store them in the refrigerator, and enjoy within a few weeks for the best flavor.

Making your own Apple Blackberry Jam at home is a rewarding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy a healthier, more natural product, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in it. Plus, it’s a fun way to experiment with flavors and create a spread that’s perfect for you and your family.