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Apple Cider Caramels

candy· Fall Flavors

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Apple Cider Caramels – Rich, chewy caramels made with yummy apple cider and spices. And it’s so simple to make! I’ll walk you through each step so you can easily make them, too.

Apple Cider Caramels#Allfalleverything. That’s basically been my motto in the last 30 days.

I’ve been baking up tons of fall treats (like these and don’t forget these), decorating my house with all things festive (while also making us broke), and adding to my collection of fall jackets and boots.

You’re probably like “Okay Sharon…that’s basically all of us.” Well, then I guess that makes us #basic. But that’s okay! Fall is all about comfort and I make no apologies for taking part in the basic activities that go along with that.

Which leads me to today’s fall-inspired treat: apple cider caramels!

Pieces Of Apple Cider Caramels Being Cut From A Sheet Of CaramelApple Cider CaramelsApple Cider Caramels Being Wrapped

I first made caramels about 4 years ago when I first begin blogging (and about 2 months before I took my 4-year hiatus). They were your simple sea salt caramels that melted in your mouth as soon as they hit your tongue. Simply amazing.

The recipe I used for my sea salt caramels was so perfect (thank you, Barefoot Contessa!) but I wanted to change it up a bit and give it a fall makeover, if you will.

Enter apple cider.

The recipe I used for the sea salt caramels calls for 1/4 cup of water so I simple just substituted the cider for the water. I also added 1/2 teaspoon of apple pie spice to bring out the flavor of the cider.

And man, did it ever! Each bite of the apple cider caramels was a little taste of fall. And the chew was perfect. As soon as you bite into it, the caramel starts to dissolve into puddle of rich, buttery liquid so there’s no chance that these are gonna stick to your teeth.

Cream, Salt And Butter In A Saucepan Cooking Apple Cider Caramels Mixture Saucepan BubblingFinished apple cider caramels cut into squares

Now, I know making caramels at home can sound intimidating. But after you’ve made them once, you’ll see how super easy it is to do. Here are some tips that will help you get your bearings before tackling them for the first time:

  1. Apple cider is NOT the same thing as apple juice. Apple cider is cloudy instead of clear because it’s unfiltered, which means tons of more apple flavor. You really need cider for this recipe. I easily found some in the produce section of the grocery store, next to the orange juice. Your local farmer’s market should have it, too.
  2. You absolutely need a candy thermometer for this recipe. No ifs, ands, or buts about it! I’ve made these a few times and still cannot tell the difference between the 250 degree stage and the 275 degree stage with my naked eye. But it makes a huge difference in the texture of the caramels. So trust me, if you want to make these and want them to taste good, buy yourself a candy thermometer. Here’s the one that I have, in case you need a recommendation. I love it because it’s digital and has an adjustable head.
  3. You need to be 100000% focused when makes these. That means no multi-tasking! I know it’s gonna be hard but trust me, only seconds separate you from caramelized sugar and burnt sugar. Seconds people! This is not a drill.
  4. I suggest adding flaky sea salt to the tops of the caramels to help balance them out. The caramels are slightly too sweet for me on their own so I need the added salt. I highly recommend it. But if you’re really against it, you don’t have to add it. This is the kind of flaky salt I have and I love it because it’s mild and has a beautiful flaky shape.
  5. When you’re cutting the caramels, you might need to spray your knife with cooking spray. This will prevent the knife from sticking.

I hope you enjoy these caramels! What other things are you doing to ring in the fall season?? Let me know if the comments below!

Recipe:

zoomed in shot of cut up apple cider caramels
Print Recipe

Apple Cider Caramels

Rich, chewy caramels made with yummy apple cider and spices. And it's so simple to make!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 48 Caramels

Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  • Prepare an 8x8 square pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying with cooking spray. The best way to do this is to get two long, narrow sheets of parchment paper and criss-cross them over the pan, with some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to pull the caramel out of the pan to cut it. Set aside.
  • Add cream, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and butter to a small saucepan. Place on stove and turn on heat to medium low. Heat through until butter is melted and then turn off heat. Set aside.
  • Add sugar, apple cider, and corn syrup to a 4-quart saucepan and stir until combined. Use a spatula to scrape all the sugar granules from the side of the saucepan. This will keep the caramels' texture smooth.
  • Add a candy thermometer to the sauce pan so that the tip is emerged in the caramel and clip to the side of the sauce pan. Turn heat to medium to begin the caramelization process. Do not stir at all during this step. The mixture will begin to bubble and the temperature will slowly climb. The color will begin to change after 250 degrees but don't remove it from the heat until about 295-300 degrees. This will ensure that the caramels are a deep golden brown.
  • Remove from heat and remove thermometer. Add warmed cream mixture to the caramelized sugar. Slowly whisk the mixture together. Be very careful in this step! The mixture will bubble violently and triple in size. Add thermometer back to the combined mixture.
  • Heat combined mixture over medium heat until it gets to about 245-250 degrees. Do not stir! As soon as it gets to the desired temperature, remove from heat and immediately sprinkle in apple pie spice and vanilla and whisk together. Pour into prepared pan.
  • Let caramels cool down and set for a few hours, preferably overnight. If you're in a rush, you can place them in the fridge until solid. Sprinkle with flaky salt before cutting.
  • Cut parchment paper or waxed paper into 48 4x4 squares. This will be used to wrap the caramels. Once caramels are set, cut into 8 long strips and then 6 strips the other direction. This will give you 48 caramels. Place each caramel on a parchment paper square, roll them and then twist in the opposite direction. Repeat with remaining squares.

