Easy Caramel Apple Jam

$- 4 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup light brown sugar - 1/4 cup water - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Gathering the right ingredients is key to making your jam great. Use fresh apples for the best flavor. You can pick any variety you love, but I enjoy using Granny Smith for their tartness. The sugars add sweetness and help with the jam's texture. The lemon juice brightens the taste and helps the jam set. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and cozy notes. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. Finally, vanilla gives a rich, sweet aroma to the jam. - Prep Time: 10 mins - Total Time: 45 mins - Servings: About 2 cups This recipe is quick and easy! You only need 10 minutes to prep. The total time, including cooking, is about 45 minutes. You will have around 2 cups of delicious jam to enjoy. Perfect for spreading on toast or mixing into yogurt! If you want more, feel free to double the recipe. Just adjust your pot size to avoid spills. For the full recipe, check the details above. - Combine the diced apples, sugars, and water in a saucepan. - Stir until the apples are well coated. Start with fresh apples. I love using tart varieties like Granny Smith. They balance the sweetness of the sugars well. Peeling and dicing apples takes a little time but helps the jam cook evenly. - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. - Reduce heat and add lemon juice and spices. Once your mixture boils, it’s time to lower the heat. This helps the apples break down slowly. Adding lemon juice brightens the flavor. The spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, make it smell heavenly. - Simmer until thickened and pour into jars to cool. Let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. When it thickens to a jam-like consistency, it’s ready! Pour the warm jam into sterilized jars, seal them, and cool completely. This process helps preserve your delicious jam. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. How do you know when your jam is ready? The key is to watch the bubbles. When they slow down and become thicker, you’re close. The jam should coat the back of a spoon. If it runs off too quickly, it needs more time. If your jam seems too runny, don’t worry. You can thicken it. Just mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. Stir this mix into the jam while it cooks. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens. Want to boost the flavor? You can add spices like cloves or ginger. These will give your jam a warm, cozy taste. You can also try using different apple varieties. For a sweet jam, use Fuji or Gala apples. For a tart kick, Granny Smith apples work great. Be careful not to overcook or undercook the jam. If you overcook it, it can become too thick. If you undercook it, it may stay runny. Check the jam often as it cooks to avoid this. Also, don’t skip jar prep for canning. Always sterilize your jars before pouring in the jam. This keeps your jam safe and fresh. Use hot, soapy water and rinse well. Let them dry before filling. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors in your caramel apple jam. Using brown sugar adds a rich taste. It gives your jam a deep, sweet flavor. White sugar works too if you prefer a lighter sweetness. You can also mix in other fruits. Try adding diced pears for a soft texture. Cranberries can give a nice tartness. These fruits balance the sweetness of the apples. Experiment and find what you love! Want to kick up the flavor? You can make a spiced caramel apple jam. Add cloves for a warm, earthy taste. Ginger gives a nice, zesty kick that brightens the jam. Just a little goes a long way. Taste as you go to find your perfect blend. Not a fan of super sweet jams? You can reduce the sugar. This gives you a less sweet jam but still tasty. Using honey or agave syrup is a great choice too. These sweeteners add unique notes. Find the right balance that suits your taste. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your jam fresh, place it in a clean jar. Seal it tightly. Store it in the fridge. Your jam will last about 2 weeks in the fridge. If you notice any mold, throw it away. Canning is a great way to extend the shelf life. First, gather your supplies. You will need: - Canning jars - Lids and rings - A large pot for boiling - A jar lifter - A funnel 1. Start by sterilizing your jars and lids. Boil them for 10 minutes. 2. Fill the jars with warm jam, leaving about 1/4 inch of space. 3. Wipe the rims to remove any residue. 4. Place the lids on and screw on the rings. 5. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. 6. Let the jars cool completely on a towel. Freezing jam is easy and keeps it fresh. Use freezer-safe jars or containers. Leave some space at the top, as the jam will expand when frozen. To defrost, move the jar to the fridge overnight. You can also thaw it quickly in warm water. Once thawed, use it within 2 weeks for best taste. Yes, you can use different types of apples for your jam. The best apple varieties for caramel apple jam include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Mixing different apples can give your jam a unique flavor. If your jam is too runny, don't worry! You can thicken it up. Try simmering it for a bit longer. This helps more water to evaporate. You can also add a bit of pectin if you have it. Follow the package instructions for the best results. To tell if your jam has gone bad, check for signs like mold or off smells. If your jam looks cloudy or has bubbles, it may be spoiled. Always trust your nose. If it smells off, toss it out. Yes, you can make this recipe without added sugars. Use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave. These can add great flavor without refined sugar. Adjust the amount to your taste as they are sweeter than sugar. It's best to store homemade jam in the fridge. Jam can spoil if left at room temperature. Tightly sealed jars can last a few weeks in the fridge. For longer storage, consider canning your jam. You can find the Full Recipe in this article. It gives you all the details you need for making this tasty caramel apple jam. Making your own caramel apple jam is simple and fun. You need just a few ingredients and some easy steps. We highlighted cooking tips and common mistakes, so your jam turns out great every time. You can even explore variations for different flavors. Remember to store it well for the best taste. Enjoy making your jam, experimenting with what you like. This can be a sweet treat for yourself or a lovely gift!$

Discover how to make Easy Caramel Apple Jam with this simple recipe that brings the flavors of fall right to your kitchen! With just a handful of ingredients like diced apples, sugar, and warm spices, you’ll create a delightful homemade jam that’s perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with desserts. Click through to learn how to whip up this tasty treat and enjoy the sweet aroma of caramel apples at home!

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Ingredients

4 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and water. Stir until the apples are well coated.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring often, until the apples break down and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.

Stir in the vanilla extract and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the jam cool slightly.

Pour the warm jam into sterilized jars and seal them. Allow the jam to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: About 2 cups