Slow-Cooker Salted Caramel Apple Cider Recipe
This Slow-Cooker Salted Caramel Apple Cider recipe combines fresh apple cider with the rich flavors of salted caramel and optional warming spices for a perfect cozy fall or winter beverage. Slowly heated to blend flavors and served warm, this comforting drink is ideal for gatherings or relaxing at home, offering a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and spiced notes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 gallon fresh apple cider
- 1 cup salted caramel, warmed to a pourable consistency
Optional Spices
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- ¼ teaspoon whole cloves in a spice ball
Instructions
- Heat the cider and spices: Place the fresh apple cider and optional cinnamon sticks and clove spice ball into a slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to the “high” setting and heat for 2 hours, allowing the cider to become thoroughly heated and infused with the spices if used.
- Add salted caramel: After 2 hours, add 1 cup of warmed salted caramel to the hot cider in the slow cooker. Whisk the mixture well to combine the caramel evenly into the cider.
- Simmer and keep warm: Continue heating the cider and caramel mixture for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to blend the flavors. Then, switch the slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting to maintain the perfect serving temperature.
- Serve and store leftovers: Serve the hot salted caramel apple cider as desired. Chill any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. When reheating, whisk to recombine any separated caramel cream. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 6 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating either in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Notes
- Use a spice ball to contain cloves for easy removal and a clean cider.
- Warming the salted caramel before adding ensures it mixes smoothly.
- Whisk the cider when reheating leftovers to recombine any separated ingredients.
- The cider can be made without spices for a simpler version.
- Freezing the cider in airtight containers maintains flavor for up to 6 months.
