As the air turns crisp and apples reach their peak, there’s no better way to capture the essence of autumn than with this delightful Caramel Apple Jam. This jam blends the sweetness of fresh Honey Crisp apples with the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a spread that’s perfect for toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for desserts. The addition of brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like depth, making this jam a must-try for any apple lover.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Jam
- Homemade Goodness: There’s something special about making your own jam at home, especially when it’s packed with the natural sweetness of fresh apples.
- Versatile Use: This jam isn’t just for spreading on bread—it’s also a delicious topping for ice cream, pancakes, or even stirred into yogurt.
- Autumn Flavors: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar brings out the best of fall’s cozy, comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 Cups Finely Diced Peeled Apples (Approximately 4 Medium-Large Honey Crisp Apples): Honey Crisp apples are perfect for this recipe, providing the right balance of sweetness and texture.
- 1/2 Cup Water: Helps the apples cook down without sticking; can be replaced with spiced rum, cinnamon whiskey, or bourbon for a boozy twist.
- 1/2 Tsp Butter: Reduces foam while cooking, ensuring a smooth jam.
- 1 Package Sure-Jell (Powdered Fruit Pectin): Helps the jam set, creating the perfect consistency.
- 4 Cups Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps preserve the jam.
- 1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar: Enhances the caramel flavor of the jam.
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon (Heaping): Adds warmth and spice, making the jam taste like autumn in a jar.
- 1/4 Tsp Ground Nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon and adds depth to the flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling and finely dicing the Honey Crisp apples. You’ll need about 4 medium to large apples to yield 6 cups of diced fruit. Make sure the pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook the Apples: In a large stockpot, combine the diced apples, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of butter. The butter helps reduce foaming during cooking, ensuring a smoother jam. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender—this should take about 10 minutes. The apples should be soft but not mushy, retaining some of their shape.
3. Add the Pectin: Once the apples are tender, stir in the package of Sure-Jell powdered fruit pectin. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. A rolling boil is one that continues to bubble vigorously even while you’re stirring.
4. Incorporate the Sugars and Spices: After the pectin is fully dissolved, add the 4 cups of sugar, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Return the mixture to a rolling boil and boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step is crucial for ensuring the jam sets properly.
5. Skim the Foam: Remove the stockpot from the heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface of the jam. This foam won’t affect the flavor, but removing it will give your jam a clearer, more attractive appearance.
6. Jar the Jam: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized half-pint or pint jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. This space allows for expansion as the jars seal. Use a non-metallic spatula to remove any air bubbles, and wipe the rims of the jars clean before securing the lids.
7. Process the Jars: Place the jars in a boiling water bath, making sure they are fully submerged. Process the jars for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal and to preserve the jam. After processing, carefully remove the jars and let them cool completely on a towel-lined countertop. You may hear a popping sound as the jars seal, which is a good sign!
8. Distribute the Apple Pieces: As the jars cool, gently twist them from side to side to evenly distribute the apple pieces throughout the jam. This step is optional, but it helps to create a more uniform texture.
Tips and Variations
- Boozy Twist: Replace the 1/2 cup of water with an equal amount of spiced rum, cinnamon whiskey, or bourbon to give your jam a unique, adult flavor.
- Texture Tip: For a smoother jam, you can use an immersion blender to break down the apple pieces further before adding the sugars and pectin.
- Storage: Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the jam refrigerated and use within a few weeks.
Yield
This recipe yields approximately 3 pints or about 6 half-pint jars of Caramel Apple Jam.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
- Sodium: 1mg
- Potassium: 15mg
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 42g
- Vitamin A: 20 IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 3mg
- Iron: 0.1mg
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Jam is a delicious way to savor the flavors of fall all year round. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, swirling it into yogurt, or gifting a jar to friends, this jam is sure to be a hit. The sweet, caramelized apples combined with warm spices create a comforting and nostalgic taste that everyone will love. Plus, the option to add a touch of booze gives this jam a grown-up twist that’s perfect for special occasions. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the taste of homemade goodness in every bite!