If anything comes close to the delicious indulgence of a fresh Gourmet Caramel Apple, it would certainly be Caramel Apple pie — or, better yet, Caramel Apple jam! Mimicking the best parts of Caramel Apple pie filling, this cozy, comforting mixture is perfect for toast, biscuits, scones, and more. It makes a wonderfully fall-themed topping for pancakes or waffles. You could even fill small circles of pie crust dough to make quick and easy hand pies.
So, what do you need to know in order to turn apples into a caramel-flavored jam at home? Follow the basic steps in this Caramel Apple jam recipe and delight your friends and family with a sweet surprise.
Ingredients
You can create a custom Caramel Apple jam incorporating your favorite ingredients, just ensure you have the following:
- Apples. The first and most important component in Caramel Apple jam is apples. Plan to core, peel, and dice your favorite variety into small pieces for this project.
- Butter. You’ll need a small amount of butter (about half a teaspoon for every four cups of diced apples) to cook the fruit.
- Sugar. For this recipe, you’ll need almost as much sugar as apples. If you have four cups of diced apples, use about 3 1/3 cups of sugar. You can use brown or white sugar, or combine the two for a nice depth of flavor.
- Spices. Think of all the warming spices you love in apple pie and work them into your jam. This could include cinnamon and nutmeg, for example.
- Extracts and Flavorings. We love the warm flavor vanilla extract gives this recipe, you can also try adding a little dark rum or maple syrup.
- Fruit pectin. The ingredient that turns a fruity mixture into a jelly or jam, powdered or liquid pectin — available in ready-to-use packets at the store — is a must.
Here are the exact ingredients we used:
- 4 Large Golden Delicious Apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- ½ tsp. Unsalted Butter
- 1 c. Water
- 1 tsp. Cinnamon
- 1 pouch Liquid Fruit Pectin
- 3 ⅓ c. Granulated Sugar
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- Juice from ½ a Lemon
The Method
1. Combine the apples (we kept ours fairly chunky), butter, cinnamon, and water over low heat. Simmer until everything is well-mixed and the apples are tender, then add the fruit pectin.
2. Over high heat, bring the mixture to a boil and add the sugar. Stir constantly, returning the jam to a steady boil until the mixture is thick and the apples are nearly transparent, about 15 minutes.
3. Take the mixture off the heat, skim off any foam, then stir in the salt, vanilla, and lemon juice.
4. With a slotted spoon, scoop the apples into jars, filling them to the brim, then ladle in the caramel liquid until the apples are just covered. Leave at least a quarter inch of space at the top.
5. Wipe all the jar rims clean, then screw the lids on tightly.
5. From there, all you have to do is let the jars cool before storing them in the fridge, or you can place the jars in a canner with simmering water, bring the water to a boil and heat for 10 minutes. The jam can then be stored outside the fridge for 18 months to two years.
Another Way to Get Your Caramel Apple Fix
While homemade jam is delicious and fun, nothing beats the classic combination of orchard-fresh Granny Smith apples covered in decadent caramel. If you’re looking for Gourmet Caramel Apples, come shop our selection at Mrs Prindables!