If you love fall desserts, apple-y treats, or salted caramel anything, this is the apple cider milkshake you’ll want on repeat! Boiling the apple cider to reduce it before making these shakes is what makes them so rich and flavorful. All that apple goodness in every sip without watering anything down. Finish it off with homemade salted caramel for an extra-indulgent, over-the-top treat. Originally published December 11, 2013.
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My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard…
Actually, it’s my sister-in-law Sandi’s milkshake, not mine. She told me the other day that her 7-year-old son pointed to her chest and said, “Are you ever going to use those things again?”
His little brother Eli hasn’t nursed in a good 3 years. This kid’s got a long memory and a minimalist attitude, apparently. Throw out that useless bosom, already, Mom. Geez.
Or maybe he’s just confused about this whole breast concept. Years ago, he came up to his dad and said, “I found the things that hold the things that feed Eli,” and held up his mom’s bra.
Very astute, I must say.
On Halloween, we had a doughnut party. We made the Pioneer Woman’s doughnuts and set up a glaze bar where people could top their own. We had chocolate, Nutella, vanilla, and apple cider. The apple cider glaze stole the show, if you ask me. It was just reduced apple cider whisked with powdered sugar. It was out of control good, I wanted to drink the stuff.
Then a few weeks later, Eric saw some spiced cider in the fridge and said he wanted to make a shake with it. (My husband is addicted to milkshakes. Like really. He probably makes them 3 times a week.) So I told him to reduce the apple cider first…and this shake was born.
You’ll love these caramel apple cider shakes
These shakes are pretty incredible. The apple flavor is so concentrated that you get all the cidery goodness without watering down your shake. The salted caramel just puts it over the top. I’ve tried it with and without the caramel, and I like it both ways, so if you’re not feeling the caramel or don’t have any, leave it out, no prob.
Oh, and I don’t care that it’s record-breaking cold in your town right now. Man up. It’s never too cold for shakes.
Caramel apple milkshake key ingredients
The ingredient list is actually pretty short, but listen up:
- Reduced spiced apple cider is the star of this recipe. It adds deep apple flavor and warm notes of cinnamon and cloves without watering down the shake.
- Creamy vanilla ice cream blends in for the perfect smooth, sweet base that makes these shakes thick and frosty and totally addictive. Go with the good stuff here. You won´t regret it.
- Salted caramel sauce is, not necessary, but 100% worth it. The saltiness of the caramel balances out the rich sweetness of the milkshake. I do recommend making this salted caramel sauce and not going with a store-bought version. It just tastes better. If you do go with a store-bought version, do yourself a favor and get the best one you can find. It really is worth it.
How to make caramel apple cider reduction shakes
Start by simmering two cups of spiced apple cider over high heat until it reduces to about ½ cup, stirring occasionally (about 15 minutes in a large saucepan or up to 30 minutes in a small one).
This adds a ton of flavor without adding any wateriness. Chill the reduced cider completely. You can either freeze for an hour or refrigerate for 2–3 hours.
Now it’s time to make the shakes!
Blend vanilla ice cream with the chilled cider and two tablespoons of salted caramel sauce until smooth. You can adjust the thickness with a splash of apple cider or an extra scoop of ice cream. Top with more caramel drizzled on top, because of course.
How to store caramel apple milkshakes
These shakes are best enjoyed right away. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. Let the shake sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before stirring or re-blending to bring back that smooth consistency.
You can also freeze the reduced apple cider separately for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before blending your next batch of milkshakes.
More ice cream recipes!
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Caramel Apple Cider Reduction Shakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups spiced apple cider
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 2 tablespoons salted caramel sauce, or to taste
Instructions
- Add 2 cups of spiced apple cider to a saucepan and turn the heat to high. Boil until it has reduced to about 1/2 cup of liquid, stirring occasionally. In a large saucepan, this took almost exactly 15 minutes. In a small saucepan, it took more like a half hour.
- Transfer to a container and chill completely. You can freeze for one hour, or stick it in the fridge for 2-3 hours.
- Add 2 cups of vanilla ice cream to a blender. Add the reduced cider. Add 2 tablespoons salted caramel sauce. Blend until smooth. Add more regular apple cider if it is too thick, or more ice cream if it's too thin.
- Serve with additional caramel drizzled on top.
Your nephew sounds like quite the character. This shake looks delicious. I’ll have to try it when it warms up or I man up more :) The windchill is 10 below here so I bake just so I can hang around the oven for extra heat!
I totally do that Laura! I’m an oven lurker.
Wow! This looks so easy and so amazing! I love shakes too. I could drink them any time of year.
I know, I don’t know why we limit ourselves to summer for ice cream and shakes :) I have another ice cream recipe coming up soon too…
Hahaha I can’t get over the funny things kids say. Caramel apple is one of my favorite flavor profiles of fall/winter, and am dying over seeing it in a milkshake!
I know, kids are just the best. Or the worst, depending on the situation :) haha. Let me know if you try these out!
These look amaaaazing! I think I’m going to have to make these this weekend…I’ve been craving a shake and this sound perfect.
Thanks Jaclyn! I hope you do try it. Let me know how it goes :)
I can’t even nurse with my bosom. So, they’re like useless flesh, for decorative purposes only. Your nephew would be quite confused as to why I even bother having them around. I’ve wondered that myself a few times…
My husband is obsessed with lemonade slushies. Some frozen lemonade concentrate, some ice, some milk, and sugar to taste. You can even throw in frozen strawberries for a strawberry-lemonade slushie. And you can pretend to yourself that they’re quasi-healthy, because Hey? Fruit.
“Decorative purposes only.” bahaha.
I think I’m going to have to try that slushie. Also, talking about your boobs and then starting the next paragraph with ‘My husband is obsessed…” made for a very exciting conclusion-jump.
Your nephew is hilarious! Plus, these shakes look amazing – the pictures are phenomenal :) I’m up for a shake anytime of year. Thanks for sharing!
Aw thanks Megan! I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who could drink a shake in sub-zero weather.