Homemade Caramel Apple Cider

Name: Caramel Apple Cider Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups apple cider

By Heather Seeley

5 from 1 vote

Oct 21, 2023

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This homemade caramel apple cider recipe is made with brown sugar and cream instead of caramel syrup. A hot drink that can be made anytime of year but a favorite for the colder months. In this post you will learn how to make caramel apple cider in minutes.

Mug with apple cider and topped with whipped cream.

If you love hot drinks like hot chocolate, hot tea, and apple cider, this caramel apple cider is a must try.

Instead of using caramel syrup, this recipe combines brown sugar and cream to make homemade caramel for a rich and creamy drink.

Ingredients needed

Just a few simple ingredients are needed to make this hot apple cider.

Apple cider – Use your favorite premade or homemade apple cider.
Light brown sugar – This is used to make the homemade caramel sauce.
Heavy cream – Cream gives this drink a rich, caramel flavor. You could substitute with 1/2 and 1/2.
Vanilla extract – Adds another layer of warmth and sweetness.
Optional – Whipped cream, ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, caramel syrup

Apple cider, bowl of brown sugar, cinnamon, and milk.

How to make hot caramel apple cider

Step one: Place brown sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine and let heat for 2-3 minutes or until sugar dissolves.

Step two: Pour in the apple cider. Stir again to mix the drink. Let come to a simmer and cook 8-10 minutes.

Saucepan with melted cream and brown sugar.

Step three: Serve this cider warm. Optional, garnish with whipped cream, caramel syrup, cinnamon.

How to keep warm

If you are making this recipe for a party you can keep it warm in a slow cooker. Just set the crockpot on “keep warm” setting and use a ladle for scooping out the drink.

Recipe tips

Party – This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a large gathering.
Optional – If you really want to make an over the top, delicious cider drink, try topping with whipped cream, caramel syrup, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or apple pie spice.

Mug with caramel apple cider and whipped cream.

How to store

You can store any leftovers in a pitcher or Mason jar in the refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid. It will stay good for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

More easy drink recipes

5 from 1 vote

Caramel Apple Cider Recipe

By Heather

Learn how to make this easy and delicious caramel apple cider. This recipe uses brown sugar and cream instead of syrup to make a homemade caramel sauce.

Prep: 5

Cook: 10

Total: 15

Servings:

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Ingredients

▢ 1/2 cup light brown sugar
▢ 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ 4 cups apple cider

Instructions

Place brown sugar and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine and let heat for 2-3 minutes or until sugar dissolves.
Pour in the apple cider. Stir again to mix the drink. Let come to a simmer and cook 8-10 minutes.
Pour in the apple cider. Stir again to mix the drink. Let come to a simmer and cook 8-10 minutes.

Video

Notes

Party – This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a large gathering.

Optional – If you really want to make an over the top, delicious cider drink, try topping with whipped cream, caramel syrup, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or apple pie spice.