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Homemade Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

Homemade Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

5.1 from 26 reviews

This homemade caramel apple jam combines the natural sweetness of apples with rich caramel notes, enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect as a spread on toast, a topping for desserts, or a flavorful addition to your breakfast, this jam is a delightful way to preserve the essence of fall in a jar.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples and Sugars

  • 8 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 810 medium apples)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

Spices and Flavorings

  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

Pectin and Liquids

  • 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin
  • 1/2 cup water

Finishing

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into small pieces until you have 8 cups ready. Set them aside.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot over medium heat, combine the chopped apples with granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir well to mix.
  3. Sugar Dissolution: Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, which helps the sugars dissolve into the natural juices of the apples, enhancing flavor and preventing burning.
  4. Add Pectin and Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice and powdered fruit pectin thoroughly to help the jam set properly.
  5. Boil the Mixture: Pour in half a cup of water and bring the mixture slowly to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and once boiling, let it boil rapidly for 1 minute.
  6. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and the jam thickens to your desired consistency.
  7. Add Butter: Stir in the unsalted butter until it melts completely. This step helps to reduce foam on the jam surface.
  8. Jar the Jam: Remove the pot from heat and carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Clean the rims with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal.
  9. Seal and Process: Seal the jars with sterilized lids and bands. Process them for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath to ensure safety and proper sealing.
  10. Cool and Store: Remove jars from the water bath and place them on a towel-lined counter to cool. You should hear a popping sound as the jars seal. Store in a cool, dark place once cooled.

Notes

  • Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and acidity.
  • The addition of butter reduces foaming, making jam clearer and easier to handle.
  • Ensure jars and lids are fully sterilized to prevent spoilage.
  • For a chunkier jam, lightly mash some apple pieces before cooking.
  • Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to taste for a milder or spicier flavor.

Nutrition

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