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Easy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Caramel Sauce (Perfect & Homemade)

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This easy slow cooker apple cider caramel sauce is a hands-off, deeply flavorful recreation of a beloved orchard café recipe. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or cheesecake, and fills your home with the warm scent of autumn.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered is best)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Combine the cider and sugars: Pour the apple cider into your slow cooker. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk gently until the sugars are mostly dissolved.
  2. Add the butter and spices: Drop in the cubed butter, then add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give everything one more stir.
  3. Cook on low: Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 2 to 3 hours. Do not lift the lid during the first hour. After about 90 minutes, give it a gentle stir.
  4. Add the cream: After 2 to 3 hours, when the mixture has reduced slightly and looks like a thin syrup, whisk in the heavy cream. Let it cook for another 20 to 30 minutes on low, uncovered, to thicken slightly.
  5. Finish with vanilla: Turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Cool and store: Let the sauce cool in the slow cooker for about 15 minutes, then pour it into clean mason jars. Let it come to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.

Notes

Do not rush the reduction; low and slow is key. Leave at least 2 inches of headspace in the slow cooker to prevent boil-over. If the sauce separates after cooling, gently warm and whisk to re-emulsify. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and vegan butter. The sauce thickens significantly as it cools.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker caramel sauce, apple cider caramel, homemade caramel sauce, fall dessert sauce, easy caramel recipe

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/easy-slow-cooker-apple-cider-caramel-sauce-perfect-and-homemade/