🍎 Apple Peel Jelly
The Prettiest Jelly You'll Ever Make!
📌 In This Article
🍎 The Apple Peel Story
"Apple peel makes the prettiest jelly!"
Every time you peel apples for pie, applesauce, or apple butter, you're left with a pile of peels and cores. Most people throw them away or compost them. But those "scraps" are actually pure gold.
Apple peels are rich in natural pectin, which means they make the most beautiful, jewel-toned jelly you'll ever see. The color is stunning — a gorgeous pink, gold, or amber depending on the apples you use.
💬 The verdict: "Apple peel makes the prettiest jelly!"
✨ Why It's So Pretty
Jewel-Toned Beauty
🍎"Red-skinned apples make the most gorgeous pink jelly — it's like capturing sunshine in a jar!"
Red Apples
Gorgeous pink jelly
Green Apples
Golden-amber jelly
Mixed Apples
Beautiful blush color
Every batch is a unique, beautiful color!
📦 Ingredients
🍎 For the Apple Peel Jelly
- 🍎 Peels and cores from 8-10 apples – Washed well
- 💧 4 cups water
- 🍬 3-4 cups sugar – Depending on the juice yield
- 🍋 2 tbsp lemon juice – Bottled
- 📦 1 box (1.75 oz) Sure-Jell – If needed
💡 Pro tip: "Red-skinned apples make the prettiest pink jelly — but any variety works!"
🫙 Equipment Needed
- 🍳 Large pot – For simmering peels
- 🧵 Cheesecloth or jelly bag – For straining
- 🥣 Fine-mesh strainer
- 🫙 Glass jars – Half-pint or pint
- 🔥 Water bath canner
- 🌡️ Thermometer – Optional, for gel testing
💡 Pro tip: "A jelly bag gives you the clearest jelly, but cheesecloth works great too!"
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Your Equipment
- Prepare your water bath canner, jars, and lids.
- Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Keep jars hot until ready to fill.
💡 Pro tip: "Always start with hot, sterilized jars for a good seal!"
Step 2 – Simmer the Peels
- Place the apple peels and cores in a large pot.
- Add 4 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- The liquid will turn a beautiful color.
💡 Pro tip: "The longer you simmer, the more color and flavor you'll extract!"
Step 3 – Strain the Juice
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Press gently on the solids to extract all the juice.
- Measure the juice — you should have about 3-4 cups.
⚠️ Important: "Don't squeeze too hard — you want clear jelly, not cloudy!"
Step 4 – Test for Pectin (Optional)
- Apple peels are rich in natural pectin.
- If you're not sure if your juice will set, you can add Sure-Jell to be safe.
- Use 1 box per 3-4 cups of juice if using.
💡 Pro tip: "Most apple peel juice has enough natural pectin to set on its own — but adding Sure-Jell guarantees success!"
Step 5 – Make the Jelly
- Pour the strained juice into a large pot.
- Add lemon juice and Sure-Jell (if using).
- Bring to a rolling boil.
- Add sugar (use 1 cup sugar per 1 cup juice).
- Stir constantly and return to a rolling boil.
- Boil for 1-2 minutes.
💡 Pro tip: "Use the same amount of sugar as juice for the best set!"
Step 6 – Skim and Jar
- Skim any foam from the surface.
- Ladle the hot jelly into hot jars.
- Leave 1/4 inch headspace.
- Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth.
- Add lids and rings — finger-tight.
💡 Pro tip: "Skimming the foam gives you a clear, beautiful jelly!"
Step 7 – Process in Water Bath
- Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Adjust for altitude if necessary.
⚠️ Important Safety Warning
This recipe is safe for water bath canning due to the high acid content of apples. However, always follow safe canning practices from the USDA or your local extension service.
Step 8 – Cool and Store
- Remove jars and cool on a dishtowel for 24 hours.
- Check seals — the lid should be concave and not flex.
- Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
💡 Pro tip: "Listen for that satisfying 'pop' — that's the sound of a perfect seal!"
🍽️ How to Use Your Apple Peel Jelly
🍞 On Breakfast
- 🍞 Toast & Biscuits: The classic way
- 🥞 Pancakes & Waffles: A delicious topping
- 🥐 Croissants: A gourmet treat
🧀 On Cheese Boards
- 🧀 Pair with Brie: Amazing combination
- 🧀 With Sharp Cheddar: A classic pairing
- 🧀 With Goat Cheese: Sweet and tangy
🎁 As a Gift
- 🎁 Gourmet Gift: Beautiful in a jar with a ribbon
- 🏷️ Label It: "Apple Peel Jelly"
- 🎀 Perfect For: Holidays, hostess gifts, and food lovers
💡 Pro tip: "People are always amazed when you tell them it's made from apple peels!"
🥫 How to Store
- 🏠 Pantry: Up to 1 year in a cool, dark place
- 🧊 Refrigerator after opening: Up to 1 month
- 🎁 Great gift: Beautiful in a jar with a ribbon
💡 Pro tip: "Label your jars with the date and type of apple used."
💡 Pro Tips
- 🍎 Use red-skinned apples: They make the prettiest pink jelly.
- 🧼 Wash apples well: You're using the peels!
- ⏱️ Simmer longer: For more color and flavor.
- 🧵 Strain well: For clear, beautiful jelly.
- 🍋 Don't skip lemon juice: It helps with set and flavor.
- 🫙 Use new lids: Old lids may not seal properly.
- 🏷️ Label everything: Date and type of apple used.
💡 Pro tip: "Apple peel makes the prettiest jelly — you'll be amazed at the color!"
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What kind of apples work best?
Any apples work, but red-skinned apples make the prettiest pink jelly.
❓ Do I need to add pectin?
Apple peels are rich in natural pectin, but adding Sure-Jell guarantees a set.
❓ Can I use peels from apples I've already eaten?
No — use fresh peels from apples you've just peeled for another recipe.
❓ How long does apple peel jelly last?
Up to 1 year when properly canned and stored.
❓ Can I water bath can this?
Yes! Apples are high in acid, making them safe for water bath canning.
❓ Why is my jelly cloudy?
You may have squeezed the peels too hard when straining.
❓ Can I use other fruit peels?
Yes! Pear and plum peels also make beautiful jelly.
❓ How many jars does this make?
About 4-6 half-pint jars, depending on the juice yield.
❓ Can I add spices?
Yes! Cinnamon sticks or cloves add a lovely flavor.
❓ Will I ever throw away apple peels again?
Probably not! This jelly is too pretty and delicious!
📄 Printable Recipe Card
╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ APPLE PEEL JELLY ║
║ The Prettiest Jelly You'll Ever Make! ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
YIELD: 4-6 half-pint jars | TIME: ~1.5 hours | PROCESS: 10 min
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
INGREDIENTS
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
- Peels and cores from 8-10 apples
- 4 cups water
- 3-4 cups sugar (equal to juice amount)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 box (1.75 oz) Sure-Jell (optional)
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
INSTRUCTIONS
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
1. Prepare water bath canner, jars, and lids.
2. Simmer apple peels and cores in water for 20-30 minutes.
3. Strain through fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Measure juice (should be 3-4 cups).
4. Add lemon juice and Sure-Jell (if using).
Bring to a rolling boil.
5. Add sugar (1 cup per 1 cup juice). Return to rolling boil.
Boil 1-2 minutes.
6. Skim foam. Ladle into hot jars, leaving 1/4" headspace.
7. Wipe rims, add lids and rings.
8. Process in water bath for 10 minutes.
9. Cool, check seals, and store.
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
THE PRETTIEST JELLY! 🍎
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
"Apple peel makes the prettiest jelly!" ❤️
© CanningRebels — Apple Peel Jelly
Comments