Channel the best fall flavors with an easy apple cider caramel sauce—a glossy, spiced topping made with real apple cider, butter, and cream. This easy apple cider caramel is perfect for drizzling over pie, pancakes, ice cream, or coffee.
What’s Not to Love?
Full of cozy fall flavors, what’s not to love about this apple cider caramel sauce?
- Ready in 10 minutes – 10-minute stovetop method—no thermometer required (visual cues included.)
- Uses real apple cider – Real apple cider plus cinnamon & nutmeg equals deep fall flavor.
- Endless uses – With a thick, glossy finish this sauce is perfect for drizzling, dipping, or gifting
Recipe Essentials
You only need a handful of pantry ingredients (plus apple cider!) to make this apple cider caramel sauce. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Apple cider – This is the main flavor of our caramel sauce. If you went apple picking recently, try making your own! Or grab a jug at your local grocery store.
- Sugar
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cinnamon
- Heavy whipping cream
- Vanilla extract
- Unsalted butter
- Fine sea salt
Tried and True Tips
I’ve tested this recipe so that you don’t have to! Here are some tips to ensure your caramel sauce turns out perfectly.
- Spatter safety: Use a long whisk, oven mitt, and distance when adding cream/butter to prevent splashing.
- Pan choice: make sure to use a heavy-bottom saucepan for even browning without burning.
- Graininess fix: if crystals form, add 1–2 tsp water and warm gently while whisking continuously.
- Thickness control: too thin? simmer 1–2 minutes more; too thick? whisk in 1–2 tsp warm cider or cream.
Mix Things Up
This apple cider caramel sauce is a great base to start with if you’d like to layer it with other flavors.
- Maple Touch: Swap a few tablespoons of sugar with pure maple syrup for even more warmth.
- Salted Apple Cider Caramel: Double the amount of sea salt to get that sweet and salty finish.
- Bourbon Finish (adults): After removing from the heat, whisk in 1–2 tsp bourbon or a boozy finish.
- Chai Spice: Replace the spices that are written in the recipe with chai spice instead for bold, warm flavors.
How to Use It
Me personally? I like to eat this apple cider caramel with a spoon, so no judgement if you do the same. But if you’re normal, try spooning it over vanilla ice cream or apple pie.
You can also serve it with breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffles or yogurt parfaits. It would also taste great in coffee lattes, or simply as a dip for sliced apples.
Apple Cider Caramel Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- In a heavy saucepan, combine the 1 cup apple cider, 1 cup sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and bring to a very low boil, swirling the saucepan gently, but not stirring. Simmer until the mixture is syrupy and a deep caramel color, about 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and whisk in the 1/2 cup heavy cream and 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, being mindful that the mixture will spit and sizzle, so be careful. Whisky vigorously until it reaches a smooth, sticky consistency. Finally, whisk in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt. Set aside to cool.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
More Homemade Sauces
If you know me, you know how much I love a homemade sauce. Here are some of my favorites.
