Apple cider syrup is a concentrated fruit syrup, the main ingredient of which is apple cider. It has an opaque or dark brown appearance and is concentrated into a rich, caramel-like consistency with a tart and sweet apple flavor.
I personally love the natural apple sugars mixed with its tanginess to uplift nuances in baking and cooking. This blend also differs from traditional syrups like honey and maple syrup to appeal to those who don’t have as much of a sweet tooth.
The great news is that anyone can make this concentrated cider easily at home and I’ll give you my secret recipe with just a few ingredients that you can use to craft this wonder in under 10 minutes.
The Ingredients for the Easiest and Best Apple Cider Syrup Recipe
If you’d like your apple molasses to have a distinctive taste, it’s not sufficient to boil just this ingredient until you get a thick liquid. When spices and savors are stirred into this deliciously gooey substance, your palate will thank you.
So use these ingredients to give yourself an out-of-this-world experience:
1. Spices
No matter the recipe you wish to follow, using cinnamon is a must! It adds a slightly spicy, sweet, and warm taste to the final product, enhancing the natural apple taste by adding depth, richness, and a cozy, autumn-like aroma, perfect for those fall and winter recipes.
The combination creates a comforting, slightly woody, and mildly peppery flavor profile, making the syrup perfect for most dishes.
Other than cinnamon, I also like adding nutmeg for a nutty, spicy, and sweet note. Half a teaspoon of each spice is more than enough for a heart-enriching effect.
2. Cornstarch
This is ideal for quicker thickening and a perfect addition for those who prefer a richer syrup. To use cornstarch you’ll need water to dissolve 2 tablespoons of it before whisking it into the apple cider and spice combination.
3. Fresh Apple Cider
And, drumrolls…
I reserved the most important ingredient for last! Fresh apple cider is pure, meaning it does not contain any added sugars or spices.
It’s important not to confuse this with apple juice, which you’ll find in a completely different aisle in your local supermarket along with other fruit juices. Additionally, in many places, apple cider might only be available in the fall and winter.
You’ll need 2 cups of pure apple cider for this recipe.
Combining the Ingredients
Once all the ingredients are gathered, all you’ll need is a saucepan, measuring spoons, a measuring cup, and a wooden spoon for the final preparation.
In the saucepan, pour the fresh apple cider and mix in the spices. Set the saucepan on the stove on medium heat until it starts boiling.
Continue boiling for about a minute and slowly pour the cornstarch-water solution into the saucepan while mixing continuously with the wooden spoon.
While the water evaporates and the cornstarch starts producing its effects, you’ll notice the apple cider getting a thicker consistency.
Optional Ingredients
1. Brown Sugar
To give your recipe added sweetness, you can use brown sugar. I prefer adding it when I’m using the syrup on baked products or yogurt.
2. Butter
Butter adds a rich, creamy, warm, and slightly caramel-like flavor to apple cider syrup. It makes the syrup silky and smooth while rounding out the acidity of the apple cider.
3. Lemon Juice
If you’re adding sugar, the lemon juice tartness will help balance the excess sweetness.
4. Vanilla Extract
Many people, myself included, love the hint of vanilla flavoring in the baked products. When included in apple cider, it gives the syrup a smooth, sweet, and slightly floral flavor while enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples and balancing the acidity of the cider.
It’s also a great compliment to the spices used in the recipe. The result is a syrup with a rounder, more mellow taste and a wonderful aroma, similar to the rich flavors found in apple pie, caramel, or baked goods.
Storage
Your prepared syrup can last a week if stored properly in the refrigerator. Take a thoroughly cleaned and dried glass or mason jar and pour the cooled liquid into it using a funnel to prevent any leaks or losses.
Seal it with a lid and keep it in your fridge. If the next time you use it, you find that the syrup is too thick, you can warm it up inside a microwave for a smoother consistency and flow.
Apple Cider Syrup Uses
This versatile ingredient can be used in different ways to give your dishes a unique flavor profile that you and your guests will fall in love with. Having used it for many years in my recipes, here’s what I've learned about its different uses.
It acts as a sweetener
The syrup serves as a great alternative to maple syrup, sugar, and honey for waffles, oatmeal, and pancakes.
Baking and Desserts
I often add apple cider syrup while baking pies, muffins, or bread for a deep apple flavor or simply pour it on ice cream, yogurt, cakes, and pastries for a sweet, tangy adventure.
Glazes and Sauces
It can be blended with mustard or vinegar for meat glazes or drizzled over roasted vegetables. The tangy-sweet mix integrates well with savory dishes to give them just the right appeal for those special moments.
Drinks
You can also keep aside some apple cider syrup to stir into teas, cocktails, or warm cider for extra creaminess and richness.
