This caramel apple jam recipe transforms the beloved flavors of fall into a spreadable delight, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a unique dessert topping. It’s surprisingly simple to make and offers a wonderful way to enjoy the taste of caramel apples year-round.
Key Ingredients for Caramel Apple Jam
- 2 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 4-5 medium apples, a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith works well)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness and a smoother texture)
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Caramel Apple Jam
Whip up a batch of this delightful caramel apple jam and experience the pure joy of autumn in every spoonful! This recipe is remarkably easy to follow, delivering a rich, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful jam that’s perfect for slathering on toast, swirling into yogurt, or gifting. With a preparation time of around 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll be enjoying this heavenly spread in no time, boasting a wonderfully creamy texture and deep, comforting flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Apples: Begin by ensuring your apples are thoroughly peeled, cored, and diced into consistent 1/2-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. You’ll need approximately 2 pounds of apples, which is usually about 4 to 5 medium-sized fruits. A combination of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, will provide the best depth of flavor.
Start the Caramel Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and water. Place the pan over medium heat. Stir gently just until the sugars are combined and begin to dissolve. Be careful not to over-stir at this stage, as it can cause the sugar to crystallize.
Caramelize the Sugars: Allow the sugar mixture to simmer and bubble without stirring. Watch it closely as it begins to turn amber. This process can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a rich, deep caramel color. If it starts to darken too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
Add the Butter and Spices: Once the caramel has reached your desired amber hue, carefully whisk in the unsalted butter. It will likely bubble up vigorously, so be prepared. Once the butter is fully incorporated and the bubbling subsides, stir in the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. The aroma at this stage will already be intoxicating!
Incorporate the Apples: Add the diced apples to the caramel mixture. Stir well to ensure all the apple pieces are coated in the delicious caramel sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.
Cook the Jam: Cover the saucepan and let the apples cook for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples will soften and release their juices, and the jam will begin to thicken. You want the apples to be very tender but still retain some shape; they shouldn’t be completely mashed into a mush.
Thicken and Finish: Remove the lid and continue to cook the jam, stirring more frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency. This can take another 15-20 minutes. The jam should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If you prefer a smoother jam, you can use a potato masher to gently mash some of the apples at this stage.
Add Lemon Juice and Cream (Optional): Stir in the lemon juice. This brightens the flavors and helps with preservation. If you are using heavy cream for extra richness, stir it in now until well combined. Continue to cook for another few minutes until the jam is glossy and uniformly thickened.
Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the caramel apple jam cool slightly in the pan. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools. Once it has cooled for about 15-20 minutes, you can carefully transfer it to clean jars.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Jam
You’ll adore this caramel apple jam because it captures the magical, comforting essence of autumn in a jar. The sweet, slightly tart apples are perfectly complemented by the rich, buttery caramel and warm spices, creating a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible and far superior to your average fruit spread. Unlike store-bought jams that can be overly sweet or lack depth, making this at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, more vibrant taste while saving money in the long run. The optional addition of cream elevates it to a luxurious level, making it feel like a special treat without requiring complex techniques, reminding you of the simple pleasures of homemade goodness with every spoonful, just like our popular Spiced Pear Butter but with a delightful caramel twist.
This homemade caramel apple jam is more than just a spread; it’s an experience that will have your kitchen smelling divine and your taste buds singing. Imagine the pure delight of spreading this warm, fragrant jam on a slice of freshly baked bread or drizzling it over ice cream. It’s incredibly versatile and offers a wonderful way to preserve the season’s bounty. So, gather your apples, embrace the cozy aromas, and dive into making this delightful creation – we guarantee you won’t regret it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to enjoying your caramel apple jam for as long as possible. Once the jam has cooled completely (this is crucial to prevent spoilage), transfer it into clean, airtight jars.
- Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the jam within a few weeks, store the opened or unopened jars in the refrigerator. Properly sealed homemade jam can last for up to 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. Ensure the lid is tightly secured after each use to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: For longer storage (up to 6 months), you can freeze the caramel apple jam. Ensure your jars are freezer-safe and leave about an inch of headspace at the top, as the jam will expand slightly when frozen. Thaw frozen jam in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Reheating is generally not necessary for this jam unless you’re using it as a warm topping. If you wish to warm it, gently heat it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can alter the texture.
Final Thoughts
This caramel apple jam is an absolute delight, bursting with cozy fall flavors and effortless to create. We wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try; your breakfast toast (and your soul!) will thank you for it.
Read more also:
- Strawberry Vanilla Bean Jam Recipe
- No-Sugar Added Strawberry Jam
- Peach and Lavender Jam
- Canning Fruit Syrups Homemade Recipe
- Our Pinterest
Caramel Apple Jam
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by ensuring your apples are thoroughly peeled, cored, and diced into consistent 1/2-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. You’ll need approximately 2 pounds of apples, which is usually about 4 to 5 medium-sized fruits. A combination of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, will provide the best depth of flavor.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and water. Place the pan over medium heat. Stir gently just until the sugars are combined and begin to dissolve. Be careful not to over-stir at this stage, as it can cause the sugar to crystallize.
- Allow the sugar mixture to simmer and bubble without stirring. Watch it closely as it begins to turn amber. This process can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a rich, deep caramel color. If it starts to darken too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
- Once the caramel has reached your desired amber hue, carefully whisk in the unsalted butter. It will likely bubble up vigorously, so be prepared. Once the butter is fully incorporated and the bubbling subsides, stir in the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. The aroma at this stage will already be intoxicating!
- Add the diced apples to the caramel mixture. Stir well to ensure all the apple pieces are coated in the delicious caramel sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Cover the saucepan and let the apples cook for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples will soften and release their juices, and the jam will begin to thicken. You want the apples to be very tender but still retain some shape; they shouldn’t be completely mashed into a mush.
- Remove the lid and continue to cook the jam, stirring more frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency. This can take another 15-20 minutes. The jam should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If you prefer a smoother jam, you can use a potato masher to gently mash some of the apples at this stage.
- Stir in the lemon juice. This brightens the flavors and helps with preservation. If you are using heavy cream for extra richness, stir it in now until well combined. Continue to cook for another few minutes until the jam is glossy and uniformly thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the caramel apple jam cool slightly in the pan. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools. Once it has cooled for about 15-20 minutes, you can carefully transfer it to clean jars.