Name: Apple Cider Syrup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 4 cups apple cider; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 6 tablespoons butter

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fall in a bottle – With apple cider and pumpkin pie spice, it’s the ultimate autumn flavor combo.
Versatile use – Perfect on breakfast foods or desserts like ice cream and pound cake.
Easy to make – Just a few simple ingredients and one pot.
Make-ahead friendly – Stores well in the fridge for months.
Great for gifting – Pour it into jars for a sweet homemade gift.
Kid-approved – Sweet, buttery, and perfectly spiced.
Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and stretches to 40 servings.
Customizable – Adjust spices or sweetness to your taste.
No preservatives – All-natural, homemade goodness.
Delicious warm or cold – Enjoy it straight from the fridge or heated up.

Apple Cider Syrup

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
4 cups apple cider
1 tablespoon lemon juice
6 tablespoons butter

Directions

Mix dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and pumpkin pie spice.
Add liquids: Pour in the apple cider and lemon juice, stirring until the dry ingredients are fully dissolved.
Boil and simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to avoid a rolling boil. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Finish with butter: After 30 minutes, stir in the butter until completely melted. Remove from heat.
Cool and store: Pour the syrup into canning jars. Let it cool before sealing with lids. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Serve: To use, microwave syrup in the jar for 1–2 minutes. Pour over your favorite foods and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 40
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Spicier version: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a stronger spice kick.
Maple twist: Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup for extra depth.
Boozy version: Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum after cooking (once cooled slightly).
Vegan: Use plant-based butter instead of dairy butter.
Less sweet: Reduce the sugar slightly or add more cider to balance.
Cider blend: Try mixing apple cider with pear juice for a unique fruit combo.
Salted butter: For a sweet-and-salty twist, use salted butter.
Zesty flavor: Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice.
Thicker syrup: Let the syrup simmer longer or add a bit more cornstarch.
Spiked caramel flavor: Add a touch of molasses or brown sugar for a richer taste.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooled syrup in airtight jars in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months thanks to the high sugar content.

To reheat, simply microwave the jar (with the lid off) for 1–2 minutes, or pour into a saucepan and warm gently on the stovetop. Always stir before serving.

FAQs

What can I serve apple cider syrup with?

It’s perfect on pancakes, waffles, French toast, ice cream, pound cake, yogurt, oatmeal, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables.

Can I can this syrup for long-term storage?

This recipe is best stored in the refrigerator. For safe shelf-stable canning, a tested and approved recipe specifically for canning would be required.

Is it safe to microwave the syrup in a glass jar?

Yes, as long as the jar is microwave-safe and the lid is removed before heating.

Can I freeze the syrup?

Yes, you can freeze the syrup in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

Apple juice lacks the depth of flavor that cider provides, but it can be used in a pinch. Just note the syrup will be sweeter and less complex.

Why is cornstarch used in the recipe?

Cornstarch helps slightly thicken the syrup, giving it a smoother, more luxurious texture.

Can I make this syrup thinner or thicker?

Yes. Simmer longer for a thicker syrup or add a splash of cider after cooking to thin it out.

Does it need to be refrigerated?

Yes, for best quality and safety, refrigerate the syrup in a sealed container.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, brown sugar will give the syrup a deeper, molasses-like flavor.

Is this syrup gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, but always check your labels to be sure.

Conclusion

This Apple Cider Syrup is a simple yet delicious way to bring the flavors of fall to your table. With just a handful of ingredients, it creates a rich, buttery syrup that’s endlessly versatile and perfect for everything from breakfast to dessert. Whether you’re gifting a jar or treating yourself, this homemade syrup is sure to become a seasonal favorite.