Imagine the comforting aroma of warm apples and caramel swirling through your kitchen.
Caramel Apple Jam is a delightful treat that’s incredibly easy to make, filling your home with a sense of coziness and indulgence.
As the apples simmer with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugars, they transform into a luscious, autumn-inspired spread.
Let’s bring this delightful jam to life and savor the simple pleasure it brings.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 ladle
- 4 sterilized jars with lids
- 1 canning funnel
Ingredients
- 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Caramel Apple Jam, we’ll create a timeline including reading time, preparation, cooking, and resting time.
Timeline for Caramel Apple Jam
1. Reading and Preparation (30 minutes)
– Reading the Recipe: 10 minutes
Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the process and guarantee you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
– Preparation: 20 minutes
Gather all ingredients and equipment.
Peel, core, and dice the apples.
Measure out the sugars, spices, lemon juice, and water.
2. Cooking (40 minutes)
– Initial Setup: 2 minutes
Combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and water in a large saucepan.
– Dissolving and Juicing: 8 minutes
Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and apples begin to release their juices.
– Boiling and Simmering: 30 minutes
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally.
Gently mash some of the apples with a wooden spoon as they soften.
– Final Consistency and Flavoring: 5 minutes
Cook until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
3. Jarring and Cooling (12 hours)
– Jarring: 5 minutes
Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars using a canning funnel, leaving about 1/4 inch space at the top.
Seal the jars with their lids.
– Cooling and Resting: 12 hours
Allow the jars to cool at room temperature.
4. Storage
Once cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator.
This timeline helps guarantee that you efficiently manage your time, from preparation through to storage, while making Caramel Apple Jam.
Be sure to allow the full 12 hours for the jam to rest and cool in the jars to guarantee the best consistency and flavor.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
In a large saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and water.
Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the apples begin to release their juices.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Use a wooden spoon to gently mash some of the apples as they soften.
Continue to cook until the mixture thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars using a canning funnel, leaving about 1/4 inch space at the top.
Seal the jars with their lids and allow them to cool at room temperature for 12 hours.
Store the jars in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator once cooled.
Serving Tips
- Toast: Spread the caramel apple jam on warm, crispy toast for a delicious breakfast treat.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle the jam over pancakes or waffles to add a sweet and fruity twist to your morning meal.
- Cheese Platter: Pair the jam with a selection of cheeses, such as brie or cheddar, for a delightful appetizer.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer the jam with yogurt and granola for a flavorful and textured parfait.
- Ice Cream Topping: Use the jam as a topping for vanilla ice cream to create a decadent dessert.
Storage
Store caramel apple jam in sterilized jars.
Keep them in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator.
Make certain lids are sealed properly to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness.
Use within a year.
Freezing
To freeze Caramel Apple Jam, transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving headspace for expansion.
Seal tightly, label with date, and freeze.
Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Reheating
To reheat caramel apple jam, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat.
Stir occasionally. Avoid microwaving to prevent uneven heating.
Add a splash of water if needed.
Final Thoughts
Making Caramel Apple Jam is a delightful way to capture the essence of fall in a jar.
This sweet and spiced condiment pairs perfectly with toast, pancakes, or even as a topping for ice cream.
Remember to select a balanced variety of apples and guarantee your jars are properly sterilized.
With a little patience, you’ll create a delicious treat that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Artificial Sweeteners Instead of Sugar in the Jam?
You can swap sugar for artificial sweeteners, but be cautious. Sweeteners may alter the jam’s texture and flavor. Taste and adjust carefully, ensuring the apples still shine. Experiment with small batches for the perfect balance.
What Type of Apples Work Best for Caramel Apple Jam?
You should choose apples that are crisp and juicy, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They provide a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, enhancing the jam’s rich, caramel-like flavor and creating a perfect sensory blend.
Is It Possible to Make the Jam Without Lemon Juice?
Yes, you can skip lemon juice, but the jam might lack acidity and preservation benefits. Consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang. Feel the aroma and savor the rich, sweet apple essence.
How Can I Adjust the Recipe for a Larger Batch?
Double each ingredient’s quantity, savor the aroma of simmering apples, and guarantee your saucepan can handle the expanded volume. Stir attentively, letting the spices infuse deeply. Sterilize extra jars, maintaining that luscious consistency for a perfect preserve.
Can the Jam Be Used as a Pie Filling?
Yes, you can use the jam as a pie filling. Its rich, spiced apple flavor and luscious texture will envelop your senses. Just make certain it’s thick enough to hold its shape when baked in your golden crust.
Caramel Apple Jam
Equipment
- 1 large saucepan
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Ladle
- 4 sterilized jars with lids
- 1 canning funnel
Ingredients
- 4 cups apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and water.
- Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the apples begin to release their juices.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use a wooden spoon to gently mash some of the apples as they soften.
- Continue to cook until the mixture thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars using a canning funnel, leaving about 1/4 inch space at the top.
- Seal the jars with their lids and allow them to cool at room temperature for 12 hours.
- Store the jars in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator once cooled.
Notes
