Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Jam is a delightful blend of sweet and tart apples infused with rich caramel and warm spices. This homemade jam offers a comforting twist on classic apple preserves, perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts.

Ingredients

• 4 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (about 6 medium apples, a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel, core, and finely chop the apples into small pieces to ensure they cook down easily.
2. Step 2: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
3. Step 3: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent sugars from burning.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are soft and the jam has thickened.
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and caramel sauce until fully incorporated.
6. Step 6: For a smoother jam, gently mash the apple pieces with a potato masher or use an immersion blender; for a chunky texture, leave as is.
7. Step 7: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal tightly, and let cool to room temperature.
8. Step 8: Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath for 10 minutes for longer shelf life.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples to balance the flavor of the jam perfectly.
• Homemade caramel sauce adds a richer taste, but store-bought works well for convenience.
• For extra spice, increase the cinnamon slightly or add a pinch of ground cloves.
• Try adding a splash of bourbon for an adult twist on the jam.

Storage

Store caramel apple jam in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. To make the jam shelf-stable, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Reheat gently before serving if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apples for this jam?

Yes, but using a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, gives the best balance of flavor and sweetness.

How thick will the jam be after cooking?

The jam thickens as it simmers, but the final consistency can vary depending on how much it is cooked. Simmer until the apples are soft and the mixture coats the back of a spoon.

Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

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4.9 from 531 reviews

Delight in this luscious Caramel Apple Jam, combining the tartness of Granny Smith and the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with rich caramel, warm spices, and a touch of vanilla. Perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on desserts, or adding a sweet twist to your breakfast.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 3 cups (approx. 6 half-pint jars) 1x
• Category: Jam
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits

• 4 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (about 6 medium apples, mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)

Sweeteners and Flavorings

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Spices and Others

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely chop the apples into small pieces to ensure they cook down easily and evenly.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the chopped apples with granulated sugar, light brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir this mixture thoroughly for even distribution of flavors.
3. Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent sugars from burning and ensure the apples release their juices.
4. Simmer to Thicken: Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples soften and the jam thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Add Vanilla and Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract and caramel sauce thoroughly, infusing the jam with a rich, velvety caramel flavor.
6. Check Consistency: For a smoother jam, gently mash the apple chunks using a potato masher or an immersion blender. If you prefer a chunky jam, leave the texture as is.
7. Jar the Jam: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal jars tightly, and let cool to room temperature.
8. Store: Refrigerate the jam for up to 3 weeks or process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to make the jam shelf-stable for longer storage.

Notes

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor profile.
• Caramel sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference and time.
• Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg amounts to suit your spice preference.
• For longer storage without refrigeration, use proper canning techniques including sterilized jars and water bath processing.
• If you like a less sweet jam, reduce the granulated sugar slightly.

Keywords: caramel apple jam, apple jam recipe, homemade jam, fall jam, caramel sauce jam, apple preserves