1. Prepare the apples
Peel, core, and finely chop the apples into very small pieces. Smaller pieces soften nicely and give the jam a smooth, spoonable texture while still leaving little bits of apple throughout.
2. Combine the apples and sugar
Place the chopped apples in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Stir everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Let the apples release their juices
Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. The sugar will begin drawing moisture from the apples.
4. Cook the apples
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently so the sugar doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Cook for about 10–15 minutes, or until the apples become tender.
5. Add the pectin
Sprinkle in the powdered pectin while stirring constantly. Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously.
The mixture should begin to thicken.
6. Create that caramel flavor
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
Continue stirring for another 2–3 minutes. The butter gives the jam that rich caramel-like taste and beautiful glossy texture.
7. Check the consistency
Place a small spoonful on a chilled plate and let it cool for a minute. If it thickens into a soft jam consistency, it’s ready.
If it seems too thin, simmer for another couple of minutes while stirring.
8. Fill the jars
Ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Wipe the rims clean and place the lids on securely.
9. Cool and refrigerate
Let the jars cool at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator.
Important: Because this recipe contains butter and isn’t a laboratory-tested shelf-stable canning formula, treat it as refrigerator/freezer jam rather than pantry-stable canned jam. Don’t store these jars at room temperature or use a water-bath canning process for long-term storage.
10. Enjoy!
Spread it over warm biscuits, toast, pancakes, waffles, or English muffins. It’s also delicious spooned over cheesecake, oatmeal, or vanilla ice cream.
The result: sweet apple pieces surrounded by a rich, buttery caramel-flavored jam—the kind of homemade recipe that tastes like something Grandma would have waiting on the kitchen counter. 🍎❤️
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