Fall Caramel Apple Jam (Printable)
Autumn jam of caramelized apples and warm spices, perfect for toast, pastries, and gift jars.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fruit
01 - 6 cups peeled, cored, finely chopped apples (about 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, cubed
→ 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
# How to Make:
01 - In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine chopped apples, lemon juice, apple cider, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender.
02 - Slightly mash apples with a potato masher or immersion blender, keeping some small chunks for texture.
03 - Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Stir gently until sugars dissolve completely.
04 - Add cubed butter and continue cooking, stirring frequently, over medium heat for 20–25 minutes until mixture thickens to a golden caramel hue. Stir gently and scrape the bottom regularly to prevent scorching.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil. Stir in liquid pectin and boil vigorously for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
06 - Skim off any surface foam if needed. Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims, apply lids, and process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Adjust time for altitude if required.
07 - Allow jars to cool undisturbed. Store cooled jars in a cool, dark location. Refrigerate after opening.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- When the days get crisp, this jam tastes like a hug tucked between two slices of toast.
- Every batch delivers a glossy, caramel-swirled outcome that makes everyday breakfasts feel a bit more special.
02 -
- If your caramel starts to catch at the bottom, lower the heat immediately and stir constantly—burnt sugar will overpower the apples.
- The jam can thicken suddenly after pectin, so have your jars ready before you pour it in.
03 -
- An immersion blender lets you control the final texture from rustic to nearly smooth.
- Canning funnels make filling jars quick and splash-free—a total game-changer for cleanup.