Description
This Caramel Apple Jam is a luscious, spiced preserve blending tender diced apples with rich caramel notes from brown sugar and warming spices. Perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or incorporating into desserts, this jam captures the cozy flavors of autumn in a jar with a smooth, thick texture enhanced by fruit pectin.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups finely diced peeled apples (about 4 medium-large Honey Crisp apples)
- 1/2 cup water (or spiced rum, cinnamon whiskey, or bourbon as optional substitutes)
- 1/2 tsp butter
- 1 package Sure-Jell (powdered fruit pectin)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (heaping)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Cook apples: In a large stockpot, combine the diced apples, water, and butter. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add pectin and boil: Stir in the powdered fruit pectin thoroughly, then increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil while stirring constantly.
- Add sugars and spices: Mix in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Return to a rolling boil and continue boiling for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning.
- Remove foam: Take the pot off the heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface for a clearer jam.
- Jar the jam: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized half-pint or pint jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace. Remove any air bubbles with a non-metallic utensil, wipe the rims clean, and seal with lids and bands.
- Process jars: Process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes to properly seal and preserve the jam.
- Cool and distribute fruit: Once jars are sealed and cooling, twist them gently from side to side to evenly distribute the apple pieces throughout the jam for the best texture.
Notes
- Using spiced rum, cinnamon whiskey, or bourbon instead of water adds a unique depth of flavor but is optional.
- Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized before filling to prevent spoilage.
- Boiling water bath processing is essential for safe preservation and extending shelf life.
- For a thicker jam, ensure the apples are finely diced and cook thoroughly before adding pectin and sugar.
- Twisting jars gently during cooling helps maintain an even fruit distribution rather than settling.