Notes

Recipe developed with help from The Kitchn

Yum

apple cider caramels collage

More recipes that you’ll enjoy:

Sea Salt Caramels

Sea Salt Caramel On a Wax Paper Sheet

Apple Cider Crumb Doughnuts
Apple Cider Crumb Doughnuts Stack
Pretzel Rolo Cookie Cups

Pretzel Rolo Cookie Cup With a Bite Missing

Comments

  1. toon tone says

    These apple cider caramels sound amazing! I love that they’re so easy to make with simple ingredients. The spices must give them such a cozy fall flavor. Can’t wait to try this recipe for the holidays!

    Reply

  2. Wizard Alchemy says

    Hmm, I noticed the recipe uses 1/4 cup apple cider instead of water and adds 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice – you need a candy thermometer to hit 250-275 degrees! As someone who loves Wizard Alchemy games but never made caramel, this actually looks doable.

    Reply

  3. Toon Tone says

    I’ve always been intimidated by homemade caramels, but your trick of swapping the water for apple cider plus adding apple pie spice sounds like such a brilliant fall twist. The description of the non-sticky chew really sold me — definitely trying these this weekend!

    Reply

  4. brush jjaemu says

    I love how you embrace the fall season with baking and decorating! It’s the perfect time to enjoy cozy treats and stylish outfits. Being #basic is totally fine when it comes to enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

    Reply

  19. Flux2 says

    Omg these sound like autumn in a candy wrapper! Love the idea of swapping the water for cider, gonna try this with my kiddo this weekend. We might even add a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Use Flux 2

    Reply

  23. Robert Bland says

    It has been around for centuries and was used in both cooking and medicine. Manufactured from fermented whole apples, the best apple cider vinegar is raw. That is to say it has not been pasteurized, distilled or filtered as these processes can reduce the healthful properties of the vinegar.

    Thank you for this post, I will try this recipe.

    Reply

  24. C. Kneser says

    In using sugar, being diabetic, has anyone used a sugar substitute- stevia or equal instead of regular sugar? Would the taste be to off with the substitute?

    Making the salted caramels, have you tried making a chocolate salted caramel? What would you use for the chocolate? Just thinking….
    Curious

    Reply

    • Sharon says

      I have never tried before, but I did find a little article that gives some examples of sugar-free caramels. Check it out here and let me know if it worked out!

      Reply

  25. Sarah says

    Got the opportunity to sample 2 of these delicious little Apple Cider Caramels and wow! was very impressed with this sweet treat. From the 1st twist of opening these little guys I was sold on how great they were. Was so impressed with how easy these chews came off the wrapper with zero mess. The flavor was spot on with a hint of apple cider for fall and a taste of salt that made me want to eat the 2nd caramel as soon as I finished the 1st. (And no worries – I did) Definitely enjoyed these and were a perfect sized treat that will definitely impress all who get to partake. Great job Sharon and thanks for the sample 🙂

    Reply

  26. Hannah says

    Oh my goodness, these look heavenly!!! I’m definitely going to have to try and make these sometimes but they sound relatively complicated so there’s a good chance I may mess them up a time or two, or five haha. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Sharon says

      No I promise they are so super simple! The candy thermometer will save your life so you can’t possible mess these up. You got this!

      Reply

  32. charlotte says

    These look so delicious! I love caramels (I mean, who doesn’t, right??) and they sound amazing with the apple cider combo. I’m all for fall everything, too…. well into November when the transition to winter has already started 🙂

    Reply

  35. Paige Strand says

    Last time we made caramels, they were rocks! This recipe looks really good might try it and see if I can make edible ones lol

    Reply

    • Sharon says

      The heavy cream is key to getting these babies to be chewy. And you want to me very mindful of the temperature. If it cooks too long, they will become more like rock sugar!

      Reply

  36. Kristin says

    Oh my goodness these look amazing! I just saved this for later. Caramel apple cider is my favorite drink and these are pushing it all into one piece of candy!

    Reply

    • Sharon says

      So super simple, right?! It’s such a fun idea to do with kids and significant others. Plus, they can help wrap all the caramels 🙂

      Reply

    • Sharon says

      Thanks so much! I love making caramels too! I am finally comfortable making them where I don’t get nervous that they’ll burn!

      Reply

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