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Easy Slow Cooker Spiced Caramel Apple Cider Recipe

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A set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker spiced caramel apple cider that fills your home with the cozy aroma of fall. Made with simple ingredients like fresh apples, apple cider, caramel sauce, and warm spices, this drink is perfect for gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 medium apples (mix of varieties, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
  • 6 cups apple cider (48 oz)
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 2 whole star anise pods
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • Peel from 1 orange (in large strips)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Wash apples, core them, and cut into quarters or large chunks. No need to peel. Place directly into the slow cooker.
  2. Pour in apple cider and caramel sauce. If caramel is thick, warm slightly in microwave (about 15 seconds) to mix easily. Stir to combine.
  3. Add brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, sliced ginger, orange peel strips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, until apples are soft and falling apart.
  5. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or heatproof pitcher. Ladle or pour cider through strainer, pressing on solids with a spoon to extract liquid. Discard solids.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired. For more sweetness, add extra caramel or brown sugar. For more spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or an extra star anise and steep 10 minutes.
  7. Ladle warm cider into mugs. Garnish with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and a cinnamon stick or apple slice if desired.

Notes

For a clearer cider, strain twice (first through a fine-mesh strainer, then through cheesecloth). The cider tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. To keep warm for a party, set slow cooker to ‘warm’ setting. For an adult version, stir in 1/2 cup bourbon, dark rum, or spiced whiskey after straining.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker apple cider, spiced caramel apple cider, fall drink, holiday beverage, easy apple cider recipe

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-slow-cooker-spiced-caramel-apple-cider-recipe/