jars of homemade carrot cake jam with a carrot and bagel
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Why Carrot Cake Jam Should Be Your Next Kitchen Adventure

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I couldn’t believe it the first time I tried carrot cake jam. Yes, you read that right—carrot cake jam! The concept sounded almost too good to be true, but let me assure you, this delightful spread tastes just like a slice of carrot cake.

The spices, the carrots, the sweetness—it all comes together in a jar, and it’s simply magical. I was so captivated by this new discovery that I knew I had to make it myself. And thus began my journey into the world of homemade carrot cake jam.

The Quest for the Perfect Recipe

As I started researching various recipes, I noticed that while there were many variations, they all shared a common thread: the spices. These are the very same spices that make carrot cake so distinctive—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

It made perfect sense that incorporating these spices into a jam would recreate that delicious carrot cake flavor. Of course, carrots are a key ingredient, lending their natural sweetness and texture to the mix.

However, I faced a bit of a challenge. Many carrot cake jam recipes call for apples or apple juice to add sweetness and pectin. As someone with an apple allergy, I needed to find a way around this.

So, I turned to my fridge and pantry, determined to craft a recipe that would be both delicious and apple-free.

Crafting an Apple-Free Carrot Cake Jam

Creating this jam was a bit more labor-intensive than some of my other jam or jelly recipes, primarily because of the prep work.

I must confess, grating carrots is not my favorite kitchen task. But the end result is so worthwhile that the extra effort feels like a small price to pay.

grated carrot and a grater on a wooden cutting board

Carrot Cake Jam and Cream Cheese: A Match Made in Heaven

Now, let’s talk about what truly elevates this jam to the next level: pairing it with cream cheese. After all, what’s carrot cake without its signature cream cheese icing?

This jam, with its rich blend of spices and sweet carrots, finds its perfect complement in the creamy, tangy goodness of cream cheese.

Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on a slice of warm toast or a freshly baked bagel, then top it off with a spoonful of carrot cake jam. The result is a flavor explosion that perfectly mimics the experience of eating a slice of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.

The cream cheese adds a smooth, rich texture that balances the sweetness of the jam, creating a harmonious blend that’s both decadent and delightful.

A Versatile Treat

This carrot cake jam isn’t just for breakfast. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways:

  • Dessert Topping: Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream or a slice of pound cake for a dessert that’s sure to impress.
  • Baking Ingredient: Swirl it into muffin or cupcake batter for a surprise burst of flavor.
  • Gift Idea: A jar of homemade carrot cake jam makes a thoughtful and unique gift for friends and family.

Carrot Cake Jam Recipe

Here’s the recipe I came up with, based on what I had available and my desire to avoid apples:

Carrot Cake Jam

Recipe by Jessie
0.0 from 0 votes
Cuisine: Canning and PreservingDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

250 ml jars
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes

Experience the delightful flavors of carrot cake in a jar with this homemade Carrot Cake Jam. This sweet and spicy jam combines finely grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 c finely grated carrots

  • 1.5 c pears, finely chopped

  • 1.75 c canned crushed pineapple with juice

  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg

  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves

  • 6.5 c sugar

  • 1 pkg (57 g) powdered pectin

Directions

  • Combine all ingredients except sugar and pectin in a large pot.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
  • Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for around 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  • Remove from heat and stir in pectin until dissolved.
  • Return to heat and bring to a boil.
  • Add sugar, bring back to a full boil for one minute while stirring constantly.
  • Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
  • Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids on, and secure the bands
  • Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from water bath, let cool, and store in a cool, dark place until opened. Keep refrigerated after opening.

The Joy of Homemade Jam

Making this carrot cake jam was a labor of love, but the joy of spreading it on a piece of toast or stirring it into yogurt makes every minute worth it. The taste is like a burst of carrot cake in every bite, a delightful reminder that sometimes the most surprising combinations can lead to the most delicious results.

If you’ve never tried making jam before, this recipe is a fantastic starting point. It’s a bit more involved than some others, but the reward is a jar (or several) of unique, scrumptious jam that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of carrot cake without having to bake an entire cake!

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something different and delicious, give this carrot cake jam a try. You might just find it as enchanting as I did. Happy jamming!

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2 Comments

    1. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! Pair it with cream cheese on a toasted english muffin, you’ll think you are having dessert for breakfast 😀

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