Kat's Kitchen

If you are an apple pie fan, get your grocery list ready so you can add these ingredients to it! This Caramel Apple Pie Steamer is incredible and so perfect for fall. Make a cup just for yourself or whip up a large batch for your family. It has everything you love about apple pie but in a cozy drinkable form. So grab your favorite mug and let’s get steamin’.

What Is A Steamer?

First things first, what even is a steamer? A steamer drink is a hot, caffeine-free drink that’s usually flavored and sweetened with syrups or sauces, and can often contain milk. This particular steamer recipe doesn’t have any milk in it, although you can certainly add some milk for an extra creamy Caramel Apple Pie Steamer!

Steamers are great for anyone looking for a caffeine free drink option! They’re perfect for kiddos, pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, those sensitive to caffeine, or anyone who just wants a yummy, warm beverage without the caffeine!

Ingredients Needed to Make a Caramel Apple Pie Steamer

Apple Juice – Using apple juice helps make this a super simple recipe you can make in under five minutes. Feel free to use apple cider if you prefer, either one is fabulous in this recipe!

Torani Caramel Sauce – For an easy and delicious sweet caramel vibe, I like to use the Torani Caramel Sauce. You can find it at any grocery store in the coffee aisle for around $6-$8. Feel free to use another brand of caramel sauce if you prefer, or even a homemade caramel sauce if you have a favorite. If you’re dairy free, opt for a dairy free caramel sauce. If you want a lower sugar option, use a sugar free caramel sauce!

Ground Cinnamon – You can’t have apple pie without lots of cinnamon! If you’re allergic or not a fan of cinnamon, simply just omit it entirely, or substitute with nutmeg or allspice.

Whipped Cream – The addition of whipped cream gives a similar vibe to adding vanilla ice cream on top of a warm slice of apple pie. It adds an extra layer of sweetness while also adding an extra layer of texture since the whipped cream is chilled. You can skip this altogether to save some calories, or simply opt for a sugar free or fat free whipped cream! If you are dairy free, they offer various dairy free options like oat milk whipped toppings or coconut whipped toppings! You could also make your own whipped cream at home if you prefer.

Equipment Needed to Make a Caramel Apple Pie Steamer

Mug – Since we’ll be making a steamer, you’ll need a mug that can handle hot liquids.

Milk Frothing Pitcher – Since we’re steaming the mixture to create a steamer, you will need a milk frothing pitcher. You add the apple juice and other ingredients into the milk frothing pitcher, and then insert a steam wand into the pitcher to add steam. If you don’t have a machine with a steam wand attached, you will not need a milk frothing pitcher.

Steam Wand – Many espresso machines have a steam wand attachment on the side. A steam wand is meant to steam milk and other liquids to create texture for drinks like lattes, macchiatos, cortados, etc. The best way to make a Caramel Apple Pie Steamer is to use a steam wand, but if you don’t have an espresso machine with a steam wand attached, no worries, you can still make this recipe without a steam wand.

Small Pot or Saucepan – If you don’t have a steam wand, you can make this recipe using a small pot or saucepan. You will simply add the ingredients to the saucepan or pot and then whisk or froth the mixture.

Whisk or Handheld Milk Frother – For the saucepan/pot method, you will need a whisk or a handheld milk frother to mimic the texture that a steam wand would give you. Steam wands add hot air and texture to the liquid, so we can mimic that using heat from a stove and texture from whisking the mixture or frothing with a handheld milk frother.

Blender – Another way you can create texture for an at home steamer is to blend hot ingredients in a blender. Make sure your blender can handle hot liquids, and then you can blend warmed apple juice and the other ingredients in a blender.

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s jump into the recipe!

How To Make A Caramel Apple Pie Steamer With a Steam Wand

1. To a milk frothing pitcher, combine apple juice, caramel sauce, and ground cinnamon.
2. Using a steam wand, steam the mixture until hot and textured.
3. Pour the steamed juice mixture into a mug and top with whipped cream, caramel sauce drizzle, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

How To Make A Caramel Apple Pie Steamer Without a Steam Wand

1. To a small pot or saucepan, combine apple juice, caramel sauce, and ground cinnamon.
2. Bring the mixture to a slight simmer, stirring often.
3. Once slightly simmering, whisk vigorously using a whisk or froth the mixture with a handheld milk frother until the mixture is frothy and bubbly.
4. Pour the juice mixture into a mug and top with whipped cream, caramel sauce drizzle, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this for a crowd?

Yes! This recipe can easily be adjusted for a large holiday party. Just combine apple juice, caramel sauce, and ground cinnamon in a large pot or slow cooker and keep it at a low simmer all day. Your home will smell lovely and guests can scoop out the juice mixture and add their desired toppings to make their own drink.

Can I heat this in the microwave instead of a pot?

Yes! Simply combine the apple juice, caramel sauce and cinnamon in a microwave safe mug. Microwave for 60 seconds, and then froth the mixture with a handheld milk frother and add your toppings.

Do I need to whisk/froth/steam the mixture?

You do not have to whisk/froth/steam the mixture. You can simply warm the ingredients in the microwave or on the stove and simply add your toppings.

How can I make this lower sugar?

For a lower sugar Caramel Apple Pie Steamer, use a no added sugar apple juice or a light apple juice, a sugar free caramel sauce, and a sugar free whipped cream/topping. You could even do half water half apple juice for a lower sugar option.

How can I make this dairy free?

For a dairy free version of this drink, you will need a dairy free caramel sauce and a dairy free whipped topping. Everything else can be kept the same.

Can I add milk to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can do equal parts milk and apple juice or you could do all milk, no apple juice, and then add apple syrup for that apple flavor and sweetness. I really like the Torani Apple Syrup, but you could also make a delicious homemade Spiced Apple Drizzle or Apple Brown Sugar Syrup that would both go great in this recipe!

More Warm Drink Recipes

• Mexican Hot Chocolate
• Cinnamon Pecan Dirty Chai