Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Strain the cider: Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the mixture into a large heat-proof pitcher, removing solids for a smooth cider.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/slow-cooker-caramel-apple-cider-recipe/
