Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it feels like apple pie in a glass but with the cool, creamy twist of lassi. It’s indulgent yet refreshing, and perfect for when I want a dessert-like drink that isn’t too heavy. I like making it during the fall season, but honestly, it’s so good I could enjoy it any time of year.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
For the Caramel Apple Pie Filling
5 cups Cosmic crisp apples chopped
¾ cup Sugar
⅓ cup Heavy cream
2 tbsp Butter
½ cup Water
2 tbsp Orange juice
¾ tsp Cinnamon
a pinch Nutmeg
For the Lassi
Apple mixture from the above (reserve a few tbsp for garnish)
2 cups Fresh yogurt
2 tbsp Caramel
For Garnish
Caramel sauce
Cinnamon
Thin slices of apple
Directions
I start by cooking the chopped apples with orange juice and water in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat for about 7–8 minutes, until the apples begin to soften.
While they cook, I prepare the caramel sauce by heating the sugar without stirring until it starts to caramelize. I gently mix, then reduce the heat and add the butter and cream, whisking carefully until smooth.
I pour the caramel sauce over the apple mixture, then add the cinnamon and nutmeg. I let it cook another 8–9 minutes until the liquid thickens into a syrup, then remove it from the heat and let it cool.
Once cooled, I blend the apple pie filling with chilled fresh yogurt and caramel until smooth, reserving a few spoonfuls of the filling if I want to garnish later.
For serving, I sometimes add the reserved apple filling at the bottom of each glass, drizzle extra caramel along the sides, then pour in the lassi. I garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, more caramel, and thin apple slices before serving immediately.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. The preparation and cooking take around 25 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes of cooling time, so I can usually have it ready in about 40 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I swap the Cosmic Crisp apples for Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different flavor profile. If I want a lighter version, I use low-fat yogurt instead of whole. For a more indulgent treat, I like to stir in extra caramel or top it with a dollop of whipped cream. I’ve even added a splash of vanilla extract for a more dessert-like finish.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover lassi in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before serving again, I give it a quick stir or blend since it can separate slightly. The caramel apple mixture itself can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, which makes it easy to whip up lassis quickly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, I often swap in Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples for a slightly different sweetness and texture.
Do I have to make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Not necessarily. I sometimes use store-bought caramel sauce if I’m in a hurry, though homemade tastes richer.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, I replace yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt, and use a dairy-free caramel sauce to make it vegan.
How sweet is this lassi?
It’s moderately sweet, but I adjust the sugar and caramel depending on how indulgent I want it to be.
Can I serve it warm instead of cold?
While lassi is traditionally cold, I’ve tried serving the apple mixture warm with a small amount of yogurt stirred in—it’s more like a dessert than a drink, but still delicious.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
I sometimes use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a slightly different richness.
Can I prepare the apple filling ahead of time?
Yes, the apple mixture can be made 2–3 days in advance and stored in the fridge until I’m ready to blend the lassi.
What’s the best way to garnish this lassi?
I like to drizzle caramel down the inside of the glass, sprinkle cinnamon on top, and add thin apple slices for a pretty finish.
Can I make it thicker?
Yes, I use Greek yogurt or reduce the amount of liquid when cooking the apples to get a thicker consistency.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the apple pie flavors, though I sometimes reduce the spices for a milder taste.
Conclusion
Caramel apple lassi is one of my favorite drinks when I want something that feels like a dessert but is still refreshing. I love the balance of spiced apples, creamy yogurt, and sweet caramel, and the fact that I can easily customize it to my taste. It’s a comforting yet cooling treat that always feels special, no matter the season.
Caramel Apple Lassi
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop and Blending
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Apple Lassi is a creamy, spiced yogurt drink that blends caramel, apples, and warm spices for a dessert-like yet refreshing treat. It tastes like apple pie in a glass with the smoothness of a traditional lassi.
Ingredients
5 cups Cosmic Crisp apples, chopped
¾ cup sugar
⅓ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp butter
½ cup water
2 tbsp orange juice
¾ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
2 cups fresh yogurt (chilled)
2 tbsp caramel
Caramel sauce (for garnish)
Cinnamon (for garnish)
Thin apple slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, cook chopped apples with orange juice and water over medium heat for 7–8 minutes until slightly softened.
- Meanwhile, make caramel sauce: heat sugar without stirring until it caramelizes, then reduce heat and whisk in butter and cream until smooth.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the apple mixture, add cinnamon and nutmeg, and cook for 8–9 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Blend cooled apple mixture with yogurt and caramel until smooth, reserving some apple filling for garnish if desired.
- For serving, optionally layer reserved apple filling at the bottom of each glass, drizzle caramel on the sides, and pour in the lassi.
- Garnish with cinnamon, caramel sauce, and thin apple slices. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples if Cosmic Crisp is unavailable.
Make it lighter with low-fat or Greek yogurt, or more indulgent with whipped cream.
The apple mixture can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Store leftover lassi in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and stir before serving.
Vegan version: use coconut or almond yogurt and dairy-free caramel.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
