Homemade Apple Cider Salted Caramel Recipe

As the leaves turn golden and the air begins to cool, our cravings shift to warm, cozy flavors that remind us of bonfires, hayrides, and the upcoming holiday season. One of the best (and most delicious) ways to embrace the fall spirit is with Homemade Apple Cider Salted Caramel Recipe —a rich, sweet, slightly tangy sauce infused with autumn spices and a whisper of salt.

This decadent homemade caramel sauce is the perfect balance of tart apple cider, deep brown sugar sweetness, and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. It’s a game-changer for your fall desserts—or, frankly, anything you feel like drizzling it on. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few pantry staples.

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Why this Homemade Apple Cider Caramel Recipe Screams “Fall”

Apple cider is one of the most iconic ingredients of fall. Whether you’re sipping it warm on a chilly day or grabbing a jug from your local orchard, it brings a taste of the harvest into your kitchen. Combine that with caramel—a classic comfort food—and you’ve got a sauce that captures the very essence of the season with an undeniably incredible flavor.

The spices you add to the caramel (think cinnamon, allspice, clove) bring out nostalgic holiday notes, making it perfect not just for October and November, but right through December.

Speaking of Cinnamon. It’s my favorite spice! Let’s learn more about it here!

This Homemade Apple Cider Salted Caramel Recipe is perfect for the Holidays.

What makes this caramel extra special is how it evokes the warmth and nostalgia of the holidays. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are reminiscent of mulled cider and fresh-baked pies. It’s a great make-ahead ingredient that can elevate your entire dessert table. (Think dulce de leche, but with spice!)

Host a brunch and serve it with scones and pancakes. Add it to a holiday cheese board (yes, it pairs wonderfully with sharp cheddar or creamy brie). Or, give it as a gift—pour into small mason jars, tie with a ribbon, and you have a homemade gift anyone would be thrilled to receive.​

Apple Cider Salted Caramel is more than just a seasonal treat—it’s a way to slow down and savor the best flavors of fall. Whether you spoon it over pancakes, swirl it into cake frosting, or eat it by the spoonful (we won’t judge), it’s bound to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen.

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How to Use this Homemade Apple Cider Salted Caramel Recipe:

This sauce is wildly versatile. You’ll find yourself reaching for it more often than you expect. Here are some ideas to get your creative kitchen gears turning:

1. Drizzled on Biscuits or Toast

A warm buttermilk biscuit with a smear of butter and a spoonful of this caramel? Heaven. It’s also great on cinnamon toast or even sourdough for a sweet-and-savory contrast.

2. Poured Over Pancakes or Waffles

Swap out your usual maple syrup for a drizzle of this caramel. The apple flavor makes it feel fancy without the fuss. Try it with spiced pancakes or pumpkin waffles for a full fall breakfast vibe.

3. Ice Cream Topping

Vanilla ice cream + apple cider caramel + a sprinkle of cinnamon = an autumn sundae you won’t forget. Add some toasted pecans or crushed graham crackers for texture.

4. Filling or Icing for Cakes and Cupcakes

Use it as a caramel filling between cake layers, swirl it into vanilla buttercream to make a salted caramel buttercream frosting, or drizzle it as caramel icing on top of frosted cupcakes. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla, spice, or apple cakes.

5. Over Oatmeal or Yogurt

Stir a spoonful into your morning oatmeal or swirl it into plain Greek yogurt with some granola. It turns a basic breakfast into something worth waking up for.

So go ahead, grab some cider, light a candle, and let your home fill with the scent of spiced caramel. Fall never tasted so good.

Do you have a favorite way to use your apple cider caramel? Drop your ideas in the comments or tag me on social with your creations!

Tips for this Homemade Apple Cider Salted Caramel Recipe:

• Reduce the Apple Cider First
  Why: Reducing cider intensifies its flavor and removes excess water, so your caramel doesn’t end up too thin.
• Use a Heavy-Bottomed, Light-Colored Saucepan
  Why: A heavy-bottomed pan distributes heat evenly, preventing hot spots that burn sugar. A light-colored interior helps you see the color change as the sugar caramelizes.
• Add cold ingredients to the Reduction Slowly & Carefully
  Caramel is extremely hot—adding liquid makes it bubble violently.
  Remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour in the heavy cream, butter, and sugar while stirring constantly.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients
  Cold butter or cream can cause the hot sugar to seize up or splatter.
  Let them sit out 30 minutes beforehand for a smoother, safer mix.

Make this Homemade Apple Cider Salted Caramel Recipe with me on YouTube!

Homemade Apple Cider Salted Caramel Recipe Ingredients:

• ​1/2 gallon Apple Cider
• 2 sticks of unsalted butter 
• 2 teaspoons table salt
• 3 1/2 cups white granulated sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Flakey sea salt to sprinkle on top

Homemade Apple Cider Salted Caramel Recipe Instructions:

• First, in a large pot, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and let it cook down until it’s reduced to about 1 cup. The “right consistency” will be like syrup. This should take an hour and will concentrate the apple flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
• Second, take the reduced cider off the heat, add both sugars and butter, and stir until melted and combined.

• Third, slowly pour the heavy cream into the sugar mixture while stirring.

• Then, return to the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, and cook for 2 minutes or until it reaches 225 degrees using a candy thermometer.

• Next,  remove the mixture from the heat and add cinnamon and salt.

• Place parchment paper in a large sheet tray and pour the hot caramel onto it evenly to cool, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

• Place the caramel in the fridge for two hours or leave it at room temperature for 4 hours.
• Finally, spoon the caramel into a glass jar or container to store. Be sure to warm before serving. 

Flavor Variations to Explore with this Homemade Apple Cider Salted Caramel Recipe:

Want to play with the flavor profile? Here are some easy tweaks and add-ins to make the recipe your own:

🔸 Spiked Cider Caramel

Add 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon or spiced rum after removing the caramel from the heat. It adds warmth and depth without overpowering the apple flavor.

🔸 Maple Apple Cider Caramel

Substitute half the brown sugar with pure maple syrup. It makes the caramel even richer and more fall-forward.

🔸 Chai-Spiced Caramel

Add a pinch of ground ginger and cardamom along with the other spices to mimic a chai blend. This version is especially good with vanilla desserts or stirred into coffee.

🔸 Cran-Apple Caramel

Add ¼ cup of cranberry juice to the cider reduction for a tangier twist. It gives the caramel a subtle berry undertone, perfect for Thanksgiving desserts.

Storage for the Homemade Apple Cider Salted Caramel Recipe:

• Once cooled, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Warm before serving.

What are the Macros for the Homemade Apple Cider Salted Caramel Recipe?

Makes ??? servings (Nutritional information below is for 1 serving = ???)

• Calories –
• Protein –
• Carbs – (net)
• Fat –

Check out some of my other Fall recipes!

One-Pot Halloween Goulash

Cheese Ravioli with Pumpkin Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Easy Southern Biscuit Apple Cobbler Recipe

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