Happy Fall, y’all! The moment temperatures start to dip and that first hint of crisp air rolls in, I am immediately reaching for all things warm, spiced, and apple-scented. My Caramel Apple Simple Syrup is one of those recipes that just makes the whole season feel cozy and once you have a jar of it in your fridge, you will find yourself reaching for it every single day this season.
It is incredibly easy to make, comes together in about 20 minutes, and works beautifully in so many ways. Try stirring it into your morning coffee, drizzled over a bowl of oatmeal, splashed into a fall mocktail, or poured right over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The flavor is rich, warm, and deeply apple-forward with that gorgeous caramel depth from the brown sugar.
I used Primal Palate Apple Pie Spice Blend to get all those cozy fall flavors in one easy step – no measuring out individual spices required. Easy peasy! There are several wonderful apple pie spice blends out there these days, so feel free to choose your favorite, but check the label for hidden, possibly unwanted ingredients.
Why You Will Love This Caramel Apple Simple Syrup
There are so many reasons this syrup has become a fall staple in my kitchen:
- Ready in 20 minutes with just 5 simple ingredients
- Naturally paleo, gluten free, grain free, dairy free, vegan, nut free, and egg free
- Incredibly versatile – use your morning tea, coffee, cocktails, mocktails, baked goods, oatmeal, and more
- Made with real Granny Smith apples (or use your favorite apple variety) and warm apple pie spice for authentic fall flavor
- Makes a beautiful homemade gift in a pretty glass jar, here is a link to the stunning syrup bottles I use!
What You Need to Make This Apple Simple Syrup
You only need five ingredients to pull this syrup together:
- Water – the base of any simple syrup
- Brown Sugar – this is what gives the syrup that rich caramel color and flavor. Sub granulated sugar if you prefer a lighter, non-caramel version.
- Granny Smith Apples – tart and firm, they hold up beautifully while simmering and provide a bright apple flavor that balances the richness of the brown sugar, but feel free to also try out with your favorite apple variety.
- Apple Pie Spice – one blend, all the fall flavors. No fussing with individual spices!
- Vanilla Baking Salt (am.Niccoli) — a small but mighty touch that rounds out all the flavors beautifully
A Note on Apple Variety
Granny Smith apples are my go-to here because their tartness provides a great counterbalance to the sweetness of the brown sugar. That said, you can absolutely use other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala if that is what you have on hand. Sweeter apples will produce a slightly sweeter syrup – which is not a bad thing at all!
How to Make Caramel Apple Simple Syrup
This syrup is truly as simple as it gets. Here is how it comes together:
- Add sugar and water to a saucepan over low heat. Stir to combine and allow the sugar to begin dissolving.
- Add the sliced or diced apples, apple pie spice, and vanilla baking salt. Stir to combine and increase to medium heat until you reach a slow boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing all that apple goodness to fully infuse into the syrup.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof container, discarding the apple solids.
- Allow to cool completely, then transfer to a clean airtight container. Store refrigerated for several weeks.
Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Simple Syrup
- Do not rush the simmer – giving it a full 10 to 15 minutes, over low heat, ensures the apple flavor really infuses into the syrup
- Use a fine-mesh sieve for the cleanest, clearest syrup
- Let it cool fully before sealing in a jar – trapping steam shortens shelf life
- Want a lighter flavor? Swap brown sugar for granulated white sugar for a non-caramel version
Ways to Use This Fall Apple Simple Syrup
Once you have a jar of this in your fridge, the options are truly endless. Here are some of my favorite ways to put it to work:
In Coffee, teas & Lattes
Stir a tablespoon or two into your morning coffee, a hot latte, tea or an iced oat milk latte for an instant fall upgrade. It layers in beautifully without being overpowering – think of your favorite apple spice drink from the coffee shop, but made at home with real ingredients. It pairs especially well with my Apple Spice Latte recipe!
In Cocktails and Mocktails
This syrup shines in fall cocktails and mocktails alike. Shake it with bourbon and lemon juice for a simple fall whiskey sour, or stir it into sparkling water with a squeeze of lime for a refreshing non-alcoholic option. It is also gorgeous in a classic apple mule.
Drizzled Over Breakfast
Drizzle it over oatmeal, waffles, pancakes, or even a bowl of yogurt for a cozy fall breakfast. It is the kind of simple touch that makes an ordinary morning feel like a treat. Maybe even on my Apple Spice Waffles, c’mon – they’re meant to be paired together!
As a Dessert Topper
Pour it over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle it over apple crisp, or use it as a finishing touch on a slice of apple cake. It makes every dessert feel a little more special.
As a Homemade Gift
Pour it into a beautiful glass jar, tie on a ribbon, and it becomes one of the most thoughtful (and delicious) homemade gifts you can give during fall and holiday season. People absolutely love receiving something homemade and this one looks as gorgeous as it tastes.
How to Store Caramel Apple Simple Syrup
Store your syrup in a clean, airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for several weeks. Always use a clean spoon or pour directly from the jar to keep it fresh as long as possible.
If you want to extend the shelf life, a small splash of vodka or other neutral spirit stirred in can help preserve it a bit longer without changing the flavor noticeably.
Caramel Apple Simple Syrup (Paleo, Gluten Free)
Cuisine: CondimentDifficulty: Easy10
minutes10
minutesluscious apple infused simple syrup
Ingredients
1 cup Water
1 cup Brown Sugar, can sub granulated sugar for a “non” caramel syrup or maple/coconut sugar for strict Paleo
1 – 2 whole Apple, Granny Smith, washed and sliced or diced, you need about 1 cup
1/2 tsp Apple Pie Spice – use your favorite variety
1/8 tsp Vanilla Baking SALT – am.Niccoli, can sub standard salt
Directions
- Add sugar and water to a saucepan over low heat, stir to combine and allow the sugar to dissolve slightly.
- Add the apples, apple pie spice and salt to the sugar water, stir to combine and continue to heat over medium heat until you have a slow boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes to infuse all the apple goodness into the syrup.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a heat proof containerPour the cooled liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean, airtight container, discarding the apple solids.
- Store the apple simple syrup in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Notes
- This syrup is great for mocktails, cocktails, coffee, or tea not too mention to drizzle over your waffles or pancakes!
More Fall Recipes You Will Love
If you are leaning into all the cozy fall flavors this season, here are a few more recipes to try:
I hope this Caramel Apple Simple Syrup becomes a fall staple in your kitchen the way it has in mine. Once you make a batch, I promise you will find yourself putting it on everything! If you make it, I would love to hear how you used it – leave a comment below and let me know your favorite way to enjoy it.