Of course, don’t limit yourself to these. You can get as creative as you want since a good chef knows that the art of cooking and baking knows no bounds!
Apple Cider Syrup for a Deliciously Sumptuous Breakfast
On the Menu: French Toast and a Fruit Yogurt Bowl
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Yet, I see many of my friends skipping it either because they don’t have the appetite to eat first thing in the morning, they don’t think it’s important, they feel they don’t have enough time to prepare something in the morning, or they’re bored to death switching between the same few recipes they’ve known for a long time.
That’s why I'm here to help you create an artsy breakfast filled with sweet and tangy flavors that you won’t be able to get enough of.
And I know what you might be thinking: “But French toast and fruit yogurt bowls are extremely habitual! I’ve made them a gazillion times!” Well, sure, I hear you! But this recipe will transform them into something completely offbeat. So, let’s get started.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
Half cup milk
Half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder
Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons butter
Bread of your choice
Apple cider syrup
Yogurt
Fresh fruit of your choice
Procedure
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Inside a bowl, whisk together two eggs until you achieve an even consistency.
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Add cinnamon and continue mixing until the powder is nicely combined with the eggs.
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Take a non-stick skillet, place it on the stove over medium heat, and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in it.
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Take a slice of bread, dunk it in the egg-cinnamon combination to coat both sides thoroughly, and place it in the pan. If the pan allows for more slices, you can add more slices but avoid overcrowding the pan.
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Cook for about 3 minutes on each side or until you get a golden surface.
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Repeat the process to make as much French toast as possible.
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Enjoy the readied French toast with apple cider syrup and butter
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In another bowl, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of yogurt topped with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, bananas, and apples.
There you have it, a nutritious, hearty, sweet, and tangy breakfast that will keep you filled and energetic throughout the day. No more worrying about a loss in productivity because of a lack of fuel within your body.
Why Certain People Prefer Apple Cider Syrup to Maple Syrup
While both are used to add richness and complexity to food, certain people prefer apple cider syrup, especially those who dislike the excessive sweetness found in maple
Syrup.
Apple cider syrup is also special because of its different flavor hints and nuances and versatility.
Flavor Profile
This fruity and spicy combination neutralizes the taste to give a distinct caramel and apple note that you won't find anywhere else in the market.
This makes it a fantastic alternative when you want something with a lighter, fresher, and slightly more complex flavor than the rich, woody notes of maple syrup.
It also blends in well with whole spices such as cinnamon to give the syrup an added warmth and autumn-like boost.
Versatility
Apple cider syrup can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, from drizzling over pancakes and waffles to glazing meats like pork or chicken.
It complements roasted vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes and even enhances salad dressings. This increases its usage range, making it a go-to syrup for every occasion.
Maple syrup, on the other hand, goes best with sweeter foods.
Local and Seasonal Appeal
Apple cider syrup is more popularly produced in regions where apples are abundant like New England or parts of the Midwest. People living in these areas pride themselves in showcasing local produce and offering something unique.
In fall, apple harvesting and cider-making are in full swing, thereby allowing residents to indulge in their passions and generate considerable revenue.
A Lower Glycemic Index Depending on Where its Produced
Some versions of apple cider syrup, especially those with minimal processing, can have less sugar that spikes your blood glucose compared to traditional maple syrup, though this can vary depending on the sugar content used in production.
While both syrups are high in sugars, apple cider syrup might offer a slightly more balanced sweetness when prepared with natural ingredients.
Lower Calories in Certain Cases
Apple cider syrup may be a healthier option compared to maple syrup, especially if it’s made with less or no added sugar. This can make it a lighter option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing sweetness.
Cost and Availability
Apple cider syrup can be a more affordable alternative to maple syrup, especially in regions where apple cider is locally produced and more abundant.
Maple syrup, on the other hand, can be more expensive, especially pure maple syrup, which requires a significant amount of sap to produce.
A Quirky Twist in Recipes
Apple cider syrup provides a novel twist in traditional recipes, giving dishes like apple pies, baked goods, and desserts an extra layer of flavor that maple syrup can’t match. It can also be used as an ingredient to make homemade apple cider vinegar-based dressings or glazes.
So, if you’re after a fruity, tangy, and spiced flavor combination that adds freshness and versatility to your meals without adding pounds to your weight, you should give this magic ingredient a try.
The exciting news is that it can give all your dishes an edge and a great flavor profile so that you and your guests can enjoy something innovative. If you aspire to be a chef, apple cider syrup will let you experiment creatively with dishes to produce something no one has thought of before.
For more clever and original apple cider recipes, visit our blog. We’re sure that what we have to offer will inspire you to start using this amazing element daily.