When I did my daughter’s birthday cake I used apple jam for the filling.  My son immediately requested this for his cake.  Of course I used the last of it back in February.  Luckily this is really easy to make.  All you need is a half hour or so and presto!  You have jam.  🙂

I like to make my apple jam like apple pie.  The best part of apple pie are the spices.

You can also use up apples that might be nearing the “past it” stage, this way they don’t go to waste.  I chopped up 5 apples for this as it was only for a cake.  If I want to can I use a ton of apples.

In a medium sauce pan I simmered the apples with about a cup of apple cider.

As it starts to reduce I add my spices.  This time I added some cinnamon and nutmeg with a bit of ground clove.   Add the spices you want as this if very much subject to taste.

It needs to simmer long enough to break down the apples and to soften.  I do use a potato masher to help things along a bit.  Who said patience was a virtue?  🙂

It’s done when it has the rustic jam look and it has darkened a bit. Remove from the heat and cool.  This is also great in homemade tarts.  🙂