Get ready to meet your new favorite treat: the Caramel Apple Jam Recipe is an irresistibly cozy blend of juicy apples, sweet caramel, and a whisper of warming spices. This jam is everything you love about autumn’s best desserts packed into a jar — think apple pie and caramel sauce getting together for the jam session of the century. Whether you’re dreaming of a golden spread for breakfast, a syrupy topper for desserts, or a homemade gift that’ll charm every recipient, this Caramel Apple Jam Recipe is sweet, comforting, and delightfully simple. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Apples:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (about 6 medium apples)
Jam Base:
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
How to Make Caramel Apple Jam Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Apples
Start by combining your finely chopped apples, water, and lemon juice in a large saucepan. Let these simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring here and there—they’ll soften perfectly and fill your kitchen with the scent of pie! Don’t rush this step, as soft, yielding apples mean your jam will be spoonable and smooth, but still offer delicious texture.
Step 2: Mash and Add Spices
Once your apples are tender, use a potato masher or an immersion blender right in the pot to gently break down the fruit. I love leaving some small apple chunks for texture! Next, stir in the pectin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. This spiced base is what takes the Caramel Apple Jam Recipe into dreamy, apple-pie territory.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Turn up the heat and bring your apple mixture to a rolling boil. Keep that spoon moving—stir constantly to prevent scorching and encourage even heating. You’ll notice the lovely aroma deepening as the warm spices mingle with the apples.
Step 4: Sweeten and Caramelize
Add all the granulated sugar and brown sugar at once, stirring them in thoroughly. Watch as the mix bubbles up and transforms into a luscious, golden jam. Return to a full, hard boil and let it bubble away for one minute, always stirring. This stage is magic—it’s where the “caramel” in our Caramel Apple Jam Recipe is born!
Step 5: Finish and Jar
Remove your saucepan from the heat and skim off any foam from the top for a beautiful, clear jam. Ladle the piping hot jam into your sterilized jars, leaving a quarter inch of headspace. Wipe the rims, screw on the lids and bands, and process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure a safe seal.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Let the jars cool completely on a towel-lined counter. As they cool, you’ll hear the amazing sound of lids popping—music to a home canner’s ears! Once cool, check the seals, label your jars, and stash them in the pantry to enjoy all season long.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Jam Recipe
Garnishes
There are so many simple ways to make your Caramel Apple Jam Recipe look and taste even more special. Try a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, swirl in a little whipped cream, or dust with finely chopped toasted pecans for a sweet, nutty crunch.
Side Dishes
This jam truly shines alongside fresh-baked biscuits, warm toast, or buttery pancakes. It’s delicious spooned over yogurt or cottage cheese, creating a comforting, sundae-style breakfast. For brunch, it pairs beautifully next to sharp cheddar and crusty bread on a cheese board.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up your Caramel Apple Jam Recipe as a thoughtful homemade gift by tying jars with ribbon or twine and adding a handwritten tag. You can use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies, swirl it into oatmeal, or dollop it onto baked brie for an easy, impressive party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After opening, keep your Caramel Apple Jam Recipe in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s in an airtight jar; it will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks. Just remember to always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing any bacteria, which helps protect the flavor and shelf life.
Freezing
Got extra jam or unprocessed jars? You can freeze Caramel Apple Jam Recipe safely in freezer-safe containers or jars for up to 6 months. Just be sure to leave a little extra headspace to accommodate expansion as the jam freezes. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
If your jam firms up too much, gently warm a portion in the microwave in 10-second bursts or in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of water if needed. This will loosen it up and make it spoonable again without compromising its luscious flavor.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in this Caramel Apple Jam Recipe?
While it’s tempting to cut down on sugar, the quantity listed is important for setting the jam and ensuring proper preservation. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a low-sugar or no-sugar pectin and follow the instructions on that package.
What are the best apples to use?
Mixing sweet and tart apples (such as Fuji and Granny Smith) gives your Caramel Apple Jam Recipe the best balance of flavor and natural pectin. Don’t be afraid to combine what you have on hand—just avoid mealy varieties like Red Delicious.
Do I really need to use a water bath canner?
Yes, processing the jars in a boiling water bath is essential for sealing them properly and preventing spoilage. This method ensures your Caramel Apple Jam Recipe is shelf-stable and safe to enjoy for months.
Can I double this Caramel Apple Jam Recipe?
It’s best to make jams in single batches, as doubling can result in uneven gelling and unpredictable results. If you want more jam, prepare back-to-back batches for the best consistency and flavor.
How can I tell if my jam has set?
After processing and cooling, tip a jar gently: if the jam moves slowly and isn’t runny, it’s set. You can also spoon a bit onto a cold plate, let it cool, then run your finger through—it should hold its shape and not run back together.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so gratifying about popping open a jar of golden, homemade goodness—especially when it’s your own Caramel Apple Jam Recipe. Whether you’re sharing it with someone special or savoring it drizzled over warm toast, you’ll fall head over heels for this blend of cozy apples, rich caramel, and cinnamon spice. Go ahead, make a batch, and let the sweet, comforting flavor of autumn brighten your breakfast table!
Print
Caramel Apple Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 half-pint jars
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and cozy flavors of fall with this delicious Caramel Apple Jam recipe. Perfect for spreading on toast, topping pancakes, or filling pastries, this homemade jam makes for a delightful addition to your pantry.
Ingredients
Apples:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (about 6 medium apples)
Jam Base:
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Cook Apples: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped apples, water, and lemon juice. Cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Mash slightly for texture.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in pectin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Bring to a boil, then add sugars and boil for 1 minute.
- Jar the Jam: Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving space at the top. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes.
- Finish: Let jars cool before storing.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor.
- Great for toast, pancakes, or pastries.
- Ensure proper jar sterilization for canning safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
