Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This caramel apple jam is full of flavor with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The apples cook down into a thick, luscious jam, while the caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery finish. With a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, this spread is perfect for fall, and the addition of vanilla extract gives it an extra depth of flavor. It’s simple to make and will fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of caramelized apples as it cooks.

Ingredients

• 4 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (about 6 medium apples, ideally 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)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and finely chop the apples. Make sure they are cut into small pieces so they cook down easily during the jam-making process.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Mixture

Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent the sugars from burning. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 4: Simmer to Thicken

Let the mixture simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue to cook until the apples are soft, and the jam has thickened. If you want a smoother texture, you can mash the apples with a potato masher or use an immersion blender.

Step 5: Add Vanilla and Caramel

Once the jam has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and caramel sauce, mixing well to incorporate the caramel’s rich flavor throughout the jam.

Step 6: Check Consistency

If you prefer a smoother jam, you can blend the mixture further with an immersion blender or potato masher to break down the apple chunks. For a chunkier jam, leave the mixture as is.

Step 7: Jar the Jam

Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean, seal tightly, and allow the jars to cool to room temperature.

Step 8: Store

Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or process in a water bath for 10 minutes to make it shelf-stable for longer storage.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 cups
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit to reduce sugar content, though the texture and flavor may slightly change.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your caramel apple jam in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
• Freezing: You can freeze the jam for up to 6 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe jars or containers.
• Reheating: Reheat the jam gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! You can use any apple variety you prefer, but a mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) works best to balance the sweetness and tartness.

Can I make this jam without caramel sauce?

Yes, you can omit the caramel sauce and still have a delicious apple jam. However, the caramel adds a rich, buttery flavor that makes this recipe extra special.

How do I make this jam smoother?

To make the jam smoother, simply mash the apples with a potato masher or use an immersion blender to break down the apple chunks further.

Can I can this jam for longer storage?

Yes, if you want to store this jam for longer periods, you can process the filled jars in a water bath for 10 minutes to make it shelf-stable.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, you can use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit to reduce sugar content. However, the consistency and flavor may vary slightly.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Jam is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and rich flavors. It’s a great way to enjoy the essence of fall in a jar, and it makes for a wonderful homemade gift or addition to your kitchen. Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or enjoy it with desserts. Simple to make yet deeply satisfying, this jam will quickly become a favorite!

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