For when you want and you're feeling

Apple Cider Syrup

Boil up some cider to make Apple Cider Syrup! This simple recipe requires just one ingredient for a fall-inspired breakfast treat. We’ll go through a step by step guide for making apple syrup from cider, it’s very simple. Pour it over pancakes, add it to oatmeal, swirl into a latte…the possibilities are endless! 

four pancakes on a plate covered in apple cider syrup

An Apple Cider Syrup Recipe you can make right at home

Apple cider is perhaps one of the most clear expressions of an autumn beverage. Whether warmed with spices or chilled with fresh fruit in sangria, it’s a classic fall ingredient with SO many uses. Today’s recipe is a more unique spin, but I promise just as delicious. With just 1 ingredient and 5 hours inactive cooking time, you can have an ideal edible gift idea this holiday season (not that theres anything wrong with granola). That’s right, we’re making apple cider syrup!

side view of glass ball jar labeled " apple cider syrup" next to an antique silver fork

How to Make Boiled Apple Cider Syrup

  1. First, you’ll pour your cider into an extra large pot and bring it to a boil.
  2. Then, you’ll let the cider simmer for 3-6 hours (this can vary based on the pot you’re using).
  3. Once your syrup reaches a depth of about one fourth of an inch, it’s done! You’ll let it cool, decant into jars, and refrigerate for one to two weeks.

As I alluded to, boiled apple cider is really quite simple to make. This is only a “project” in the sense that it requires quite a bit of time for the water to cook away from the cider, leaving behind pure apple sugars. I like to reserve this for a time when I know I’ll be at home for a while. It actually is a perfect task for a not-so-busy work from home day. As a bonus, your entire kitchen will smell like a fall candle.

hand holding jar of boiled apple cider pouring it onto a stack of pancakes

I appreciate this recipe’s versatility. Feel free to use apple cider syrup in any recipe that calls for maple syrup as a sweetener; it will help impart autumnal flavors. For these photos I used it for breakfast, but I could see if being just as delicious in a hot beverage or even mixed into salad dressing.

Recipes Using Apple Cider Syrup

These are just a few of my initial ideas. Please let me know if you think of others! I hope you enjoy this recipe. Please feel free to let me know in the comments or on Instagram if you give it a try.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
stack of pancakes with apple cider syrup dripping down

Apple Cider Syrup


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 5 hours 1 minutes
  • Yield: 1.5 cups 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Boil up some cider to make Apple Cider Syrup! This simple recipe requires just one ingredient for a fall-inspired breakfast treat. We’ll go through a step by step guide for making apple syrup from cider, it’s very simple. Pour it over pancakes, add it to oatmeal, swirl into a latte…the possibilities are endless!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 gallon apple cider (ideally high-quality with no additives)
  • time 🙂

Instructions

  1. Grab a large stock pot and carefully pour in entire gallon of apple cider. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil.
  2. Once boiling, lower heat to a medium simmer and let cook down, stirring sides occasionally (every 30 minutes or so). The water will begin to cook off. This process will take anywhere from 3-6 hours, depending on your pot and stovetop. I let mine cook down to a depth of 1 fourth of an inch in the pan. It will begin to look thick and molasses-like. Be sure to not let it cook further that 1 eighth of an inch, as that runs the risk of scorching the cider and causing a very bitter final product. A good way to measure the progress you’ve made is to stick a wooden skewer or chopstick straight up in the cider, to see what line appears on the wood. Remove from the heat.
  3. Once cider has cooled, carefully ladle from the pot into a heatproof container.
  4. An important note: the cider will firm up quite a bit as it cools (similar to warm v. cold maple syrup). Be mindful of this as you decide when to remove the cider from the heat. If you accidentally cook it too far and end up with cooled apple caramel, that’s OK! Simply reheat in a microwave-safe container before using.

Notes

Cider should keep, refrigerated, for 1-2 weeks in a sealed container.

  • Prep Time: 1 minute
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 TBS
  • Calories: 147 calories
  • Sugar: 33g
  • Sodium: 6.7mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Pin this Apple Cider Syrup recipe

Boil up some cider to make Apple Cider Syrup! This simple recipe requires just one ingredient for a fall-inspired breakfast treat. Pour it over pancakes, add it to oatmeal, swirl into a latte...the possibilities are endless! 

Portrait of Emily Meyers, founder of Garlic Head

About the Author

Emily (Frigon) Meyers is the founder of Garlic Head, a plant-based recipe website for all eaters who want to easily, affordably, and sustainably incorporate more vegetables into their diets while saving time and money. She is a lifelong vegetarian and 10+ year vegan. Garlic Head does not focus on labels - it focuses on creating food that everyone can enjoy.

Emily earned a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University along with degrees in Economics, Spanish, and Global Sustainability from the University of Pittsburgh. She has been featured on numerous podcasts and websites including The Food Institute, VegNews, Buzzfeed, and the Boston Globe.

Meet Emily here.

Love this post? Share the love!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Garlic Head Logo

Garlic Head is a community for food lovers that is focused on providing affordable, simple, & delicious plant-based recipes to help us feel our best.

iPhone X displaying Garlic Head's "3-Ingredients Cocktails" e-Book

Free Resource

Get this e-book for free!

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.
For when you're feeling...
Our recipes look great on Pinterest!