Homemade Apple Cider Caramel Dip: The Best Easy Fall Appetizer
This thick, luscious, almost fudge-like caramel dip captures the essence of fall with a deep, tangy-sweet apple flavor from reduced cider. It’s perfect for dipping apple slices and is a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) apple cider
- 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Reduce the Cider: Pour the apple cider into a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer until reduced to about 1/2 cup, 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Add the Sugar: Add the packed brown sugar and whisk until completely dissolved. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil and cook for another minute.
- Incorporate the Cream and Butter: Reduce heat to low. Carefully pour in the heavy cream and add the butter. Whisk constantly until the butter is melted and everything is fully combined, 3-4 minutes.
- Season and Thicken: Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The caramel will be thin but will thicken as it cools.
- Cool and Serve: Pour the hot caramel into a heatproof bowl or jar. Let cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For the best flavor, use unfiltered apple cider. The dip can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator; let it come to room temperature before serving. To prevent apple slices from browning, toss them in lemon juice or a water-lemon juice mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 75
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 1
Keywords: apple cider caramel dip, fall appetizer, easy caramel dip, homemade caramel, apple dip