Caramel Apple Jam: A Cozy, Fall-Inspired Spread You’ll Want All Year Round

Imagine the flavors of warm apple pie and gooey caramel — now picture that deliciousness spooned over toast, swirled into oatmeal, or spread on biscuits. That’s exactly what you get with Caramel Apple Jam, a sweet, spiced preserve that tastes like fall in a jar.

Made with fresh apples, warm spices, and rich caramel flavor, this jam is the perfect homemade gift, breakfast spread, or topping for everything from pancakes to ice cream. Best of all? It’s easier to make than you think — no fancy canning gear required.

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Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Jam

🍎 Packed with fresh apple flavor and warm fall spices
🍯 Infused with rich caramel for a decadent twist
🫙 Perfect for canning or gifting during the holiday season
🍞 Delicious on toast, scones, waffles, oatmeal, and more
💛 Easy to make with simple, accessible ingredients

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What Is Caramel Apple Jam?

Caramel Apple Jam is a preserve made by cooking chopped or grated apples with sugar, lemon juice, and spices until thickened, then adding caramel flavor for richness. Some recipes use brown sugar or store-bought caramel sauce, while others create caramel from scratch.

The result is a sweet, spreadable jam that captures the taste of a classic caramel apple dessert in every bite — thick, smooth, and perfect for fall and winter mornings.

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Ingredients

This recipe makes about 5–6 half-pint jars.

For the Jam:

• 6 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 5–6 medium apples)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell or Ball brand)
• ½ cup water

For the Caramel Sweetness:

• 4 cups brown sugar, packed
• ½ tsp butter or coconut oil (to reduce foaming)

Optional:

• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt for salted caramel version

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Best Apples to Use

Choose firm, slightly tart apples that hold their shape and offer natural sweetness. Great choices include:

• Honeycrisp
• Fuji
• Gala
• Pink Lady
• Jonagold
• Granny Smith (for more tartness)

A mix of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor.

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How to Make Caramel Apple Jam

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Step 1: Prep the Apples

• Peel, core, and finely dice the apples.
• Place the apples in a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
• Stir in the lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Tip: Chop apples finely or use a food processor for a smoother jam texture.

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Step 2: Cook the Apples

• Add ½ cup water and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
• Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until apples are soft.

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Step 3: Add Pectin

• Stir in the full packet of pectin and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil — one that doesn’t stop when stirred.

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Step 4: Add Sugar

• Add the brown sugar and butter all at once.
• Return the mixture to a hard boil, stirring constantly.
• Boil for exactly 1 full minute, then remove from heat.

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Step 5: Optional Add-Ins

• Stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor.
• Add a pinch of salt for a salted caramel touch.

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Step 6: Fill the Jars

• Ladle the hot jam into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
• Wipe rims clean, apply lids, and screw on bands until fingertip tight.

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Step 7: Process in a Water Bath (Optional)

If you plan to store for months:

• Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if needed).
• Let cool on a towel for 12–24 hours. Check for seals.

If you’re refrigerating and using within a few weeks, skip this step.

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How to Store Caramel Apple Jam

🫙 Refrigerator: Unprocessed jars last up to 3 weeks
❄️ Freezer: Freeze for up to 6 months
📦 Pantry: Water-bath processed jars are shelf-stable for 12 months

Once opened, always refrigerate and use within a few weeks.

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Ways to Use Caramel Apple Jam

🍞 Spread on toast, bagels, or English muffins
🥞 Dollop on pancakes, waffles, or crepes
🥣 Swirl into yogurt, oatmeal, or overnight oats
🍨 Spoon over vanilla ice cream or apple crisp
🥧 Use as a filling in thumbprint cookies or hand pies
🧀 Serve with cheese boards (pairs beautifully with brie or cheddar)
🎁 Package in jars with ribbon for holiday food gifts

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Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Jam

✅ Use a wide pot to help jam thicken evenly
✅ Chop apples finely so the jam spreads smoothly
✅ Stir constantly when boiling to avoid scorching
✅ Use real brown sugar for rich caramel flavor
✅ Test doneness with the cold plate method (drop jam on a frozen plate — it should wrinkle when pushed)

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Variations

🍏 Salted Caramel Apple Jam – Add ¼ tsp sea salt
🍐 Caramel Pear Jam – Replace half the apples with ripe pears
🌰 Apple Pecan Jam – Add toasted chopped pecans after cooking
🧁 Caramel Apple Pie Jam – Add a dash of allspice and clove for a more pie-like taste
🍋 Citrus Twist – Add orange zest for a bright contrast

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Nutrition Info (Approx. per tablespoon)

• Calories: 50
• Carbs: 13g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0.5g

Based on standard brown sugar and apple amounts. May vary with mix-ins.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reduce the sugar?

Reducing sugar may affect the jam’s ability to set. If you want a lower-sugar version, use a low-sugar pectin (like Sure-Jell Low Sugar) and follow that packet’s instructions.

Do I need to use pectin?

Yes, unless you want a softer, more apple butter–like spread. Pectin ensures your jam sets properly and holds its shape.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! The butter is optional and only helps reduce foam. Use coconut oil or omit entirely if preferred.

What if I don’t want to can it?

You can refrigerate or freeze the jam instead. It will still taste amazing — just use within a few weeks or months.

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Perfect for Gifting

Caramel Apple Jam makes a heartfelt homemade gift for:

🎁 Christmas, Thanksgiving, or hostess gifts
🍁 Fall harvest baskets or teacher gifts
💍 Bridal showers or wedding favors
🎉 Holiday craft fairs or bake sales

Dress up your jars with:

• A fabric circle under the lid
• Handmade labels or tags
• A wooden spoon or mini spreader tied with twine

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Final Thoughts: A Spoonful of Fall in Every Jar

Caramel Apple Jam is more than just a sweet spread — it’s a way to bottle up the cozy, nostalgic flavors of autumn. Whether you’re spooning it over toast, tucking it into pastries, or giving it as a gift, this jam is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to every table it touches.

So grab those apples, warm up the kitchen, and start your batch of homemade caramel magic.

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