Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Caramel Apple Jam Recipe because it’s like a warm hug in a jar – rich, sweet, and bursting with the cozy flavors of fall. You’ll find that the combination of tart and sweet apples paired with the buttery caramel creates a jam that’s both familiar and delightfully unexpected. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on pancakes, or stirring into yogurt.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to get that deep caramel flavor without having to make caramel from scratch (though you absolutely can if you want!). Plus, this jam keeps well, so you can make a batch and enjoy it for weeks. Trust me, once you taste this Caramel Apple Jam Recipe, you’ll want to keep a jar always on hand.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Caramel Apple Jam Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, tartness, and spice. I recommend mixing apple varieties to get the best flavor and texture, and using fresh lemon juice really brightens the whole jam.

• Apples: I love using a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness to give the jam depth.
• Granulated Sugar: This helps sweeten and preserve your jam perfectly.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds molasses notes that enhance the caramel flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm spice that complements the apples beautifully.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best to keep the jam’s bright flavor and help with preservation.
• Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds subtle earthiness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Elevates all the ingredients with a rich undertone.
• Caramel Sauce: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade if you want that extra special touch.

Variations

I enjoy switching up this caramel apple jam depending on the season or my mood. Don’t be afraid to play around with the spices or apples—you might discover your own perfect jar!

• Spice it Up: I’ve added a bit of ground ginger or cloves for a holiday twist, and it’s fantastic.
• Different Apples: Using Fuji or Gala apples makes a sweeter jam with a softer texture.
• Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free caramel sauce to keep it vegan-friendly without losing the flavor.
• Less Sweet: Cut back on the sugars by 1/4 cup each if you prefer a more tart jam.

How to Make Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and finely chopping your apples. I like to chop them into small, consistent pieces so they cook down quicker and evenly. Using a mix of tart and sweet apples here really brings out layers of flavor that dance on your palate.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Pan

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix your chopped apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This is where the magic begins—make sure everything is blended well so the flavors meld during cooking.

Step 3: Bring It to a Boil

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring your mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. I find that keeping an eye on it here is important to prevent the sugars from scorching on the bottom. Patience pays off; your jam will thicken beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer to Thicken

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes. The apples should soften, and the mixture will thicken into that luscious jam consistency. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking or burning.

Step 5: Stir in Vanilla and Caramel

Remove the pan from heat and stir in your vanilla extract and caramel sauce. I love how the caramel instantly enriches the jam, giving it a silky texture and that irresistible buttery sweetness.

Step 6: Adjust Texture and Jar

Decide if you want a chunky or smoother jam. I usually use a potato masher to break down the apple chunks a bit but leave it chunky enough to enjoy some bite. Then carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a little headspace at the top. Wipe rims clean, seal, and cool to room temperature.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish a spoonful of this jam with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few chopped toasted walnuts for crunch. It adds a lovely textural contrast and enhances the cozy vibes.

Side Dishes

This jam is fantastic alongside warm biscuits, French toast, or even swirled into oatmeal. My family especially loves it paired with sharp cheddar cheese on a cracker—surprisingly delicious!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve served this caramel apple jam in mini mason jars wrapped with twine and topped with cinnamon sticks. It makes a sweet gift or party favor that friends always ask me about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftover caramel apple jam in airtight jars in the fridge for up to three weeks. Keeping it cold preserves that fresh flavor and prevents any spoilage. Plus, the jam tends to thicken even more as it chills, which I absolutely love.

Freezing

If you want to freeze some jam, I recommend putting it in freezer-safe containers with a little headspace for expansion. I’ve found that caramel apple jam freezes well and thaws without losing its texture or taste.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the jam in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. This brings back its spreadable texture without cooking out the vanilla and caramel notes, keeping it tasting fresh and indulgent.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Jam Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it transforms simple apples into something truly indulgent yet wholesome. I encourage you to try it out and watch how it becomes a favorite in your home, whether for breakfast, snacks, or gifts. Trust me, once you taste this jam, you’ll want to keep crafting batches all year round!

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