This warm Crockpot Caramel Apple Cider is what fall dreams are made of.
It smells amazing while it simmers all day and tastes even better.
It’s sweet, cozy, and packed with apple-caramel flavor.
I make this every year once the weather cools down, and it never lasts long.
Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and it does the work for you.
Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just a chilly afternoon at home.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cider has become a yearly tradition in my kitchen. It started one Thanksgiving when we needed a warm drink to sip while dinner finished cooking — and now it’s on repeat all season.
- The caramel flavor melts right into the apples, making every sip buttery-sweet
- It makes the whole house smell like a fall candle
- It’s great for serving a group and feels a little fancy even though it’s super simple
What You’ll Need
- 1 gallon apple cider (not apple juice)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for topping
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 white onion, peeled and halved
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice berries
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, extra caramel drizzle, thin apple slices, cinnamon sticks
Pro Tips
- Use real apple cider, not apple juice — it makes a huge difference in flavor
- Don’t skip the white onion! It adds depth and richness (you won’t taste “onion”)
- Warm the caramel sauce slightly before adding so it melts faster
- Strain out the solids before serving for a smooth finish
- Set your slow cooker to “Keep Warm” if serving over a long time
Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Ladle
- Knife and cutting board
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowls for spices
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap caramel sauce with dulce de leche for a thicker, richer flavor
- Add star anise or ginger slices for a spiced-up version
- Use honeycrisp apple juice if you can’t find real cider (as close as it gets)
- For a grown-up twist, add a splash of bourbon just before serving
Make Ahead Tips
You can prep everything the night before — slice the orange, measure the spices, and refrigerate the cider with caramel sauce stirred in. In the morning, just dump it all into the Crockpot and turn it on.
Cooking Steps
Step 1: Add Apple Cider and Caramel Sauce to Crockpot
Pour 1 gallon apple cider into your crockpot. Add 1/2 cup caramel sauce (warm it slightly so it melts easily). Stir to combine.
Step 2: Add Orange Slices and White Onion
Add 1 orange, sliced into rounds, and 1 white onion, peeled and halved into the cider. Nestle them gently in.
Step 3: Add Spices
Drop in 4 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon whole cloves, and 1 tablespoon allspice berries. Give it a gentle stir.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until flavors are blended and the cider is hot.
Step 5: Strain and Serve
Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the solids. Ladle the hot cider into a round ceramic mug, top with whipped cream, extra caramel drizzle, and a cinnamon stick if you want to be fancy.
Tips for Leftovers and Storage
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Reheat gently on the stove or in a mug in the microwave
- Don’t add toppings until right before serving
How Many Servings and How Long It Takes
- Makes: 10–12 servings
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Macros Information (Per 1-cup serving, approx.)
- Calories: 180
- Carbs: 45g
- Sugars: 38g
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Apple cider has natural pectin and acidity, which balance the sweetness of caramel
- Heating whole spices slowly releases essential oils that give a deeper, rounder flavor
- The white onion adds a subtle umami boost, cutting through the sweetness so the cider doesn’t taste flat
Common Mistakes
- Using apple juice instead of cider – it’s too thin and sweet
- Skipping the onion – it sounds weird but makes the flavor more complex
- Not straining the mix – no one wants cloves in their mouth
- Overcooking – more than 5 hours on high can make it taste bitter
What to Serve With
- Cinnamon sugar donuts
- Warm soft pretzels
- Apple pie bars
- Cheese board with sharp cheddar and crackers
FAQ
Can I make this without a crockpot?
Yes! Just simmer everything on low in a large pot on the stove for 1–2 hours.
Can I use bottled caramel syrup?
You can, but thicker caramel sauce gives a richer flavor.
Does the onion make it taste weird?
Nope! It just adds depth. You won’t even know it’s there.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prep everything and refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day.
How do I make it spiked?
Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum to each mug before serving.
