If you dream of the flavors of warm caramel and juicy apples mingling together in a sweet, spreadable treat, Caramel Apple Jam might just become your new obsession. This jam perfectly captures the essence of fall in a jar, bursting with cozy cinnamon, just a hint of nutmeg, and those telltale caramel notes that take every bite over the top. Whether you’re slathering it on fresh, buttery toast or dolloping it onto a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s guaranteed to put a happy spin on your morning or dessert—and makes a thoughtful homemade gift, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Caramel Apple Jam sings because every ingredient is chosen for a reason. The apples form the luscious base, brown and granulated sugar give those signature caramel undertones, and a dash of spice keeps things interesting. Here’s why you’ll want each one:

Apples (6 cups, peeled, cored, and finely chopped): The star of the show! Using a variety—like tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp—adds balance and depth.
Lemon Juice (1/4 cup): This brightens flavors and helps the jam set, while protecting the apples’ color.
Fruit Pectin (1 package, 1.75 oz): Helps the jam thicken to that perfect, spreadable consistency.
Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warm spice and makes every spoonful fragrant.
Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to round out the apple pie vibe.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance the sweetness and pull the flavors together.
Granulated Sugar (4 cups): Essential for sweetness and achieving that classic jam texture.
Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): The secret to that deep, caramel-like flavor that makes this jam special.
Butter (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Stirred in to help reduce any foaming, ensuring your jam looks as beautiful as it tastes.

How to Make Caramel Apple Jam

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and finely chopping your apples. This step is a bit of a labor of love, but every dice is worth it—smaller pieces of apple mean a more even texture in your Caramel Apple Jam and help the fruit cook down quickly and evenly.

Step 2: Cook Apples and Lemon Juice

Combine your freshly chopped apples and lemon juice in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the apples soften and their juices begin to release, their aroma will start to fill your kitchen with that unmistakable fresh-picked scent.

Step 3: Add Pectin and Spices

Sprinkle in the fruit pectin, followed by the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to make sure the pectin is completely incorporated. This is when your jam begins to build its depth of flavor and starts to assume its thick, glossy texture.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil

Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil—meaning the bubbling doesn’t stop even when you stir it. Keep stirring constantly; this helps prevent anything from sticking to the bottom (and ensures a perfectly smooth Caramel Apple Jam).

Step 5: Add Sugars and Butter

Pour in both the granulated and brown sugars, along with the butter if you’re using it. Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and, once it’s bubbling hard, set a timer for one minute. Stir constantly to prevent scorching and make sure every grain of sugar dissolves into caramel-coated bliss.

Step 6: Finish and Jar the Jam

When the minute is up, remove the pot from the heat and skim off any foam from the surface. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean, apply the lids, and process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure a safe, lasting seal.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Jam

Garnishes

Dress up your Caramel Apple Jam with an extra sprinkle of ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg just before serving. For a little crunch, a toasted walnut or pecan on top can add a delightful texture. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a thin ribbon of caramel sauce over the jam will amplify the caramel theme and impress any brunch guest.

Side Dishes

This jam is a showstopper on simple toast, warm biscuits, or fluffy pancakes, but it doesn’t stop there. Try it as a filling in thumbprint cookies, swirl it into Greek yogurt, or use it to finish a gooey baked brie. It even makes an incredible glaze for roasted pork or chicken!

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, fill smaller jars, tie them with rustic twine and add a handwritten tag. Serve it at your next brunch in a little bowl, paired with sharp cheddar and crackers, for a sweet-salty cheese board addition. Or drizzle it over vanilla ice cream with a scattering of cinnamon-sugar granola for a dreamy autumn sundae.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your sealed jars of Caramel Apple Jam in a cool, dark cupboard for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate the jar and enjoy within three weeks for peak flavor and freshness—if it even lasts that long!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this jam! Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and store for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using and give the jam a good stir to restore its creamy consistency.

Reheating

Jam is best served at room temperature, but if you’d like it a bit softer, scoop the amount you want into a bowl and microwave for 10–15 seconds. Just give it a quick stir and it’s ready to use—perfect for melting into hot oatmeal or drizzling over fresh waffles.

FAQs

Can I use less sugar in this Caramel Apple Jam?

Traditional jam recipes rely on sugar not just for sweetness, but also for proper texture and preservation. Reducing the sugar could cause your jam to be runny or spoil more quickly, so it’s best to stick to the recipe the first time you make it. If you’d like a lower-sugar version, look for a low-sugar or no-sugar pectin and use the instructions provided with that product.

What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

A mix of tart and sweet apples produces the richest flavor—Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are a great combo, but Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala work beautifully too. Fresher apples will give your Caramel Apple Jam better texture and natural sweetness.

Can I make Caramel Apple Jam without pectin?

You can, but your jam will need extra cooking time and careful monitoring to reach a spreadable texture. Pectin makes the process much more reliable and cuts down on time at the stove, so it’s highly recommended for both beginners and jam veterans.

Why do I need to process the jars in a water bath?

The boiling water bath isn’t just for tradition’s sake—it’s key to making your Caramel Apple Jam shelf-stable and safe by eliminating any lurking bacteria. Plus, it ensures that satisfying “pop” of the jar lid sealing, preserving your jam for months to come.

Can I double the recipe?

For best results, it’s actually better to make jam in small batches. Doubling the recipe can affect cooking time and pectin’s ability to set the jam. If you want to make more, it’s best to prepare two separate batches rather than one large one.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade jar of Caramel Apple Jam stashed away in your pantry. The sweet, spiced apple flavor and caramel richness make every spoonful special. If you’ve never tried jam making before—or if you’re a longtime canning pro—this recipe is the perfect excuse to dive in. Treat yourself, your breakfast, and anyone you love to a taste of fall that lasts all year!

Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 half-pint jars 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious Caramel Apple Jam at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. This sweet and spiced jam is perfect for spreading on toast or using as a topping for your favorite desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples:

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

Other Ingredients:

1/4 cup lemon juice
1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon butter (optional, to reduce foaming)

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Instructions

Cook Apples: In a large pot, combine chopped apples and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples begin to soften.
Add Ingredients: Stir in pectin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
Add Sugar: Add both sugars and butter (if using), and return to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Can and Store: Remove from heat and skim off any foam. Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims, apply lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Let jars cool completely before storing.

Notes

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
This jam is great on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or as a topping for vanilla ice cream.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Stovetop, Canning
Cuisine: American