As the crisp air of autumn sweeps in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, spiced beverage to soothe the soul and embrace the season’s charm. While Starbucks’ Caramel Apple Spice is a beloved fall classic, its high sugar and calorie content often leave us feeling a little less than refreshed. What if you could capture that same comforting flavor profile right in your own kitchen, but with a lighter, healthier twist? Look no further!

This recipe for a Skinny Copycat Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider offers the perfect solution. It’s a deliciously low-calorie, low-sugar alternative that delivers all the warmth and spice you crave without the guilt. Whether you prefer the speed of an Instant Pot or the leisurely pace of a slow cooker, we’ve got you covered with detailed instructions for both methods. Get ready to enjoy your favorite fall drink for brunch, parties, or simply as a cozy treat on a chilly evening.

Choose Your Method: Instant Pot or Slow Cooker

We understand that kitchen appliances vary from home to home. That’s why this versatile recipe comes with comprehensive instructions for both pressure cookers (like the Instant Pot) and traditional slow cookers (crockpots). You no longer have to worry about whether you have the “right” gadget – simply pick the method that best suits your schedule and equipment!

For those who love the convenience and speed, the Instant Pot will transform simple apples and spices into a warm, fragrant cider in minutes. If you prefer the set-it-and-forget-it approach, letting the aromas fill your home throughout the day, the slow cooker is your ideal choice. Both methods yield an incredibly delicious and aromatic caramel apple cider that will become a staple in your fall beverage rotation.

The “Skinny” Secret: Enjoying Flavor Without Excess Sugar

One of the main motivations behind creating this copycat recipe was to significantly reduce the sugar content found in Starbucks’ version. Let’s break it down: a tall Caramel Apple Spice at Starbucks contains approximately 300 calories and a staggering 55 grams of sugar. Upsize to a grande, and you’re looking at 380 calories and 71 grams of sugar. These numbers are quite eye-opening, especially when considering how often one might enjoy such a treat during the holiday season.

Apples themselves are naturally sweet, containing a good amount of sugar. A single Gala or Honeycrisp apple, for instance, has over 20 grams of natural sugar. Piling on additional refined sugars in a beverage can quickly lead to an excessive intake that your body doesn’t need. Our homemade version cleverly sidesteps this by leveraging the inherent sweetness of the apples and complementing it with a touch of organic stevia.

By using a minimal amount of organic stevia, this recipe achieves a delightful balance of sweetness and warm fall spices, reminiscent of the Starbucks favorite but without the sugar overload. This approach results in a significant reduction, saving you approximately 33 grams of sugar per serving compared to the original. You have the flexibility to adjust the sweetener to your personal preference, ensuring it’s just right for you.

Making your favorite drinks at home isn’t just about cutting down on sugar and calories; it’s also a fantastic way to save money and maintain a healthier lifestyle. You gain full control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor everything to your dietary needs and taste buds. This means enjoying all the festive flavors of the season, completely guilt-free.

Zero Waste: Enjoying More Than Just Cider

After your delicious cider has finished cooking, you’ll need to strain the mixture to separate the liquid from the cooked apple pulp. But don’t throw away those flavorful apple remnants! A fantastic perk of this recipe is that if you’re a fan of applesauce, you’ve just created a wonderful, subtly spiced fall version that you can save for later.

The strained apple mixture is essentially a cooked, spiced apple puree. You can enjoy it as a simple, healthy snack, use it as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt, or even incorporate it into baking recipes like muffins or quick breads. It’s a delicious way to minimize food waste and extend the enjoyment of your homemade efforts. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days, or freeze it for longer storage.

More Delightful Apple Recipes

If you’re loving the apple flavors of this cider, you might also enjoy these other fantastic apple-based recipes:

• Sugar-Free Apple Crisp
• Instant Pot Apple Sauce
• Instant Pot Apple Steel Cut Oats
• Sugar-Free Apple Butter
• Sugar-Free Apple Pie

And don’t miss out on another fantastic Starbucks copycat for fall:

And for a simple classic, remember: Instant Pot Applesauce!

More Delicious Instant Pot Creations

If you’re enjoying the efficiency and ease of your Instant Pot, here are more fantastic recipes to explore: