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Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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