Caramel Apple Jam
Autumn in a jar! Sweet, buttery apples with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect on toast, stirred into oatmeal, or drizzled over ice cream. A cozy, versatile jam that’s also a thoughtful homemade gift.
Servings: 7 half-pint jars (about 91 tablespoons)
Calories: 50kcal
Cost: $10-$12
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
- Jar funnel (optional but helpful)
- Sterilized half-pint jars with lids
- Boiling water bath or large stockpot with rack
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples Granny Smith for tartness or Gala for sweetness, peeled and diced
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon butter unsalted
- 1 (1.8 oz) package powdered fruit pectin
- 3 cups granulated sugar or cane sugar
- 2 cups packed dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water or on the “sterilize” setting of your dishwasher. Keep hot until ready to use.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine apples, water, and butter. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft but not mushy.
- Stir in the fruit pectin, ensuring it’s fully incorporated.
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Return to a rolling boil and stir constantly for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
- Carefully ladle jam into hot jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, apply lids and rings loosely.
- Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool completely. Jam will thicken as it cools.
Notes
Apple choice matters: Tart Granny Smiths balance the sweetness, while Gala apples create a softer, sweeter jam. Mixing varieties works beautifully too.
Sweetener swaps: You can use all white sugar or experiment with coconut sugar for a different flavor; adjust cooking time slightly if using alternative sweeteners.
Dairy-free option: Substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.
Storage: Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3–4 weeks.
Gifting tip: Tie a cinnamon stick or a small tag with a festive ribbon around the jar for a beautiful, ready-to-gift look.
Nutrition
Serving: 1tbsp | Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 0.03g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg
