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This warming caramel spiced apple cider, topped with homemade maple whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel, tastes like fall in a mug.
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What makes this recipe special
I was never a coffee drinker. If my friends wanted to go to a cafe, I would always order the non-caffeinated drinks. I learned the hard way that my body is sensitive to caffeine, staying up all night with the jitters after one latte. Now that I'm officially old, I do sometimes crave a hot cup of joe, but my all-time favorite go-to drink at Starbucks is their caramel apple cider. There's just something so comforting about a warm cup of apple cider drizzled with caramel with a dollop of whipped cream.
Since I don't go to Starbucks nearly as often as I used to, I decided to make my own spiced apple cider with a little twist. Caramel spiced apple cider topped with maple whipped cream is now my favorite dessert beverage. It's so good, even better than Starbucks caramel apple cider!
Ingredients
- Maple syrup: Sweetens and flavors the whipped cream topping, adding a rich, earthy sweetness. You can skip the maple syrup and use powdered sugar instead.
- Apple cider: Use high-quality apple cider (not to be confused with apple juice) for the best results.
- Spices: Use whole cloves, allspice, and cinnamon to infuse the cider with aromatic, cozy flavors.
- Caramel sauce: Adds a luxurious, indulgent finishing touch.
Substitutions and variations
- Spices: Experiment with other spices for the cider, including ginger or nutmeg.
- Toppings: You can add chocolate sauce in addition to the caramel or add a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Alcoholic: Add 1-2 ounces of bourbon or rum for an adult version.
Recipe
Caramel Spiced Apple Cider
Ingredients
Maple whipped cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Spiced apple cider
- 8 cups apple cider
- 2 cloves
- 2 allspice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Remaining ingredients
- caramel sauce
Instructions
- Combine heavy cream and maple syrup in the bowl of a stand mixer and whip until stiff peaks form. You can also use a hand mixer. Set aside maple whipped cream.
- Combine apple cider with cloves, allspice and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepot. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and discard seasonings.
- Pour spiced apple cider into 4 cups. Top with maple whipped cream and drizzle caramel sauce on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Infuse apple cider
This caramel spiced apple cider with maple whipped cream is so good, you're going to want to make a big batch. All you have to do is purchase apple cider from the market and infuse it with a couple of spices.
What is the difference between apple cider and apple juice anyway? It's all about how the apples are processed. To make apple juice, apples are filtered and then pasteurized. To make apple cider, apples are ground and then pressed into fresh juice.
I personally prefer apple cider over apple juice, especially when it's the holiday season.
Simmer your apple cider with allspice, cloves, and cinnamon to give it that special spiced flavor.
Whip your maple whipped cream, and your drink is ready to be served!
I went ahead and bought the caramel sauce today, just to make my life a little easier. You can always serve it with chocolate sauce as well.
This holiday drink is amazing. And I mean, amazing! The maple whipped cream alone is utterly delicious. Pair that with warm spiced apple cider and that heavenly sauce...I can drink this every day. I can eat that whipped cream every day.
Lesson learned: always make this drink at home.
For more treats, check out this complete list of unique fall desserts to try this season!
Make-ahead and storage
- Make-ahead: The spiced apple cider can be made ahead and reheated when ready to serve. However, the maple whipped cream is best made fresh as it will deflate over time. If needed, you can make it a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator, giving it a quick whisk before serving.
- Store: Store leftover spiced cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Combine the cider and spices in a slow cooker and heat on low for 2-4 hours. This is great for parties where you want to keep it warm for an extended period.
It's not recommended. Whole spices infuse flavor without clouding the cider or leaving gritty residue. If you must use ground spices, use about ½ teaspoon of each and strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth before serving.
More apple desserts
Looking for more dishes featuring apples? Try these:
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