Apple Cider Caramel: A Fall Favorite You’ll Make Again and Again
There’s nothing like the aroma of simmering apple cider and caramelized sugar wafting through the kitchen to make you feel like autumn has officially arrived. This Apple Cider Caramel is rich, velvety, and bursting with apple flavor thanks to a clever cider reduction. Whether you’re drizzling it over ice cream, dipping apples, swirling into coffee, or simply spooning it onto a warm biscuit, this sauce is an instant fall favorite.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those sauces I always keep in the fridge once the leaves start turning. It’s easy to make but tastes incredibly complex — like something you’d get from a boutique bakery. Reducing the cider gives it bold apple flavor, and the buttery richness of classic caramel rounds it out.
Bonus? It stores well and makes a fantastic homemade gift. Just pour into a pretty jar, tie on a ribbon, and it’s ready for your next host gift or holiday treat bag.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Notes & Swaps
- Apple Cider: Use fresh, real apple cider (not apple juice) for the deepest flavor.
- Salted Caramel Option: Use salted butter or increase salt to ¾ tsp for more balance.
- Spiced Version: Add ¼ tsp cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg with the vanilla for a cider-spice twist.
- Vegan Alternative: Swap in plant-based butter and full-fat coconut cream (results may vary slightly in texture).
How to Make Apple Cider Caramel
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of apple cider to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until it reduces to about ¼ cup. This should take 10–15 minutes and will concentrate the apple flavor.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Base
In another medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and ¼ cup water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it bubble until the mixture turns a rich golden brown. This may take 6–8 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 3: Add Cider and Butter
Carefully whisk in the reduced apple cider (it will bubble up!) followed by the ¼ cup unsalted butter. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Stir in Cream
Slowly add the ½ cup heavy cream, whisking continuously. The mixture should turn glossy and thick.
Step 5: Finish and Cool
Remove from heat. Stir in ½ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let cool slightly before pouring into jars. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Tips for Success
- Prep your ingredients ahead — caramel moves quickly once the sugar starts browning.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching.
- Stir gently with a heat-proof whisk or silicone spatula for smooth blending.
- Store in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks.
Serving Suggestions
This Apple Cider Caramel is endlessly versatile:
- Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- Stir into lattes or hot cider
- Pour over caramel apple pie cookies or cheesecake
- Spoon onto baked apples or fresh fruit
- Add to vanilla ice cream, pound cake, or shortbread
More Recipes You Will Love
- These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat in Bite-Sized Form
- This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat
- These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert
- This Edible Cookie Dough Is My Favorite No-Bake Treat for Late Night Cravings
- These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Are My Favorite Snack to Keep on Hand
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cider Caramel delivers all the cozy vibes of fall in a spoonful. It’s quick, impressive, and versatile enough to use across breakfast, dessert, and snacks. Once you make it, you’ll find excuses to drizzle it on just about everything.
Give it a try, and let me know what you paired it with! Tag your creations and follow along for more seasonal sweetness and simple crowd-pleasers.
— Jason Griffith, ChefManiac.com
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