Easy Fall Caramel Apple Jam

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Every year, when the leaves start turning gold and the air carries a crisp edge, I know it’s time to break out my favorite fall tradition: making Caramel Apple Jam. This jam is everything you love about a warm autumn day—sweet, spiced, rich with apple flavor, and kissed with that deep caramel warmth. I find the whole process therapeutic: peeling apples, watching them bubble with sugar and spices, and finally ladling the golden jam into jars that practically glow.

What I love most about this Caramel Apple Jam is its versatility. I use it on morning toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or even spoon it over vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert. It makes a lovely homemade gift too, perfect for holiday baskets or a simple thank-you. Once you try it, you’ll understand why I make extra batches to last through winter.

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Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Jam

This jam isn’t just about sweetness—it has depth. The apples stay just slightly chunky for a satisfying texture, and the brown sugar brings out that rich, caramelized flavor that screams fall. A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg ties it all together, making every bite feel cozy and indulgent. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make and requires no fancy equipment.

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What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

You want apples that are firm and slightly tart to balance the sweetness of the caramel. Granny Smiths are always a solid choice, but I also like mixing in Honeycrisp or Braeburn for added complexity. Just avoid overly soft varieties like Red Delicious, which can turn mushy.

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Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use coconut sugar for a more natural option or mix white sugar with a bit of molasses. Apple cider can replace water for an even deeper apple flavor. And if you want to avoid refined sugar altogether, try using maple syrup—it adds a lovely woodsy note that pairs beautifully with apples.

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Ingredients for This Caramel Apple Jam

• Apples – The heart of the recipe. Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
• Brown Sugar – Adds that deep, caramel richness you can’t get from white sugar alone.
• Granulated Sugar – Helps balance the sweetness and ensures proper setting.
• Lemon Juice – Essential for acidity and preserving color. It also helps the jam set.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Warm spices that bring in the signature fall flavor.
• Butter – Adds smoothness and prevents foaming during the cooking process.
• Liquid Pectin – Helps the jam thicken to a perfect spreadable consistency.
• Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the flavors with a mellow, sweet finish.

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Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and finely chop the apples. You want small, even pieces so they soften uniformly and suspend nicely in the jam. Measure about 4 cups of chopped apples.

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Step 2: Cook the Apples

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the apples, brown sugar, white sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. Stir over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugars begin to dissolve.

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Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Stir constantly to prevent burning and to allow even cooking.

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Step 4: Add the Pectin

Once boiling, stir in the liquid pectin. Continue stirring and let it boil hard for exactly 1 minute. This is crucial for setting the jam properly.

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Step 5: Finish with Vanilla

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a soft, sweet aroma and enhances the caramel notes.

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Step 6: Jar the Jam

Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rims, place lids on, and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.

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Step 7: Process in Water Bath (Optional but Recommended)

For longer shelf life, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Let them cool undisturbed for 24 hours before storing.

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How Long to Prepare the Caramel Apple Jam

Preparation Time:
Peeling, coring, and chopping the apples takes the most time, especially if you’re working with a large batch. You’ll need about 20–25 minutes for prep. Measuring the other ingredients and setting up your jars can be done simultaneously to save time.

Cooking Time:
Once everything is in the pot, the cooking process moves quickly. From the moment the apples go on the stove to the final boil with pectin, you’re looking at around 30 minutes. Add another 10 minutes if you’re processing the jars in a water bath.

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Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Jam

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
• Always stir frequently to avoid scorching the sugars.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice—it’s essential for brightness and setting.
• Measure your ingredients carefully, especially the pectin and sugars.
• Use a wide, heavy pot to prevent overflow and ensure even cooking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the jam can lead to a rubbery texture.
• Undercooking will result in a runny jam that won’t set.
• Using the wrong apples can affect flavor and consistency.
• Skipping sterilization increases the risk of spoilage.
• Adding pectin too early can prevent the jam from setting correctly.

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What to Serve With Caramel Apple Jam?

1. Warm Buttered Toast

A thick slather of this jam on freshly toasted bread is a fall breakfast dream.

2. Pancakes or Waffles

Drizzle it over stacks of pancakes for a syrupy, spiced topping.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Spoon warm caramel apple jam over vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert.

4. Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Pair it with aged cheddar on a cracker for a sweet-savory bite.

5. Oatmeal or Yogurt Bowls

Stir it into oatmeal or plain yogurt for a flavorful upgrade.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:
If processed in a water bath, sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1 year.

Refrigerator:
Once opened, the jam should be refrigerated and used within 3 weeks.

Freezer:
You can freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. Just leave enough headspace for expansion.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Tablespoon)

• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 11g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 2mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does caramel apple jam last?

Properly processed jars last up to 1 year in a pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 weeks.

Can I use powdered pectin instead of liquid?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the method slightly. Powdered pectin is added earlier in the process, so follow the package instructions carefully.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Reducing sugar can affect how the jam sets and its shelf life. Use a low-sugar pectin if you want to cut back.

What if my jam didn’t set?

Let it sit for 24–48 hours. If it’s still runny, you can reboil with a bit more pectin or use it as a sauce.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Yes, peeling is recommended to avoid tough skins in the finished jam. It also gives a smoother texture.

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Conclusion

Caramel Apple Jam is the taste of fall in a jar. Sweet, spiced, and irresistibly rich, it’s an easy way to preserve the cozy feeling of autumn all year long. Whether you spread it on toast or give it as a gift, this jam is always a hit. With a little prep and a lot of flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to every fall season.

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