Nothing says fall like the warm, comforting aroma of spiced apple cider simmering in your kitchen. This Crock Pot Spiced Apple Cider recipe is perfect for parties, Thanksgiving, or for simply curling up with a good book. The recipe brings together fresh apples and seasonal spices, and will yield several servings of a subtly sweet, warm drink.
If you love apples, try out my crockpot apples with cinnamon, too!
Jump to:
- Why Make Apple Cider in the Crock Pot?
- Ways To Serve Crockpot Apple Cider
- Ingredient Notes
- Step-by-Step Guide to Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider
- Tips and Tricks for Choosing Apples
- FAQs
- Perfect Occasions for Crock Pot Spiced Apple Cider
- Other Cozy Drinks to Try This Fall
- More Recipes With Apples...
- Printable Recipe
Why Make Apple Cider in the Crock Pot?
Making apple cider in the crock pot is the easiest way to do it (and the easiest way to keep it warm). The slow cooker frees up your stovetop for other dishes, and it keeps the cider warm throughout the day. Plus, your house will smell amazing with the scents of apple, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices wafting through the air.
Hands-Off Cooking: The crock pot does most of the work for you, making it a stress-free, caffeine-free, alcohol-free addition to your menu.
Convenient for Entertaining: Your guests can ladle themselves a warm cup throughout the day.
Perfect for Cold Weather: This warm, spiced beverage is exactly what you want on a chilly autumn evening.
Ways To Serve Crockpot Apple Cider
One of the best things about homemade spiced apple cider is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas:
Experiment with Spices: Add nutmeg or star anise can add even more complexity of flavor to the cider. Just remember to keep whole spices intact to make straining easier.
Make It Boozy: For adult gatherings, consider adding a splash of bourbon, rum, or whiskey to individual servings. I also like adding prosecco to make an apple cider mimosa!
Add More Fruit: For aesthetics and flavor, add orange slices, more apple slices, or even cranberries for a festive twist.
Ingredient Notes
This Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider requires a few simple ingredients:
- Apples: I use a mix of Fuji and Honeycrisp (more about different apple varieties, later). Using these two types of apples allow this recipe to have no added sugar.
- Spices: Cinnamon sticks, ground cardamom, and cloves give the cider its signature warmth and spice.
- Vanilla bean: Adds to the intoxicating aroma of the cider. You can also sub for vanilla extract.
- Optional sweetener: if you're using apples that are not as sweet as Fuji or Honeycrisp, you may want to add some sweetener. I typically add a fourth cup of brown sugar if I'm using a tart apple.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider
Making spiced apple cider in the crock pot couldn’t be simpler. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop your apples and gather your spices. Cut open your half vanilla bean.
- Combine in Crockpot: Add all ingredients (including water) to the crockpot. Use only enough water to just cover all the apples.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the cider and add sweetener if needed.
- Strain the cider into a jug or bowl
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the warm cider into mugs, garnish with a cinnamon stick, and enjoy!
If you intend to keep the cider warm all day, rinse your crockpot insert after straining and discarding the apple pulp and pour your apple cider back into the insert and keep warm.
Tips and Tricks for Choosing Apples
When making apple cider, selecting the right apples is key to achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Fuji and Honeycrisp apples are ideal choices for homemade cider due to their naturally high sugar content and crisp texture, which contribute to a balanced, refreshing taste. Fuji apples bring a sweetness that’s both mild and floral, making them perfect for a smoother cider that appeals to most palates.
Honeycrisp apples, on the other hand, are known for their juicy, slightly tart bite, which adds a layer of complexity to the cider. Together, Fuji and Honeycrisp apples create a well-rounded cider that’s both sweet and slightly tangy, ideal for sipping or as a base for spiced apple drinks. For best results, look for firm, fresh apples to ensure a rich flavor in every sip.
Here's a great resource for anyone using apples for baking or cooking!
FAQs
1. Can I make spiced apple cider ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the cider several days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the crock pot before serving.
2. How long does spiced apple cider keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, spiced apple cider will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the crock pot.
3. Can I freeze apple cider?
Yes, you can freeze apple cider! Just cool it completely, pour it into a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Perfect Occasions for Crock Pot Spiced Apple Cider
Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, setting up a festive drinks station, or simply looking for a way to warm up after a cold day outdoors, Crock Pot Spiced Apple Cider fits the bill. It’s ideal for:
- Thanksgiving Feasts: A seasonal drink that everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy.
- Holiday Parties: Serve spiced apple cider alongside other holiday drinks to keep everyone warm.
- Outdoor Gatherings: Whether you’re enjoying a bonfire or simply spending time on the porch, warm cider is the perfect drink for chilly evenings.
Other Cozy Drinks to Try This Fall
If you enjoy this crock pot apple cider, consider trying some other fall-inspired drinks:
- Slow Cooker Hot White Chocolate: A twist on a classic that’s easy to make and perfect for large groups.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: For a caffeinated treat, make a homemade pumpkin spice latte with real pumpkin puree.
More Recipes With Apples...
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Printable Recipe
Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 3 lbs apples (Fuji and Honeycrisp - see notes)
- 2 sticks cinnamon (plus more for garnishing)
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 6 whole cloves
- 7-8 cups filtered water
- ½ vanilla bean
- ¼ cup brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Roughly chop the apples and gather your spices.
- Cut the vanilla bean open and open it up a little to allow the vanilla bean seeds to integrate with the rest of the cider ingredients while they slow cook.
- Add all the ingredients to the crockpot insert and pour water over them until the apples are covered. Give it a little stir.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours until the apples are stewed and soft.
- Use a potato masher to mash into apple sauce consistency.
- Strain into a bowl or a jug using a fine mesh strainer. If you intend to keep the cider warm all day, rinse your crockpot insert after straining and discarding the apple pulp and pour your apple cider back into the insert and keep warm.
- Taste the cider and add sweetener if needed.
- Ladle the warm cider into mugs, garnish with a cinnamon stick, and enjoy!
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