If you adore the warm, cozy flavors of fall, then this Caramel Apple Jam is exactly what you need right now. It’s truly A Sweet Fall Spread You’ll Want on Everything, bursting with tender apple chunks, buttery caramel notes, warm cinnamon, and just the right touch of vanilla. This jam captures the essence of autumn in every spoonful—perfect for brightening up your morning toast, dolloping on yogurt, or adding an irresistible flavor boost to your favorite desserts. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it anytime the season calls for comfort and sweetness.

A Sweet Fall Spread You’ll Want on Everything Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to create this luscious jam is easy because the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to build rich flavor and perfect texture. Each component plays a special role, from the crisp apples to the blend of sugars and warming spices.

Apples (3 cups peeled and finely chopped): Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for their natural pectin and crispness.

Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Keeps those apples bright and fresh by preventing browning during prep.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization in the base.

Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings deep caramel notes and moisture for that luscious texture.
Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons): Adds a velvety richness that ties the flavors together beautifully.

Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Infuses the jam with cozy warmth to enhance the fall vibe.
Sea Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall depth.
Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a subtle floral hint.

Water (¼ cup): Helps dissolve the sugars and prevents burning during caramelization.

How to Make Caramel Apple Jam Recipe: A Sweet Fall Spread You’ll Want on Everything

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Begin by peeling, coring, and finely chopping your apples. Selecting firm varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji ensures your jam will have a nice body and natural pectin for thickening. Toss the chopped apples with lemon juice right away to keep them looking fresh and vibrant, which will pay off in your final jam.

Step 2: Begin the Caramel Base

Next, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the sugars dissolve and the mixture bubbles, caramelizing gently. This caramel base is where the magic starts, lending that irresistible golden color and buttery flavor foundation your jam needs. Watch closely and be patient—it typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Apples and Spices

Now it’s time to stir in your chopped apples, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix everything thoroughly so each apple piece is coated in the caramel goodness. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook gently for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring often. During this time, the apples will soften and the mixture will thicken, turning into that luscious jam texture we’re aiming for.

Step 4: Finish with Vanilla

Once the jam has thickened to your liking, remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that final touch of warmth and complexity. If you prefer a smoother spread, now’s the moment to use an immersion blender or a potato masher to break those apples down further, personalizing the jam’s texture.

Step 5: Store or Can

Finally, ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, sealing them tightly. Let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Your jam will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three weeks. If you want to preserve it longer or gift it to friends and family, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to create shelf-stable preserves.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Jam Recipe: A Sweet Fall Spread You’ll Want on Everything

Garnishes

Enhance your serving by adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dash of extra cinnamon on top. These little touches add delicious crunch and an extra layer of aroma, making every bite even more inviting. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey can also complement the jam beautifully.

Side Dishes

This jam shines brightest alongside crunchy toast, flaky biscuits, or creamy ricotta cheese. It also pairs wonderfully with oatmeal or pancakes to bring a seasonal twist to your breakfast routine. For savory options, try spreading it on pork chops or roasted chicken to create a harmony of sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress guests or jazz up your charcuterie board? Serve this jam in small ramekins accompanied by assorted cheeses, nuts, and crisp crackers. You can also swirl it into plain yogurt for an elegant parfait or spread it thinly over homemade flatbread before adding cheese and baking for a unique appetizer. The versatility of A Sweet Fall Spread You’ll Want on Everything means you’re only limited by your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your jam in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to three weeks. Make sure the lids are sealed tightly to maintain flavor and prevent contamination. It’s a good idea to use clean utensils each time you scoop to extend its shelf life.

Freezing

If you want to keep your caramel apple jam longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer the jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Frozen jam can last for up to six months and thaw quickly in the fridge when ready to use.

Reheating

Gently reheat the jam on low heat in a saucepan or microwave to bring it back to spreadable softness. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching, especially if you want to add it atop warm dishes or mix into desserts. Avoid overheating to preserve its fresh flavors and texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this jam?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are recommended for their firmness and pectin content, you can experiment with any variety you enjoy. Just keep in mind that softer apples may break down more and affect the texture.

Is this jam gluten-free?

Yes, this caramel apple jam recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. It’s a safe and delicious choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

How sweet is this jam? Can I reduce the sugar?

This jam strikes a lovely balance of sweetness and caramel richness, but you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer. Keep in mind that sugar also helps with preservation and texture, so adjustments may affect thickness and storage life.

Can I make this jam vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil to keep the same buttery richness while keeping the recipe vegan-friendly.

What’s the best way to sterilize jars for storing this jam?

Boil your jars and lids in water for at least 10 minutes before filling them with hot jam. Dry them on a clean towel and fill while still hot to ensure proper sealing and preservation.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this comforting recipe for Caramel Apple Jam Recipe: A Sweet Fall Spread You’ll Want on Everything, it’s time to dive in and fill your kitchen with the heavenly aroma of caramelized apples and cinnamon. Whether you spread it on toast, add it to your favorite dishes, or gift it to loved ones, this jam is sure to become a cherished staple in your fall cooking. So grab your apples and get cooking—you’ll thank yourself every sweet bite of the way!

Caramel Apple Jam Recipe: A Sweet Fall Spread You’ll Want on Everything

★★★★★

5.2 from 5 reviews

Author: lina

Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: About 3 half-pint jars (approximately 1.5 cups each) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Caramel Apple Jam is a luscious, sweet spread perfect for fall, combining the natural tartness of apples with rich caramel flavors and warm spices. Ideal for toast, pancakes, or as a dessert topping, this jam balances sweetness and spice for a comforting seasonal treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits and Acid

3 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 4 medium apples, preferably Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Sweeteners and Fats

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Spices and Flavorings

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Liquids

¼ cup water

Instructions

Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and finely chop the apples. Use firm varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji to ensure good texture and natural pectin. Toss the chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and keep the apples bright.
Begin the Caramel Base: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugars melt and the mixture bubbles and caramelizes, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Add Apples and Spices: Add the chopped apples, cinnamon, and sea salt to the caramel mixture and stir to coat the apples evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, for 30 to 35 minutes until the apples break down and the mixture thickens to a chunky jam consistency.
Finish with Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender or potato masher to break down the apple pieces further according to your preference.
Store or Can: Spoon the hot jam into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and allow them to cool. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to create shelf-stable jam suitable for gifting or pantry storage.

Notes

Choose firm apple varieties with high pectin content for better jam consistency.
If you prefer a less chunky jam, blend after cooking.
Adjust cinnamon to taste for a spicier or milder flavor.

Ensure jars are sterilized to safely store jam long-term.
Refrigerated jam lasts about 3 weeks; canned jam can last up to a year if stored properly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Jam, Spread
Method: Stovetop simmering

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 40g)
Calories: 110

Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 3.5g

Saturated Fat: 2.2g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 22.5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0.2g

Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: caramel apple jam, fall jam recipe, homemade apple spread, apple preserves, caramel spread