Caramel Apple Jam: Sweet, Buttery, and Packed with Cozy Fall Flavor

If you’re looking for a way to preserve the flavors of fall in a jar, Caramel Apple Jam is it. This delightful homemade jam combines tender apples, warm spices, and a rich caramel sauce to create a spreadable treat that’s equally at home on toast, pancakes, ice cream, or a spoon.

Unlike traditional fruit jams, Caramel Apple Jam tastes like the filling of an apple pie—sweet, spiced, buttery, and deeply comforting. It’s an ideal way to use up apples from apple picking, make unique edible gifts, or just enjoy a spoonful of autumn year-round.

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Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Jam

🍏 Tastes like apple pie in a jar
🍂 Made with fresh apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla
🍮 Rich, buttery caramel undertone for added indulgence
🫙 Great for canning or freezing
🎁 Perfect as homemade gifts during fall or the holidays
🍞 Delicious on toast, biscuits, pancakes, yogurt, or oatmeal

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Most ingredients are pantry staples or easily found during apple season:

For the Jam:

• 6 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best)
• 1 cup water or unsweetened apple juice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp butter (for foam control and richness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell or Ball Classic)

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🍎 Pro Tip: Chop the apples very finely or pulse them in a food processor for a smoother texture.

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Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ tsp ground cloves or allspice for extra spice
• 1–2 tbsp dark rum or bourbon (stir in at the end for adult flair)
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (added after cooking, before canning)

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How to Make Caramel Apple Jam

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Step 1: Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and finely chop 6 cups of apples. Toss with lemon juice and set aside.

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Step 2: Cook the Fruit Base

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven:

1. Add the chopped apples and water.
2. Simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until apples are soft but not mushy.
3. Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sugars melt and the mixture thickens slightly (about 10 minutes).

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Step 3: Add Pectin and Boil

1. Stir in the pectin and bring the mixture to a rolling boil (a boil that doesn’t stop when stirred).
2. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

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Step 4: Finish the Flavor

Remove the pot from heat.

• Stir in butter and vanilla extract (and any optional alcohol).
• Skim off any foam that rises to the top with a spoon.

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Step 5: Jar or Freeze

For Canning (Water Bath Method):

• Ladle hot jam into sterilized 8 oz or 4 oz jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.
• Wipe rims, apply lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
• Remove jars and let cool. Check for sealed lids after 12 hours.

For Freezer Jam:

• Let jam cool slightly, then ladle into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 6 months or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

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How to Serve Caramel Apple Jam

This rich and flavorful jam pairs perfectly with a wide range of sweet and savory foods:

• 🍞 Spread on toast, bagels, or biscuits
• 🥞 Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
• 🍦 Spoon onto vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt
• 🍰 Use as a filling for cakes, cupcakes, or thumbprint cookies
• 🧀 Serve with cheese and crackers (try brie, cheddar, or gouda)
• 🥧 Swirl into oatmeal or overnight oats for a cozy breakfast

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Make-Ahead & Storage

🫙 Canned:

• Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
• Refrigerate after opening and use within 3–4 weeks.

❄️ Frozen:

• Freeze cooled jam in containers for up to 6 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

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Tips for Jam Success

✅ Use high-pectin apples like Granny Smith for natural thickening
✅ Chop apples finely for a jam-like consistency
✅ Measure ingredients accurately — jam recipes are sensitive to ratios
✅ Stir frequently to avoid scorching the sugars
✅ Add the pectin at the right stage for proper setting
✅ Always test the gel: Place a spoonful on a cold plate and see if it thickens when cooled

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Nutrition (Per Tablespoon – Approximate)

• Calories: 45
• Sugar: 11g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: <1g

🧮 These values may vary based on sugar types and apple varieties.

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FAQs

Can I reduce the sugar?

Reducing sugar can affect how the jam sets and its shelf life. For low-sugar versions, use low- or no-sugar pectin and follow the instructions on the package.

What apples work best?

Use a blend of tart and sweet apples — Granny Smith, Fuji, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp work great. Avoid mealy varieties like Red Delicious.

Do I have to use pectin?

You can make a pectin-free version by cooking the jam longer to thicken naturally. However, it will take more time and may yield a looser set.

Can I use this jam in baking?

Absolutely! It makes a delicious filling for hand pies, layer cakes, Danish pastries, or swirled into coffee cake batter.

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Why This Recipe Works

• ✅ Combines the warm spices of apple pie with smooth caramel richness
• ✅ Uses pantry ingredients and fresh fruit
• ✅ Easy to preserve for year-round enjoyment
• ✅ Makes beautiful homemade gifts
• ✅ Versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or savory snacks

There’s nothing quite like opening a jar of homemade Caramel Apple Jam to bring a taste of fall to your kitchen — even in the middle of winter.

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Final Thoughts: Fall in a Jar

Sweet, buttery, and spiced to perfection, Caramel Apple Jam captures the heart of the harvest season in every spoonful. Whether you spread it on toast, drizzle it over cheesecake, or gift it in mason jars with a bow, this jam brings homemade warmth and nostalgia to your table.

It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a tradition — because once you taste it, you’ll want to make it every autumn.

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