The Best Caramel Apple Jam Recipe for Fall Sweetness

Sweet autumn mornings call for a delightful caramel apple jam that captures the essence of fall’s golden harvest.

Crisp apples dance with rich caramel notes, creating a spread that will make your breakfast table shine.

Homemade preserves carry a special magic that store-bought versions can never replicate.

This simple recipe blends sweet and tangy flavors into a luscious jam perfect for toast, pastries, or gifting.

You’ll love how quickly these ingredients come together in one delightful batch.

Each spoonful promises a warm embrace of seasonal comfort.

Prepare to transform ordinary apples into an extraordinary preserve that celebrates autumn’s bounty.

Ingredients That Bring Caramel Apple Jam To Life

• Apples: Firm, sweet variety that holds shape during cooking and provides the primary flavor for the jam.
• Water: Helps soften the apples and create the initial cooking liquid.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the jam's thick, rich texture.
• Fruit Pectin: Natural thickening agent that helps the jam set and achieve the right consistency.

• Butter, Cinnamon: Adds richness and warm, complementary spice to the apple jam.

Essential Canning Tools For Apple Jam Success

• Large pot: Essential for cooking down apples and creating jam base.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients smoothly without scratching pot.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure water, sugar, and other ingredients.
• Mason jars: Used for storing and sealing your delicious caramel apple jam.
• Large water bath pot: Needed for processing and sterilizing filled jars.
• Ladle: Great for transferring hot jam into jars without messy spills.
• Canning tongs: Safely removes hot jars from boiling water bath.

Simple Steps For Perfect Caramel Apple Jam

Step 1: Prepare Apple Base

Wash and chop apples into small chunks.

Place apples in a large heavy-bottomed pot with water, butter, and ground cinnamon.

Gently simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook until apples become soft and start breaking down, creating a mushy texture, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Activate Pectin

Sprinkle fruit pectin evenly across the apple mixture.

Increase heat to high and bring contents to a rolling boil.

Stir constantly to prevent burning.

• White granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

Continue stirring vigorously for 1-2 minutes until mixture thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 3: Remove Surface Foam

Reduce heat to low.

Use a metal spoon to carefully skim off white foam from the surface.

This helps create a clearer, smoother jam consistency.

Step 4: Sterilize Canning Jars

Wash mason jars and lids with hot, soapy water.

Rinse thoroughly.

Place clean jars in a large pot of boiling water for 5 minutes to sterilize.

Remove using tongs and drain upside down on clean kitchen towels.

Step 5: Fill And Seal Jars

Carefully ladle hot caramel apple jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.

Wipe jar rims with a clean, damp cloth.

Place lids and rings on jars, tightening gently.

Step 6: Process Jam Jars

Lower filled jars into a large pot of boiling water, ensuring they’re completely covered.

Process for 10 minutes to create a proper seal.

Remove jars and let cool completely.

Listen for the satisfying “pop” sound indicating successful sealing.

Step 7: Store And Enjoy

Once cooled, check jar seals by pressing center of lids.

Store sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year.

Refrigerate after opening and consume within 3 weeks.

Preserving Tips For Caramel Apple Jam Lovers

• Toss chopped apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration during cooking.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to enhance the caramel apple jam's warm, aromatic profile.
• Reduce sugar for a less sweet version or use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for different flavor notes.
• Check jar rims for any residue before placing lids to guarantee a tight, safe seal during canning process.
• Keep sealed jam jars in a cool, dark pantry and consume within 12 months for optimal taste and quality.

Unique Variations To Change Up Apple Jam Flavor

• Vegan Caramel Apple Spread: Replace butter with coconut oil and use organic cane sugar for a plant-based friendly version.
• Spiced Autumn Jam: Add nutmeg and allspice for a warming seasonal flavor profile that enhances the apple's natural sweetness.
• Low-Sugar Apple Preserve: Substitute some sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich caramel notes.
• Maple Caramel Apple Jam: Swap part of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, more complex woodland-inspired taste.

Fun Ways To Serve Caramel Apple Jam On Anything

• Breakfast Bliss: Spread this luscious caramel apple jam on warm, crispy toast for a morning treat that dances with flavor.
• Dessert Delight: Swirl the jam into vanilla ice cream or use as a topping for cheesecake to elevate your sweet indulgences.
• Charcuterie Charm: Pair this jam with sharp cheddar cheese and crackers for a sophisticated appetizer that combines sweet and savory notes.
• Gift-Worthy Goodness: Package the jam in cute decorated jars with ribbons for a homemade present that shows love and culinary creativity.

Keeping Apple Jam Fresh For Every Spread

• Store jam in sealed mason jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Keep away from direct sunlight and strong odors.
• Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Freeze for maximum 6 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before using.
• Sealed, processed jars can stay in a cool, dark pantry for 12-18 months. Once opened, refrigerate immediately.
• Gently warm small portions in microwave using 15-second intervals, stirring between each. Alternatively, use a low heat setting on stovetop, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for caramel apple jam?

You’ll need fresh apples, water, butter, cinnamon, fruit pectin, white sugar, and brown sugar. Choose crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best flavor.

• Is fruit pectin necessary for this recipe?

Yes, pectin is crucial because it helps the jam set and creates the right thick, spreadable consistency. Without pectin, your jam would remain runny and won’t have the proper texture.

• How long can homemade caramel apple jam last?

When properly sealed and processed in mason jars, the jam can last up to 12-18 months in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, store in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 weeks.

Caramel Apple Jam: Sweet Autumn In A Jar

• Dive into a homemade jam that celebrates the crisp, sweet essence of autumn with minimal kitchen effort.
• Whip up this delectable spread in just a few simple steps, perfect for cooks of all skill levels who want maximum flavor with minimal complexity.
• Spread on toast, swirl into yogurt, or use as a dessert topping – this caramel apple jam transforms ordinary moments into cozy culinary experiences.
• Create a delicious way to capture fresh apple flavors, storing summer's harvest in a jar for enjoying throughout the year.

Easy Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade caramel apple jam delights taste buds with rich autumn flavors. Hearty ingredients and simple steps help home cooks craft a delectable spread perfect for morning toast or gifting to friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups apples, peeled and diced
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups brown sugar, packed

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water

Spices and Binding Agents:

• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 package (1.75 ounces / 49.6 grams) powdered fruit pectin

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Instructions

1. Dice apples into uniform pieces and place in a spacious cooking vessel with water, butter, and cinnamon. Gently simmer over low heat until fruit becomes soft and tender, approximately 10 minutes.
2. Gradually sprinkle fruit pectin into the apple mixture, then elevate heat to create a rolling boil. Incorporate both sugars while continuously stirring, and maintain boiling for roughly 1 minute.
3. Reduce heat completely and carefully remove any accumulated foam from the surface using a clean spoon.
4. Carefully transfer the caramel apple jam into sterilized mason jars, ensuring clean edges for proper sealing.
5. Prepare a large pot of boiling water and gently lower sealed jars into the water bath. Maintain a steady simmer for 10 minutes to process and preserve the jam.
6. Carefully extract jars from water using tongs and invert them onto a clean kitchen towel. Allow jars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps create a tight seal and ensures proper preservation.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and texture in your jam.
• Use a candy thermometer to ensure precise caramelization of sugars without burning.
• Consider reducing sugar for a less sweet version or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for dietary variations.
• Store jam in sterilized jars and refrigerate after opening to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 52 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 1 mg