Caramel Apple Jam: A Perfect Fall Treat

Fall has always been my favorite season. There’s just something magical about the crisp air, the vibrant colors of the leaves, and, of course, the delicious scents of apples and spices wafting through the kitchen. One day, while reminiscing about the caramel apples I used to enjoy at the county fair, I wondered if I could capture that same flavor in a jar. After a bit of experimenting, I finally perfected a recipe that combines the sweetness of caramel with the tartness of apples. Let me share with you the delightful recipe for Caramel Apple Jam—a spread that will bring the cozy warmth of autumn to your breakfast table all year round.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Caramel Apple Jam, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups chopped apples (about 4-5 apples)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon butter
• 1 pouch (3 oz) liquid fruit pectin

These ingredients come together to create a jam that’s both sweet and tangy, with a hint of spice that makes it the perfect complement to your morning toast, or even as a glaze for pork chops.

Directions

Prepare the Apples:

First things first—peel, core, and chop your apples into small pieces. You should end up with about 4 cups of chopped apples. Then, in a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the apples with the lemon juice. This step ensures that your apples won’t brown while you’re preparing the rest of the ingredients.

Cook the Jam:

Now, add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and butter to the pot. Stir well to combine, and get ready for the heavenly aroma that’s about to fill your kitchen!

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Once you reach a full boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer. Continue stirring frequently until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens, which should take about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it has the consistency of a thick sauce.

Add the Pectin:

Next, stir in the liquid fruit pectin and bring the mixture back to a boil. Boil for just 1 minute, then remove the pot from the heat. Skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface—it’s not harmful, but it’s better to remove it for a smoother finish.

Can the Jam:

Now comes the fun part: canning! Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, making sure to leave about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a good seal, then screw on the lids and bands.

Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure that your jam is properly sealed and preserved.

Cool and Store:

Carefully remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a towel or cooling rack. Once cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid; if it doesn’t flex, your jar is sealed and ready for storage. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place, and don’t forget to refrigerate any jars that didn’t seal properly.

Notes and Tips

• For a richer caramel flavor, you can increase the amount of brown sugar slightly, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can overpower the apples.
• If you prefer a chunkier jam, don’t chop the apples too finely. You can also lightly mash the apples while cooking to achieve your desired texture.
• This jam pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Try spreading it on warm biscuits, stirring it into yogurt, or even using it as a topping for vanilla ice cream.
• Make sure to use fresh, firm apples for the best results. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work particularly well due to their balance of sweetness and tartness.

FAQs

How long does Caramel Apple Jam last?

If properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, Caramel Apple Jam can last up to a year. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.

Can I use powdered pectin instead of liquid?

Yes, you can use powdered pectin, but the process is slightly different. Be sure to follow the instructions on your pectin package for the best results.

What’s the best way to sterilize jars?

You can sterilize jars by placing them in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. Make sure to keep the jars hot until you’re ready to fill them to prevent them from cracking when the hot jam is added.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Sugar not only sweetens the jam but also helps with the preservation process. Reducing the sugar may affect the texture and shelf life of your jam, so it’s best to stick to the recipe as written.

What kind of apples should I use?

Granny Smith apples are a popular choice because their tartness complements the sweetness of the caramel. However, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different flavor profile.

Can I add more spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste. Adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom could give your jam an extra kick.

Key Takeaway: Caramel Apple Jam is a delightful way to preserve the flavors of fall in a jar. Whether you spread it on toast, mix it into your favorite recipes, or gift it to loved ones, this jam is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.

You may also like:

• Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
• Biscuit French Toast Recipe
• Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

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