Easy Carrot Cake Jam: A Beginner's Guide to Canning Your New Favorite Recipe

Let’s be honest; who doesn't love carrot cake? Its rich, moist texture combined with the warmth of spices and sweetness from cream cheese frosting makes it a favorite treat for many. Now, what if you could capture that delightful flavor in a jar? Introducing carrot cake jam! This unique and delicious jam is easy to make and a creative way to elevate your food.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

Before you dive into making this scrumptious jam, gather these ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups grated carrots

• 1 1/2 cups chopped tart apples

• 4 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 2 cups brown sugar

• 20 oz crushed pineapple (drained)

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 6 tablespoons pectin

• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

  
  

  

  
  

Equipment

You will also need the following tools:

• A large pot

• A wooden spoon

• Clean, hot, half pint, canning jars with lids

• A canning funnel

• A ladle

• A water-bath canner (Electric or regular)

  
  

Preparing Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and then grating your carrots. You can use a box grater or a food processor for speed and ease. The finer your shreds, the smoother your jam will be.

Then, peel core and chop your apples. I like to use the corer, slicer, peeler and a paring knife for this. It makes it go so much faster.

Next, crush the pineapple if it isn't crushed already. If you are crushing it yourself you will need somewhere around 1 1/2 cups worth. This addition gives the jam a sweet tang, balancing the rich flavors of the carrots and spices.

With your ingredients ready, let’s head to the cooking phase—this is where the magic happens!

Cooking the Jam

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, mix the grated carrots, chopped apples, crushed pineapple, lemon juice, spices, and pectin. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly combined.

   
   

2. Bring to Boil: On medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

   

   
   

3. Add the Sugar: After boiling, stir in the sugar. Return the mixture to a rolling boil and cook for an additional 1 minutes while stirring constantly.

   
   

   

   
   

4. Add ingredients: Add the chopped nuts and vanilla and stir them in well.

   
   

Canning Process

With your jam perfectly cooked, let’s seal it up for enjoying later!

1. Fill the Jars: Using your canning funnel, ladle the hot jam into the half pint jars, leaving about a 1/4-inch headspace. Since the walnuts tend to float I am careful to put an equal amount in each jar.

   
   

   

   
   

2. Seal the Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars to remove any sticky residue. Place the lids on and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight.

   
   

3. Process in a Water Bath: Carefully place the jars in a water-bath canner filled with hot water, ensuring the water covers the jars by 1-2 inches. Process for 10 minutes, if at sea level. If higher than 1000 feet above sea level, the time will need to be adjusted for you altitude.

   
   

   

   
   

4. Cool and Store: After processing, remove the lid, turn off the heat and allow the jars to cool for 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove the jars and let them cool for 24 hours on a heat-resistant surface. You can tell they have sealed if the center of the lid is depressed down. Next, remove the ring, wash the jars in hot soapy water, and store them in a cool, dry, dark location. If any jars didn't seal, place them in your refrigerator and use them in the next 3 weeks.

   
   

Enjoying Your Carrot Cake Jam

Now comes the fun part—enjoying your carrot cake jam! There are so many delicious ways to use it:

• Spread it on toast for a delightful breakfast. Adding cream cheese makes it particularly delightful.

• Dollop it on ice cream or yogurt for a sweet treat.

• Use it as a filling in pastries or cakes for a unique twist.

  
  

Moreover, this jam makes for an excellent homemade gift. Dress the jar up with twine, a personalized label, or a decorative lid, and you'll have a thoughtful gift for any occasion!

Tips for Success

• Choose Fresh Carrots: Look for vibrant, firm carrots, avoiding those that are limp or dried out. Fresh carrots have the best flavor for your jam.

  
  

• Customize Your Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices. Try adding a pinch of cardamom for a unique flavor twist.

  
  

Wrapping It Up

Making carrot cake jam is a delightful kitchen project and a fantastic way to savor the flavors of your favorite cake throughout the year. With a handful of simple ingredients and some basic canning skills, you’ve created a jam that will enhance your meals and snacks.

This recipe is beginner-friendly, so gather your friends and family for a fun canning day, or enjoy the process yourself. Either way, you’ll end up with a tasty treat. Happy canning!