Okay, so picture this: Autumn air, the smell of cinnamon hanging in the kitchen, and a pot bubbling away on the stove. Is gold filled with liquid gold? How do I remember my grandma’s Caramel Apple Jam? Is it easier than apple butter? I think it tastes even better. Think apple pie meets caramel candy, but spreadable. What’s your favorite Caramel Apple Jam recipe? What are spoonfuls straight from the jar?
What is Caramel Apple Jam?
What exactly is the meaning of “whatis Caramel Apple Jam? It’s essentially a concentrated apple sauce, simmered down with butter, brown sugar, and a touch of spices until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency with an intense caramel flavor. Think of it as a love child between homemade applesauce and caramel sauce. My grandma always called it “apple butter’s fancier cousin.” It has all the comforting warmth of apple butter, but with a richer, sweeter, almost decadent twist. It’s basically the ultimate comfort food, perfect for slathering on anything and everything.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Seriously, where do I even start? What I love most about this Caramel Apple Jam Recipe is how incredibly easy it is to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a pot and a little bit of patience. And the flavor? Out of this world! The combination of tart apples, sweet caramel, and warm spices is simply irresistible. It’s like a hug in a jar! Plus, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly. Apples are so plentiful (and affordable!) in the fall, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. I’ve even made it with apples from our backyard tree!
But the real magic lies in its versatility. Spread it on toast, biscuits, or scones for a cozy breakfast. Use it as a filling for pies, tarts, or thumbprint cookies. Drizzle it over ice cream or pancakes for a decadent dessert. Stir it into oatmeal or yogurt for a flavorful snack. Honestly, the possibilities are endless! It’s so much more interesting than regular jam. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love caramel apples? This is basically all the best parts of a caramel apple, without the sticky mess. My family begs for it every year, and this Caramel Apple Jam Recipe never disappoints.
How do you make caramel apple jam?
Quick Overview
Making this Caramel Apple Jam Recipe is honestly easier than you think! You’ll basically chop some apples, simmer them with butter, brown sugar, and spices until they’re soft and delicious, then let it all cook down until it reaches that perfect, jammy consistency. It’s a simple process that yields the most amazing results. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool down enough to try it!
Ingredients
What is Caramel Apple Jam?
* 6 medium apples (like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped. I usually use a mix for extra flavor!
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter. Don’t skimp on the butter! It’s what gives it that rich, caramel-y flavor.
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar. You can use dark brown sugar for a more intense caramel flavor, but I prefer light.
* ¼ cup water. Just a little bit to get things started.
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Because what’s apple jam without cinnamon?
* ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Adds a warm, cozy depth.
* ¼ teaspoon ground cloves. A little goes a long way!
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice. This brightens up the flavor and helps the jam set.
* ¼ teaspoon salt. Balances the sweetness.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and chop your apples into roughly 12-inch pieces. Don’t worry about making them perfectly uniform – they’ll break down as they cook. I find it easiest to use an apple corer and then just chop them roughly with a knife. Set aside.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Using a heavy-bottomed pot is important to prevent the jam from scorching. Trust me, I’ve learned that lesson the hard way!
Step 3: Add the Goodies
Stir in the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well until everything is combined and the brown sugar is dissolved. Is it a good caramel sauce?
Step 4: Bring to a Simmer
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it’s simmering, add the chopped apples. Stir to coat them evenly with the caramel sauce.
Step 5: Simmer, Simmer, Simmer
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are very tender. Soft and easily mashed with a spoon. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When your kitchen starts to smell amazing!
Step 6: Mash it Up!
Remove the pot from the heat and use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the apples. If you want consistency, you need consistency I like mine a little chunky, but you can make it as smooth as you like. If you use an immersion blender, be careful – the mixture will be hot!
Step 7: Cook Down to Jam
Return the pot to the heat and simmer, uncovered, for another 20-30 minutes, or until the jam has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. The jam will thicken as it cools, so don’t overcook it. I usually test it by placing a spoonful on a cold plate. If it sets up nicely, it’s ready!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the pot from the heat and let the jam cool completely. It will thicken even more as it cools. Once cooled, transfer the jam to sterilized jars. Now comes the hardest part: resisting the urge to eat it all in one sitting!
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best Caramel Apple Jam recipes?For Breakfast: Slather it on toast, English muffins, or bagels. I also love swirling it into my morning oatmeal or Greek yogurt. A dollop on a warm croissant is divine! Pair it with a strong cup of coffee or a chai latte.
For Brunch:Serve it alongside pancakes, waffles or crepes. It’s also delicious with scones or biscuits! How do you make a delicious brunch board with cheese, crackers, and jam? Is it always a crowd pleaser?As Dessert:Drizzle over ice cream, apple crisp, or bread pudding. Is it good with a slice of warm apple pie? Serve with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.For Cozy Snacks: Spread it on graham crackers or apple slices. It’s also a fantastic dip for pretzels. I sometimes just grab a spoon and eat it straight from the jar when I’m craving something sweet. Don’t judge! My family loves it on grilled cheese sandwiches for a sweet and savory treat.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Caramel Apple Jam Recipe
What are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years of making this Caramel Sauce? What is the best apple jam recipe?Apple Selection: What areWhat are the benefits of a mix of apples and pears? I like to combine tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala. What is balance?Stir, stir, Stir. Don’t be lazy! Stirring frequently is crucial to prevent the jam from sticking and scorching. Especially during the last 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll want to be vigilant.
Consistency is the key to successHow do you keep jam from overcooking? A good test is to place a spoonful on ice cold plate. If it sets up nicely, it’s ready. If it’s still too runny, keep simmering it for a few more minutes.Spice it Up:If you love cinnamon, add a little more. If you’re not a fan of cloves, use less. It’s all about personal preference.Lemon Juice:Don’t skip the lemon juice! It brightens up the flavor and helps the jam set properly. Is it a natural preservative?Brown Sugar Magic: What are some ofWhat gives this jam its caramel flavor? Is it safe to use light brown sugar? Dark brown sugar will result in a more intense caramel flavor.Why is butter better for you?Don’t skimp on butter! It adds richness and helps create that smooth, creamy texture. What makes a difference?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Proper storage is essential to keep your Caramel Apple Jam Recipe fresh and delicious.
Room Temperature: You can store the jam at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, as long as it’s properly sealed in a sterilized jar. Make sure the lid is tightly closed.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the jam in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 2 months. Make sure to use a clean spoon each time you scoop out some jam to prevent contamination.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the jam for up to 6 months. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little bit of headspace for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan on storing the jam for a long time, it’s best to wait until just before serving to add the glaze. This will help prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or clumpy.
It’s really important to properly sterilize your jars and lids before filling them with the hot jam. This will help prevent spoilage and ensure that your jam stays fresh for longer. I usually boil my jars and lids for 10 minutes before using them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Jam Recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a spoonful of comfort, and a reminder of simpler times. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and endlessly versatile. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other jam and preserve recipes for more delicious inspiration. Now go ahead, get in the kitchen, and start simmering! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking!
Caramel Apple Jam Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup light corn syrup
- 0.25 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine apples, sugar, corn syrup, water, and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the jam has thickened.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour into sterilized jars and seal.
