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Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

Caramel Apple Jam Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

This Caramel Apple Jam combines the natural sweetness of fresh apples with the rich, buttery flavor of caramel, enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or as a dessert topping, this homemade jam brings a cozy fall flavor to your kitchen all year round.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

  • 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)

Sugars and Sweeteners

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

Spices and Flavorings

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Acid

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely chop the apples into small pieces to ensure they cook down evenly and quickly in the jam.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the chopped apples, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir all ingredients together until well mixed.
  3. Cook the Mixture: Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent the sugars from sticking to the bottom and burning.
  4. Simmer to Thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the jam to simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the apples are very soft and the mixture has thickened to a jam-like consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching.
  5. Add Vanilla and Caramel: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and the caramel sauce thoroughly to infuse the jam with a rich, buttery flavor.
  6. Check Consistency: If you prefer a smoother jam, use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down some of the apple chunks. For a chunkier texture, leave the jam as it is.
  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 the jars tightly, and let them cool to room temperature.
  8. Store: Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or optionally process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes to create shelf-stable preserves.

Notes

  • Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best balance of flavor.
  • Using freshly squeezed lemon juice helps preserve color and adds brightness to the jam.
  • Caramel sauce can be homemade or store-bought; adjust sweetness accordingly.
  • Store-bought caramel may contain dairy; check ingredients if dietary restrictions apply.
  • For longer storage, process jars with a water bath canner to make the jam shelf-stable.
  • If your jam is too thick after cooling, stir in a small amount of water and reheat gently.
  • Use sterilized jars and lids to prevent contamination and extend shelf life.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/caramel-apple-jam-recipe/