Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

Sweet & Sassy Caramel Apple Jam Recipe: Autumn’s Cozy Delight

Sweet autumn mornings call for a homemade caramel apple jam that captures the essence of crisp orchards.

Bubbling with rich, golden caramel notes, this jam transforms ordinary toast into a delectable treat.

Ripe apples merge perfectly with deep caramel flavors, creating a spread that sings of harvest season comforts.

Each spoonful carries the warmth of slow-cooked fruit and sweet caramelized sugar.

The recipe blends simplicity with extraordinary taste, promising a condiment that elevates breakfast and snack times.

Preserving summer’s bounty has never tasted so decadent.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible jam that will become your new seasonal obsession.

Caramel Apple Jam That Brings Fall to Your Table

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This taco soup delivers hearty, satisfying flavors that bring everyone together around the dinner table with its rich, warming blend of ground beef and classic Mexican-inspired seasonings.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: By using a slow cooker, you can transform simple ingredients into a delicious meal with minimal hands-on cooking time, letting the appliance do most of the work while you relax.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this soup adapts easily to different preferences and can be customized with various toppings like cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.

Ingredients Needed for Making Caramel Apple Jam

Fruits:
  • Apples: Fresh and crisp fruit that provides the base for the jam's rich texture and flavor.
Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Ingredients that add sweetness and help thicken the jam while creating a deep caramel-like flavor.
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add complexity and depth to the jam's overall taste profile.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Water, Butter: Liquids that help cook and soften the apples during the preparation process.
  • Pectin: A natural thickening agent that helps the jam set and achieve the right consistency.

Step-by-Step to Homemade Caramel Apple Jam

Step 1: Soften Apple Base

Grab a large stockpot and combine the diced apples with water and butter. Gently cook the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally until the apples become soft and tender.

This process typically takes around 10 minutes, creating a beautiful foundation for your jam.

Step 2: Activate Pectin Power

Introduce pectin to the softened apple mixture.

Increase the heat and bring the contents to a vigorous rolling boil. Continuously stir the mixture to ensure even distribution and prevent sticking.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

Add a delightful blend of ingredients to elevate the jam’s taste:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Freshly grated nutmeg

Return the pot to a rolling boil and maintain for one minute while stirring constantly. This step melds the flavors and creates a rich, caramel-like essence.

Step 4: Prepare Canning Containers

Remove the jam from heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface. Carefully transfer the hot mixture into sterilized half-pint or pint jars.

Leave a quarter-inch of headspace at the top. Eliminate air bubbles, clean jar rims, and secure lids.

Step 5: Seal and Process

Submerge the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This processing ensures proper sealing and preserves the jam’s delicious flavor.

Step 6: Perfect the Presentation

After processing, gently twist the jars from side to side while cooling. This technique helps distribute apple pieces evenly throughout the jam, creating a beautiful and consistent texture.

Tips to Nail the Perfect Caramel Apple Jam

  • Select crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your jam.
  • Adjust the caramel notes by carefully monitoring sugar browning to achieve your desired richness without burning.
  • Skim foam thoroughly to ensure a smooth, clear jam with a professional-looking finish.
  • Gently twist jars during cooling to prevent apple pieces from settling at the bottom, creating a consistent spread.
  • Keep processed jam in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year, ensuring proper sealing and preservation.

Creative Ideas to Change Up Caramel Apple Jam

  • Spiced Pear Variation: Replace apples with pears, keeping the same caramel and spice profile. Use brown pears for a deeper flavor and maintain similar cooking techniques.
  • Low-Sugar Adaptation: Reduce granulated and brown sugar by half, using sugar-free pectin. Add stevia or monk fruit sweetener to maintain sweetness without extra calories.
  • Maple Caramel Version: Substitute half the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup. Add a splash of bourbon for extra depth and warmth in the caramel notes.
  • Vegan Friendly Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use pectin specific to plant-based recipes. Ensure all other ingredients remain plant-based for a completely vegan jam experience.

Pairing Suggestions for Caramel Apple Jam

  • Pair Creamy Cheese: Spread this caramel apple jam on a smooth, tangy goat cheese or brie for a delightful contrast of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Complement Warm Pastries: Drizzle the jam over freshly baked croissants, waffles, or pancakes to elevate their richness with fruity caramel notes.
  • Match Bourbon or Spiced Rum: Sip a smooth bourbon or spiced rum alongside the jam to enhance its warm cinnamon and nutmeg undertones, creating a cozy autumn-inspired pairing.
  • Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream with a spoonful of this jam for a decadent dessert that balances cool creaminess with warm, spiced apple sweetness.

Proper Storage for Caramel Apple Jam

  • Transfer unsealed jam to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Keep the jam chilled to maintain its fresh flavor and prevent spoilage.
  • Pour cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Store processed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to 12 months. Check seals before use and discard if any signs of spoilage appear.

FAQs

  • What kind of apples work best for this caramel apple jam?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance to the sweet caramel flavor.

  • How long will this jam last after canning?

When properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, this caramel apple jam can last up to 12-18 months before opening.

  • Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Reducing sugar might affect the jam’s texture and preservation, so it’s recommended to follow the recipe closely to ensure proper consistency and safety.

  • Is this jam safe for canning at home?

Yes, by following the water bath processing method and using sterilized jars, this jam is safe for home canning when instructions are carefully followed.

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Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

Caramel Apple Jam Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet autumn memories mingle with Caramel Apple Jam, promising rich orchard flavors in every spoonful. Home cooks discover pure comfort nestled between golden preserves and warm seasonal memories you’ll cherish.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits:

  • 6 cups (1.4 kg) finely diced peeled apples

Sweeteners:

  • 4 cups (800 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoons (2.5 ml) butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 1 package Sure-Jell (powdered fruit pectin)

Instructions

  1. Transform diced apples in a large stockpot with water and butter, gently simmering until fruit softens and becomes tender at low heat, approximately 10-12 minutes.
  2. Incorporate pectin into the softened apple mixture, elevating temperature to achieve a vigorous rolling boil while continuously stirring.
  3. Introduce granulated and brown sugars, along with aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, maintaining the intense boil for precisely one minute while stirring consistently.
  4. Eliminate any foam from the surface of the caramel-infused jam and meticulously transfer the hot mixture into sterilized half-pint or pint canning jars, ensuring a precise 1/4-inch headspace.
  5. Carefully extract potential air pockets from the jam, thoroughly cleanse jar rims, and securely position lids and bands.
  6. Submerge sealed jars in a boiling water bath, processing for 10 minutes to guarantee proper preservation.
  7. Once removed from water bath, gently rotate jars side to side during cooling to distribute apple pieces evenly throughout the jam, creating a uniform texture and appearance.

Notes

  • Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your caramel apple jam.
  • Gently twist jars during cooling to create a beautiful, even distribution of apple pieces throughout the jam.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the warm, comforting caramel apple flavor.
  • Store processed jam in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year, enjoying the rich autumn-inspired spread on toast, biscuits, or as a dessert topping.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 219
  • Sugar: 53 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg
  • Fat: 0.4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 57 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 0.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 1 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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