Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider is a cozy, flavorful drink perfect for chilly days and gatherings. Infused with warm spices and rich caramel, this homemade cider brings the comforting taste of autumn straight to your cup.

Ingredients

• 5 medium apples (red and green)
• 1 whole orange
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 whole clove
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 8 cups water
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup homemade caramel sauce or store-bought

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash the apples and orange thoroughly. Chop the apples into quarters, leaving stems and seeds intact if you prefer. Place the apples and whole orange into the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Add the water, cinnamon sticks, ground nutmeg, whole clove, and ground allspice to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
3. Step 3: If you notice that the orange peel has split during cooking, carefully remove it to avoid any bitterness. This step is optional, as it doesn’t happen every time.
4. Step 4: One hour before the end of cooking, mash the apples in the slow cooker using a potato masher. Replace the lid and continue cooking for the remaining hour.
5. Step 5: When cooking is complete, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large heatproof pitcher, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible.
6. Step 6: Stir in the light brown sugar and caramel sauce until dissolved. Serve the cider warm, topped with fresh whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor in the cider.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar and caramel sauce to suit your sweetness preference.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger powder.
• Serve with a cinnamon stick garnish for extra aroma and presentation.

Storage

Store leftover cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 6 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving to preserve the flavors.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cider without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the ingredients on the stovetop in a large pot over low heat for about 2 hours, mashing the apples halfway through, then strain and sweeten as directed.

What type of caramel sauce works best?

Both homemade and store-bought caramel sauces work well, but homemade sauce adds a fresher, richer flavor if you have the time to prepare it.

Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider Recipe

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This Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider is a cozy, comforting fall drink made by simmering fresh apples, orange, and warm spices in water, then sweetened with brown sugar and rich caramel sauce. Perfect for chilly days, this cider can be served warm and garnished with whipped cream and extra caramel for an indulgent treat.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes (LOW) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (HIGH)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Fruits & Produce

• 5 medium apples (a mix of red and green)
• 1 whole orange

Spices

• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 whole clove
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Liquids & Sweeteners

• 8 cups water
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup homemade caramel sauce or store-bought caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the fruit: Wash the apples and orange thoroughly. Chop the apples into quarters, leaving stems and seeds intact for extra flavor. Place the quartered apples and the whole orange into the slow cooker.
2. Add spices and liquid: Pour in the 8 cups of water. Add the cinnamon sticks, ground nutmeg, whole clove, and ground allspice to the slow cooker.
3. Cook the mixture: Cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Monitor the orange during cooking; if it splits open, remove it to prevent bitterness.
4. Mash the apples: One hour before cooking is complete, use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples in the slow cooker. Replace the lid and continue cooking for an additional hour to deepen the flavors.
5. Strain the cider: Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the mixture into a large heat-proof pitcher, removing solids for a smooth cider.
6. Sweeten and serve: Stir in the light brown sugar and caramel sauce until fully dissolved. Serve warm, optionally topped with fresh whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
7. Store leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover cider for 5 to 6 days and rewarm before serving.

Notes

• If the orange splits during cooking, remove it promptly to keep the flavor from turning bitter.
• You can use homemade or store-bought caramel sauce based on your preference.
• Serve with whipped cream and extra caramel drizzled on top for a decadent finish.
• Reheat leftover cider gently to maintain its flavors without scorching the caramel.

Keywords: slow cooker apple cider, caramel apple cider, warm fall drinks, slow cooked cider, autumn beverages