Go Back
Kima

Crock Pot Caramel Apple Cider

This Crock Pot Caramel Apple Cider is a warm, cozy drink made with fresh apple juice, caramel syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Slow cooked until fragrant and flavorful, it is perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or chilly evenings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Course: Beverage, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Caramel Apple Cider
  • 8 cups fresh apple juice 1.9 liters
  • 1 cup caramel-flavored syrup 236 ml
  • 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 cinnamon sticks 2-3 inches or 5-7 cm each
  • 4 whole nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons whole cloves
  • 2 teaspoons whole allspice
Optional for Serving
  • whipped topping for serving
  • caramel ice cream topping for drizzling
  • cinnamon sticks for garnish

Equipment

  • Slow cooker or crock pot
  • Large pot for stovetop method
  • Fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Crock Pot Directions
  1. Add the apple juice, caramel-flavored syrup, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, cloves, and allspice to the Crock Pot.
  2. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
  3. Stir occasionally during cooking. The cider may remain on LOW a little longer if needed.
  4. When ready to serve, switch the slow cooker to WARM and remove the whole spices.
  5. Ladle the hot caramel apple cider into mugs and serve plain or with whipped topping, caramel sauce, and a cinnamon stick.
Stovetop Directions
  1. Add the apple juice, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, cloves, and allspice to a large pot.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture begins to boil.
  3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour.
  4. Carefully strain out the whole spices.
  5. Stir in the caramel-flavored syrup until evenly combined, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Yield: The original recipe does not specify the number of servings, so the servings field has been left blank.
  • Apple juice vs. cider: The ingredient list specifies fresh apple juice, while the stovetop instructions refer to apple cider. This version preserves the listed apple juice ingredient.
  • Slow cooker: Cook on LOW for approximately 4 hours, stirring occasionally, then switch to WARM for serving.
  • Stovetop method: Simmer the spiced apple mixture for 1 hour, strain out the spices, and stir in the caramel syrup at the end.
  • Whole spices: Remove the cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice before serving.
  • Caramel flavor: The caramel syrup adds sweetness and a buttery caramel flavor. Additional caramel topping can be drizzled over each serving.
  • Serving: Top with whipped topping, caramel ice cream topping, and a cinnamon stick if desired.
  • Storage: Cool leftovers completely, remove the whole spices, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the slow cooker until hot.