This delicious caramel sauce is kissed with apple cider. You are not going to believe the flavor it gives. Perfect for drizzling over cake, ice cream, waffles, apples or eaten off a spoon!
Creamy sweet apple cider caramel sauce has arrived!! It is easy to make and is bursting with the flavors of apple and brown sugar.
You can drizzle it over ice cream, cake, pancakes, waffles, apple slices and more. Or stir a little bit into your coffee for an extra special treat.
Then there is the added benefit of how good your kitchen will smell as it is cooking. If you are an apple fan, you are going to fall instantly in love.
You don’t need any fancy equipment or even a candy thermometer, just a big saucepan with a heavy bottom and a little bit of time. It is worth the wait, so go ahead and plan on making it on heavy rotation throughout the fall.
About the Caramel Sauce
Not to toot my own horn or anything (toot, toot!) but I think it might just be the best caramel sauce I’ve ever had.
It is as rich and creamy as you would want a caramel sauce to be, but there is a bit of a tart apple apple flavor in there that wakes up your tastebuds and will make them do a happy dance to boot!
The best part is how easy it is to make. Just take your favorite apple cider and concentrate it down so those flavors really shine through. Then build a quick caramel sauce.
It can be ready in about 20 minutes and most of that time doesn’t require much more than an occasional glance. Then the fun kicks in, deciding what to use your caramel on!
I made the caramel as a glaze and finishing drizzle for an apple bundt cake that I will be sharing later in the week. But I only needed about 1/3 of the recipe for that. So the rest went on everything I could get my hands on!
I made some sweet apple cider waffles and topped them with a drizzle of this cider caramel, a bit of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Oh. My. Stars.
If heaven were a waffle, that would totally be it! I also put some on some of MiMi’s homemade vanilla ice cream. MMMM! Heck I *may* have even drizzled some on my oatmeal. (I totally did that and it was delicious!)
This yummy caramel sauce is a great drizzling consistency when it is warm or at room temperature, but would also make a great dip for apple slices (or pretzels, or graham crackers, or fingers and spoons!) when served cold. If you only try one new recipe this fall, this should be the one!!
Can I make this a salted caramel sauce?
Yes, if you like your caramel on the saltier side you can definitely add more salt to the recipe. Taste as you go and adjust until you reach your desired balance of sweet and salty.
How do I store homemade caramel sauce?
Caramel sauce can be stored in jars or other airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. If you have drizzled your caramel over a cake or brownies, you can keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Did you make this great recipe? Please leave a review in the recipe card below!
Apple Cider Caramel Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed sauce pan, bring the apple cider to a low boil. Keeping an eye on it to be sure it doesn’t burn, reduce down to 1/4 cup.
- Stir in butter until melted. Incorporate the brown sugar, cream and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Allow mixture to cool then transfer to serving vessel or storage container.
- This caramel will keep well in the refrigerator and will be a thick dipping consistency when cold. At room temperature it is more of a glazing or drizzling consistency.
Video
Nutrition
Carlee
Thursday 13th of October 2016
Thank you so much! It is reeeeeeally good! I've made it three times in as many weeks ;-)
Jess
Friday 7th of October 2016
I've always wanted to make this! YUM!
Carlee
Saturday 8th of October 2016
You should definitely go for it!
Unknown
Wednesday 5th of October 2016
This sounds so awesome to pour over so many fall favorites! Thanks so much for linking up with us this week for Maker's Mix-Up!
Carlee
Saturday 8th of October 2016
Thanks, Jessica! You should definitely make some to have on hand!
Suzanne
Monday 3rd of October 2016
Caramel sauce on waffles just might be my most favorite thing in the entire world. SO GOOD!
Carlee
Monday 3rd of October 2016
Isn't it amazing?! Thank you!
Unknown
Monday 3rd of October 2016
After seeing your cake post I had to check out the glaze! I'll be trying this sauce soon! Thanks Michelle
Carlee
Monday 3rd of October 2016
This caramel sauce is the best part for sure!! Thanks!