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    You Are Here: Home → Sauces

    Apple Cider Caramel Sauce

    September 17, 2020 | Updated February 4, 2021 by Ryan Leave a Comment

    128 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    spoon lifting out apple cider caramel sauce from jar
    apple caramel sauce in glass jar
    caramel sauce in glass jar with apples in background

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    This homemade apple cider caramel sauce is the perfect fall sauce that can be used as a dip or topped on your favorite dessert.

    spoon lifting out apple cider caramel sauce from jar

    I love using apple cider in everything from drinks like this apple cider cocktail to savory meals like apple cider chicken.

    But this homemade caramel sauce was actually created to go with these baked apple cider donuts. And while the donuts are fantastic on their own, this sauce puts them over the top.

    Who says though it has to stop at a dip for donuts. It really is perfect for the fall. I've put it on top of ice cream, pancakes and even made candy out of it.

    There is a science behind making caramel but this recipe is quite easy. By reducing the apple cider, you get the concentrated flavor of the apples coming through in the caramel. So if you are looking for something besides just plan old caramel sauce, I'd give this a try.

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Boiled Apple Cider
    • Caramel Temperatures
    • What to Eat with Caramel
    • Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
    • Other Sauce Recipes
    • Apple Cider Caramel Sauce
    caramel sauce in glass jar with apples in background

    Recipe Ingredients

    • Apple cider - where the apple flavor comes from.
    • Unsalted butter - helps create a velvety sauce.
    • Light brown sugar - can also use granulated sugar.
    • Heavy cream - reacts with the sugar to form the sauce.
    • Sea salt - enhances the flavor.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    1. Add apple cider to medium sauce pan and bring to boil. Boil for about 30 minutes or until the cider has reduced to ⅔ cup.
    2. Reduce the heat and add the butter, cream and brown sugar.
    3. Bring back to boil and then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the temperature has reached 212°F. or The caramel should be a dark color and thick.
    4. Remove from heat and stir in salt. If the caramel thickens too much, place over low heat and add cream to thin.
    process shots of how to make caramel sauce with apple cider

    Boiled Apple Cider

    Boiling the cider is important when it comes to this sauce and it is pretty hands off. Just throw in a saucepan and simmer until it reduces to ⅔ of a cup.

    This gives you that concentrated apple flavor that is super important. Just keep an eye on it towards the end as it can burn.

    Caramel Temperatures

    You can cook this caramel by eye, which is what I do but a candy thermometer never hurts:

    • 212°F - the temperature needed for a sauce
    • 230°F - creates thicker sauce that hardens when cooled.
    • 238°F - good for soft homemade candies or to dip apples in.

    What to Eat with Caramel

    I mentioned before but this sauce is super versatile. Some of the recipes you can use it with include:

    • Apple Dutch Baby
    • Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
    • Apple Ricotta Pancakes
    • Apple Pie with Crumb Topping

    Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

    • Don't skip on reducing the apple cider.
    • You can replace light brown sugar with granulated sugar.
    • A thermometer isn't necessary but can be helpful in determining when sauce is ready.
    • Omit the salt if you don't want it.
    apple caramel sauce in glass jar

    Other Sauce Recipes

    • Homemade Chocolate Syrup
    • Red Enchilada Sauce
    • Homemade Marinara Sauce
    • Avocado Pesto
    • Homemade Pizza Sauce

    If you’ve tried this apple cider caramel sauce or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

    spoon lifting out apple cider caramel sauce from jar
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Apple Cider Caramel Sauce

    This homemade caramel sauce with apple cider is the perfect fall sauce that can be used as a dip or topped on your favorite dessert.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time55 mins
    Total Time1 hr
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 153kcal
    Author: Ryan Beck

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups apple cider
    • ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
    • 1 cup light brown sugar
    • ¾ cup heavy cream
    • 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions

    • Add apple cider to medium sauce pan and bring to boil. Boil for about 30 minutes or until the cider has reduced to ⅔ cup.
    • Reduce the heat and add the butter, cream and brown sugar. Bring back to boil and then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the temperature has reached 212°F. The caramel should be a dark color and thick.
    • Remove from heat and stir in salt. If the caramel thickens too much, place over low heat and add cream to thin.

    Notes

    • Don't skip on reducing the apple cider.
    • You can replace light brown sugar with granulated sugar.
    • A thermometer isn't necessary but can be helpful in determining when sauce is ready.
    • Omit the salt if you don't want it.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 305mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 3g
    Did You Try This Recipe?I love seeing what you make so mention @ChiselandFork or tag #chiselandfork on Instagram and please give a star rating below!
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    Hey there! Welcome to Chisel & Fork, a blog with tasty recipes and DIY projects. I'm Ryan and here you'll find hundreds of recipes ranging from true comfort food to vegan. Oh and if you like woodworking, you might just find your next inspiration. Read More About Chisel & Fork…

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