Fall Caramel Apple Jam (Printable)
Autumn jam of apples, brown-sugar caramel, and warming spices, ideal for toast, gifts, or stirring into oatmeal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fruit
01 - 6 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (approximately 6 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples)
02 - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
→ Caramel Base
03 - 2 cups granulated sugar
04 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
→ Spices & Thickener
06 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1 pouch (3 ounces) liquid pectin
→ Liquids
11 - 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
12 - 1/4 cup water
# Directions:
01 - Combine chopped apples, lemon juice, apple cider, and water in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender.
02 - Using a potato masher or immersion blender, lightly mash the apples while leaving small chunks for a textured jam.
03 - Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt to the pot. Stir thoroughly until sugars are fully dissolved.
04 - Stir in unsalted butter. Continue to cook on medium, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom, until the mixture thickens and turns a rich caramel color, about 20 to 25 minutes.
05 - Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. Stir in the liquid pectin and boil hard for 1 to 2 minutes before removing from heat.
06 - Skim off any foam as needed. Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, maintaining 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rims, secure lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Adjust time for altitude as necessary.
07 - Allow jars to cool completely without disturbance. Store in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This jam tastes like fall in a jar, and it's secretly easier to make than you think.
- Every spoonful combines gooey caramel and bright apple flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for gifts or casual snacking.
02 -
- If you walk away during the caramel stage, even for a minute, you might scorch the bottom—a lesson hard learned after some stubborn pot scrubbing.
- Swapping some apples for pears brings a softer, fragrant sweetness that surprised me in the best way.
03 -
- Sterilize jars just before filling them to avoid any chance of spoilage.
- A touch of extra lemon juice keeps the flavors fresh and balances all the sweetness.