Fall Caramel Apple Jam (Print Version)
Autumn spread of crisp apples, brown-sugar caramel, and warm spices—ready to can, gift, or enjoy on toast.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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 oz) liquid pectin
→ Liquids
11 - 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
12 - 1/4 cup water
# Directions:
01 - In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the chopped apples, lemon juice, apple cider, and water. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until apples are tender.
02 - Using a potato masher or immersion blender, gently mash the apples, retaining some smaller chunks for texture.
03 - Incorporate the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Stir until the sugars are entirely dissolved.
04 - Stir in the cubed butter. Continue to cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes until the mixture thickens and develops a golden caramel color. Scrape the bottom consistently to prevent scorching.
05 - Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the liquid pectin and stir thoroughly. Boil vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
06 - Skim off any foam if needed. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims clean, secure lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude as necessary.
07 - Allow the jars to cool completely. Store in a cool, dark environment, and refrigerate after opening.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This jam delivers the comfort of caramel apples without the sticky mess—think of it as autumn on a spoon.
- It always disappears quickly at brunch or as a cozy homemade gift for neighbors during the holidays.
02 -
- If you stop stirring even briefly, the sugar can scorch before you realize it—stir patiently and often for a gentle caramel flavor.
- Ladling the jam quickly into jars keeps it perfectly spreadable, so don’t dally or it may set up before you’re ready.
03 -
- Chop apples uniformly so they soften evenly—lumpy apples mean uneven bites in your finished jam.
- Swirl a spoonful of this jam into apple pie filling for a double hit of caramel intensity.