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Cozy Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider: Easy 5-Minute Prep

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This cozy slow cooker caramel apple cider is the kind of drink that makes you slow down, filling your whole house with a warm, inviting aroma. With just 5 minutes of prep, you can enjoy a rich, caramel-infused cider that’s perfect for fall gatherings or a quiet evening at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 64 ounces (about 1.9 liters) apple cider
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel sauce
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) packed brown sugar
  • 3 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 2 whole star anise pods (optional)
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: sliced apple for garnish, extra cinnamon sticks for stirring, bourbon or dark rum for adult version

Instructions

  1. Prepare your slow cooker: rinse the insert and ensure it’s clean.
  2. Pour the entire 64-ounce bottle of apple cider into the slow cooker.
  3. Add 1/2 cup of caramel sauce to the cider.
  4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup packed brown sugar over the cider.
  5. Add 3 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries, and 2 star anise pods (if using).
  6. Wash and slice one orange into 1/4-inch rounds; add 4-5 slices to the slow cooker.
  7. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  8. Stir everything together until caramel and brown sugar are mostly dissolved.
  9. Cover and set slow cooker to LOW; cook for 3-4 hours. (Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, but flavors will be less deep.)
  10. After 3 hours, stir and taste; adjust sweetness or spice as needed.
  11. Ladle warm cider into mugs; garnish with cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or a drizzle of caramel if desired.
  12. Switch slow cooker to WARM setting to keep cider perfect for hours; stir occasionally.

Notes

Don’t boil the cider; keep it at a gentle simmer. Use whole spices, not ground, to avoid a muddy texture. Taste before serving and adjust sweetness or tartness with lemon juice or more caramel. For parties, strain the cider to remove whole spices. The cider tastes even better the next day after flavors meld in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker caramel apple cider, easy apple cider, fall drink, warm apple cider, caramel apple cider, slow cooker drink, apple cider recipe

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/cozy-slow-cooker-caramel-apple-cider-easy-5-minute-prep/