Description

This delicious Caramel Apple Jam combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or as a pastry filling, this homemade jam offers a comforting taste of fall. The recipe uses a stovetop method to cook the apples and pectin, resulting in a smooth, thick jam with a rich caramel-like flavor from the addition of brown sugar.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Base

6 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (about 6 medium apples)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup water

Spices and Pectin

1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Sugars

4½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar

Additional

¼ teaspoon butter (optional, to reduce foaming)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Fruit Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped apples, lemon juice, and water. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the apples begin to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Pectin and Spices: Stir in the fruit pectin along with the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. This step helps to thicken the jam and infuse it with warm spice flavors.
Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly to avoid scorching.
Add Sugars and Boil: Add both the granulated and brown sugars all at once. Return the mixture to a vigorous rolling boil and boil hard for 1 minute while stirring constantly. This ensures proper gelling and caramelization of sugars.
Remove Foam and Jar: Take the pot off the heat and skim off any foam that formed on the surface. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a ¼-inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, apply lids, and if preserving for later, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Alternatively, let the jam cool and refrigerate for immediate use.

Notes

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples such as Granny Smith and Fuji for balanced flavor and complexity.
This jam pairs beautifully with toast, biscuits, or as a filling for pastries.
For an extra warm twist, add a splash of vanilla extract during the cooking process.