The Perfect Caramel Apple Jam Recipe for Cozy Fall Mornings

Sweet memories of autumn blossom with this incredible caramel apple jam that captures crisp orchard flavors in every spoonful.

Orchards around the midwest inspire this delectable preserve with their ripe, fragrant harvest.

Local apples deliver rich, complex notes blended perfectly with golden caramel undertones.

Seasonal ingredients transform simple fruits into a luxurious spread that sparkles on morning toast.

Crafting this jam connects you to time-honored traditions of preserving summer’s bounty.

Smooth caramel swirls complement tart apple chunks, creating a sensational condiment for breakfast or dessert.

Best Storage Tips For Caramel Apple Jam

• Store unsealed or opened jam in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Keep the jam away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate caramel apple flavor.
• Pour cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2-inch space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 6 months, ensuring you label the container with the date and contents.
• Properly sealed and processed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for 12-18 months. Check seals periodically and discard any jars with signs of spoilage or broken seals.
• Gently warm refrigerated jam in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs About Caramel Apple Jam

• Why use both brown and white sugar in this recipe?

Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like depth and moisture, while white sugar helps with sweetness and setting the jam’s texture perfectly.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance to the sweetness.

• What does pectin do in this jam recipe?

Pectin acts as a natural thickening agent that helps the jam set and achieve the right spreadable consistency without being too runny.

• How long will this caramel apple jam last?

When properly processed and sealed, the jam can last up to 12-18 months in a cool, dark pantry, and once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 weeks.

Caramel Apple Jam That Will Sweeten Your Day

• Capture Autumn's Essence: Infuse your kitchen with warm, cozy flavors that celebrate the best of fall's seasonal bounty.
• Master Simple Preservation: Create a delightful homemade jam using basic cooking techniques that transform fresh apples into a delectable spread perfect for gifting or personal enjoyment.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Spread this rich caramel apple jam on toast, biscuits, or use as a delicious filling for pastries, adding a touch of homemade magic to multiple dishes.
• No-Fuss Cooking Adventure: Craft a gourmet-style preserve with straightforward steps that require minimal culinary expertise, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients To Make Caramel Apple Jam

• Apples: Fresh, sweet fruits that provide the base and texture for the caramel jam.

• Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Work together to create a rich caramel flavor and provide sweetness to the jam.

• Water, Butter: Help cook the apples and create a smooth, consistent texture for the jam.

• Pectin: Essential ingredient that helps the jam set and achieve the proper consistency.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Add warm, aromatic flavors that complement the caramel and apple notes in the jam.

• Half-Pint Jars, Pint Jars, Lids: Necessary for storing and preserving the homemade caramel apple jam safely.

How To Prepare Caramel Apple Jam Easily

Step 1: Soften Apples

Toss apples, water, and butter into a large stockpot. Cook and stir gently over low heat until apples transform into a tender, soft mixture. This process typically takes around 10 minutes and helps break down the fruit’s structure.

Step 2: Activate Pectin

Introduce pectin to the apple mixture and bring everything to a vigorous rolling boil. Continuously stir the contents to ensure complete pectin dissolution. This critical step helps create the jam’s signature thick and spreadable texture.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Return the pot to a rolling boil and maintain for one minute while stirring constantly. These spices and sugars collaborate to develop a rich, caramel-like essence.

Step 4: Prepare Jam for Canning

Remove the pot from heat and skim away any foam floating on top. Carefully transfer the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a small quarter-inch space at the top. Eliminate air bubbles by gently tapping jars or using a soft spatula. Wipe jar rims clean and secure lids.

Step 5: Seal and Preserve

Submerge sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This process guarantees safe preservation and prevents potential bacterial growth. After removing jars, gently rotate them to distribute apple pieces evenly throughout the jam.

Pro Tips For Silky Caramel Apple Jam

• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss chopped apples with a bit of lemon juice to keep them from oxidizing and maintain their bright, fresh appearance in the jam.
• Control Boiling Carefully: Maintain a steady rolling boil while stirring constantly to help the pectin activate and ensure the jam reaches the right consistency without burning.
• Test Jam's Readiness: Use the cold plate method by placing a small amount of jam on a chilled plate to check if it sets properly – it should wrinkle when you push it with your finger.

Tasty Twists To Try With Caramel Apple Jam

• Pear Caramel Jam: Replace apples with ripe pears for a softer, more delicate flavor profile that maintains the rich caramel essence.
• Spiced Maple Variation: Swap white and brown sugars with pure maple syrup and add extra warming spices like ginger and cardamom for a deeper, woodsy taste.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar substitute like stevia and low-sugar pectin to create a healthier version with reduced caloric content while preserving the jam's original texture.
• Vegan Caramel Apple Spread: Replace butter with coconut oil and use plant-based pectin to craft a completely dairy-free version that still captures the classic caramel apple experience.

Pairings That Go Well With Caramel Apple Jam

• Pair with Creamy Cheesecake: The rich, caramel apple jam provides a delightful contrast to the smooth, tangy texture of a classic cheesecake, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
• Complement with Warm Cinnamon Toast: Spread the jam generously over freshly toasted bread, enhancing the breakfast experience with its sweet and spicy caramel apple notes.
• Match with Aged Cheddar Cheese: The sharp, bold flavor of aged cheddar perfectly cuts through the jam's sweetness, offering a sophisticated and complex taste combination.
• Elevate with Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream: Drizzle the jam over a scoop of bourbon vanilla ice cream, creating a decadent dessert that highlights the jam's warm spices and caramel undertones.

Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet caramel apple jam captures the essence of autumn’s warmth in a delightful spread. Homemade goodness beckons you to savor each spoonful of pure seasonal comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups (1.4 kg) finely diced peeled apples
• 4 cups (800 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar

Pectin and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 package Sure-Jell (powdered fruit pectin)
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground nutmeg

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) butter

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Instructions

1. Peel and chop apples into small, uniform pieces, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the jam.
2. Combine apples with water and butter in a large stockpot, simmering gently over low heat for approximately 10 minutes until the fruit becomes tender and starts to break down.
3. Sprinkle pectin into the softened apple mixture, stirring continuously while bringing the contents to a vigorous rolling boil to activate the gelling properties.
4. Integrate both white and brown sugars along with ground cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a rich caramel-like profile that enhances the apple’s natural sweetness.
5. Maintain a rolling boil for exactly 1 minute, constantly stirring to prevent scorching and ensure even sugar dissolution and spice distribution.
6. Remove the pot from heat and eliminate any foam that has formed on the surface using a clean spoon to achieve a smoother jam consistency.
7. Carefully transfer the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving a precise 1/4-inch headspace to allow for proper sealing and expansion.
8. Eliminate potential air pockets by gently tapping the jars or sliding a non-metallic utensil along the jar’s interior.
9. Thoroughly clean jar rims and secure lids, ensuring a tight seal for preservation.
10. Process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to guarantee food safety and long-term storage stability.
11. After processing, allow jars to cool completely, occasionally rotating to evenly distribute apple pieces throughout the jam.

Notes

• Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the jam.
• Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best caramel flavor profile and balanced sweetness.
• Control heat carefully during pectin incorporation to prevent burning and maintain smooth jam consistency.
• Store jam in cool, dark pantry spaces for up to one year, ensuring proper canning and sealing techniques are followed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 263
• Sugar: 64 g
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 68 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Cholesterol: 1 mg