Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider

cozy slow cooker caramel apple cider - featured image
Print Recipe

This cozy slow cooker caramel apple cider is the perfect fall drink—warm, sweet, and buttery, made with real caramel sauce, apple cider, and warm spices. Set it and forget it for a crowd-pleasing beverage that tastes like autumn in a mug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 64 ounces (about 8 cups) apple cider
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel sauce
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 apple, sliced into rounds (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon or dark rum
  • For garnish: Whipped cream, extra caramel drizzle, cinnamon sticks

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients (5 minutes): Wash the orange and apple thoroughly. Slice both into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Remove any seeds from the apple slices. Measure out your caramel sauce and vanilla extract so everything is ready to go.
  2. Layer the flavors (5 minutes): Pour the apple cider into your slow cooker. Add the caramel sauce, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and vanilla extract. Gently stir to combine, making sure the caramel dissolves into the cider. Do not worry if it does not fully incorporate right away—the heat will take care of that.
  3. Add the fruit (2 minutes): Arrange the orange and apple slices on top of the liquid. They will float, and that is totally fine. The fruit will soften and release its flavors into the cider as it heats.
  4. Slow cook (2-3 hours on high, 4-5 hours on low): Cover the slow cooker and set it to your desired temperature. On high, the cider will be ready in about 2 hours. On low, give it about 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more intense the flavors become. I prefer the low and slow method for the best flavor infusion.
  5. Taste and adjust (2 minutes): After the cooking time, give the cider a taste. If you want it sweeter, stir in an extra tablespoon of caramel sauce. If you want more spice, add another cinnamon stick and let it cook for another 30 minutes. This is your cider—make it exactly how you like it.
  6. Serve (5 minutes): Ladle the warm cider into mugs, making sure to include a few orange and apple slices in each serving. Top with whipped cream if desired, drizzle with extra caramel sauce, and garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick. If you are adding bourbon or rum, stir it into individual mugs rather than the whole pot so everyone can choose their own adventure.
  7. Keep warm (as needed): The slow cooker will keep the cider warm for hours on the ‘warm’ setting. Just give it a stir every hour or so to keep the flavors well distributed. I have kept mine warm for up to 4 hours at a party, and it only got better with time.

Notes

For best results, use whole spices rather than ground to avoid cloudiness. If using ground spices, use about 1/2 teaspoon of each and strain through a fine-mesh sieve before serving. The cider tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Stir before serving to redistribute caramel that may settle at the bottom.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cider, slow cooker cider, fall drink, apple cider recipe, warm cider, cozy drink, autumn beverage

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/cozy-slow-cooker-caramel-apple-cider-best-easy-recipe/