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If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious treat that captures the sweet and tart essence of fall, then look no further than this Easy Homemade Caramel Apple Jam. It’s like a warm hug in a jar, combining tender apples with luscious caramel in the most delightful way. This jam is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into yogurt, or even dolloping over ice cream. The balance of cinnamon spice, tangy lemon, and rich caramel makes it a standout favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Easy Homemade Caramel Apple Jam Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together harmoniously. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect blend of sweetness, texture, and that inviting golden color you crave in a caramel apple jam.

4 cups diced apples (peeled and cored): Choose varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and ideal texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Provides the classic sweetness that balances the tartness of the apples perfectly.
1 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, rich caramel note that makes the jam irresistibly flavorful.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and keeps the apples from browning, preserving that beautiful color.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a warm spice that complements both the apples and caramel.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and prevents the jam from tasting flat.
1/2 cup caramel sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade caramel for that signature silky, buttery taste.

How to Make Easy Homemade Caramel Apple Jam

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Mixing the apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt in a large pot sets the stage for those amazing flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

Place the pot over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally. This helps dissolve the sugars and brings out the natural juices of the apples, creating a fragrant bubbling base. After about 5 to 10 minutes, reduce the heat to low to gently simmer for 20 minutes. This slow simmer lets the apples soften and break down into a luscious, jammy texture.

Step 3: Add Caramel

Now the magic happens: stir in the caramel sauce thoroughly. The caramel coats the apples and integrates beautifully, adding that signature creamy sweetness. Let the jam cook for an additional five minutes to let the flavors meld together and for the jam to thicken slightly, making each spoonful irresistibly rich and smooth.

Step 4: Blend (Optional)

If you’re craving a smoother jam, grab your immersion blender and carefully blend the mixture to your preferred consistency. Blending is optional but highly recommended if you love that silky, spreadable texture that works perfectly on everything from bagels to peanut butter sandwiches.

Step 5: Jar the Jam

While the jam is still warm, sterilize your jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes to keep everything fresh and safe. Pour the hot jam into the jars, leaving a little headspace to allow for expansion. Wipe the rims clean and seal them tightly with lids to lock in the freshness.

Step 6: Store

Let your sealed jars cool to room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator. Your Easy Homemade Caramel Apple Jam will keep beautifully for up to three weeks in the fridge. For longer storage, consider processing the jars in a water bath to extend their shelf life.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Caramel Apple Jam

Garnishes

Sprinkle your jam with a dash of extra cinnamon or toasted chopped pecans to add a lovely crunch and enhance its warming spices. A swirl of whipped cream or a few fresh apple slices on top make it look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Easy Homemade Caramel Apple Jam pairs wonderfully with creamy cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar. Serve it alongside warm biscuits, buttery scones, or your favorite crusty bread for an epic snack or breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the jar! Spread this jam inside thumbprint cookies, drizzle it over pancakes or waffles, or layer it between cake or cupcake layers for a sweet surprise. It’s also fantastic as a topping for vanilla ice cream or stirred through oatmeal for an instant flavor upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Easy Homemade Caramel Apple Jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about three weeks, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it in all sorts of creative ways.

Freezing

If you want to keep your jam even longer, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some headspace as the jam may expand. When frozen, it can last up to six months without losing any of its delicious flavor.

Reheating

Reheat jam gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave to loosen it up for spreading or drizzling. Stir it well once heated to bring back that perfectly smooth texture without cooking it further.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this jam?

Absolutely! Mixing tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp can create a more complex flavor. Just make sure to peel and core them well for the best texture.

Is it necessary to add caramel sauce, or can I skip it?

The caramel sauce is what gives this jam its unique, luscious flavor. Skipping it would make a classic apple jam, but if you want that distinct caramel note, it’s best to include it.

How thick should the jam be when done?

The jam should be thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon but still spreadable. If it’s too runny, a little longer simmering can help or blending can smooth the texture.

Can I make this Easy Homemade Caramel Apple Jam vegan?

Yes! Just ensure you use a vegan caramel sauce and keep all other ingredients plant-based. It’s a delicious treat that anyone can enjoy.

What’s the best way to sterilize jars for storing jam?

Boiling jars in water for 10 minutes is a reliable method to sterilize. Make sure the jars and lids are completely dry before filling with hot jam to ensure proper sealing.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Caramel Apple Jam is honestly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s simple enough for anyone to whip up, yet impressive enough to gift or serve at your next gathering. Give it a try and watch how quickly this sweet, spiced, caramel-kissed jam becomes a household favorite. You’re going to love every bite!

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Easy Homemade Caramel Apple Jam Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Author: Harper
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: About 3 half-pint jars (1.5 cups per jar) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Homemade Caramel Apple Jam combines the crisp, fresh flavor of apples with the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel for a delightful spread. Perfect for toast, pancakes, or as a unique addition to desserts, this jam is simple to make at home with common ingredients and a few easy steps.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

4 cups diced apples (peeled and cored) – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended

Sweeteners

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar

Flavorings

1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. In a large pot, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and salt thoroughly.
Cook the Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugars fully dissolve and the mixture starts to bubble, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently until the apples become soft and mostly broken down.
Add Caramel: Stir in the caramel sauce into the softened apple mixture until well blended. Continue cooking the jam for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and for the jam to thicken slightly.
Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender carefully to blend the jam to your desired consistency while it’s still hot.
Jar the Jam: While the jam is cooking, sterilize your jars by boiling them for 10 minutes. Pour the hot jam into these sterilized jars, leaving about a 1/4 inch headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean and seal tightly with lids.
Store: Allow jars to cool to room temperature before storing. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath canner for longer shelf life.

Notes

Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
Caramel sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference and convenience.
For thicker jam, you may add a cornstarch slurry during cooking (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
Ensure jars are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage if storing long-term.
This jam is best enjoyed within 3 weeks if refrigerated.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Preserves, Spreads
Method: Simmering, Blending
Cuisine: American