Caramel Apple Jam Spread

This sweet Caramel Apple Jam fills your home with the cozy aroma of apples and caramel, capturing the best of autumn in every jar. Whether you spread it on warm toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or spoon it over ice cream, it is an easy way to bring fall flavors to your breakfast table or dessert tray.

I first made this caramel apple jam as a way to use up a bumper crop of apples from my neighbor’s tree. The batch disappeared within days because everyone kept sneaking spoonfuls straight from the fridge. It is now a must-make every fall at my house.

Ingredients

• Honey Crisp apples: bring sweetness and a firm texture so the jam does not get mushy
• Water: softens the apples as they cook and provides moisture for dissolving the sugars
• Butter: helps reduce foaming as the jam boils and keeps the texture smooth
• Sure-Jell pectin: ensures the jam sets properly and is spreadable
• Granulated sugar: sweetens and thickens the jam for a glossy finish
• Brown sugar: adds warmth and caramel undertones to the fruit
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: both highlight the fall flavors and make the jam taste cozy

• For a unique twist you can swap water with spiced rum cinnamon whiskey or bourbon
• When selecting apples look for firm medium to large Honey Crisps without bruising for the best flavor and texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Apples:

Peel and finely dice six cups of Honey Crisp apples about four medium to large ones. Take your time dicing so the pieces are small enough to become tender yet still hold shape in the finished jam.

Cook the Apples:

Place the apples with one half cup water or your chosen spirit and one half teaspoon butter into a large stockpot. Cook over low heat stirring often for ten minutes until the apples are tender but not falling apart.

Add Pectin and Bring to Boil:

Stir in one envelope of powdered fruit pectin making sure it dissolves completely. Increase the heat and bring the mixture up to a rolling boil stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

Add Sugars and Spices:

Pour in four cups granulated sugar one cup packed brown sugar one half teaspoon cinnamon and one quarter teaspoon nutmeg. Return to a rolling boil and stir without stopping for one full minute to activate the pectin and help everything thicken.

Skim Foam and Ladle into Jars:

Turn off the heat and quickly skim any foam that rises using a spoon. Skimming creates a clearer jam. Carefully ladle the hot mixture into sterilized jars leaving one quarter inch headspace at the top to allow for expansion.

Process Jars in Boiling Water Bath:

Remove any trapped air bubbles by twisting the jars gently and place on lids. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for ten minutes. Cool completely and check that the seals have set before storing.

Save

My favorite part of this recipe is the way brown sugar transforms into something magical paired with cinnamon and crisp apples. The first time I made it my daughter and I stood over the pot with spoons just breathing in the scent until we finally gave in for a warm taste test.

Storage Tips

Properly sealed jars can be kept in a cool dark pantry for up to twelve months. Once opened store in the refrigerator and use within three weeks for best flavor. Always check the seal before eating to ensure freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Honey Crisp apples are not available try Fuji or Gala which are also sweet and hold their shape. For a vegan version swap dairy butter for a neutral plant-based alternative. If you want a bolder spice use pumpkin pie spice in place of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Save

Serving Suggestions

Spread this jam on toasted brioche for a decadent breakfast. Stir a spoonful into plain yogurt or oatmeal for fall flavor. Warm it slightly and drizzle over vanilla ice cream cake or pancakes for a quick dessert.

Cultural and Historical Context

Caramel apple flavors bring together American orchard traditions and the caramel candies that have been homemade for generations. This jam is a way to enjoy harvest flavors even after apple season ends and it carries a sense of nostalgia for crisp autumn days.