Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider
This delightful Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider recipe truly captures the essence of the cozy fall season. It's a breeze to whip up – simply set it and forget it! You'll only need a handful of ingredients to create this cider, which bursts with bold apple flavor, a hint of citrus, and a comforting blend of warm spices. Plus, you can sweeten it naturally if you like. Whether you enjoy it piping hot or chilled, it's the perfect companion for embracing the warmth of fall. Vegan + Gluten-free.
What Makes This Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider SO GOOD?
As soon as fall rolls around and the apple season kicks in, my excitement hits the roof! This Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider is the ultimate drink you'll want by your side this autumn and winter! It's brimming with all those wonderful spices and flavors that will wrap you in a warm, cozy embrace during those chilly winter days. Whether you're planning a holiday get-together or just looking to snuggle up, this cider is a must-have!
I've got some seriously delicious apple recipes up my sleeve that you absolutely must give a try. From the scrumptious Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts to the heavenly Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge and the addictive Fall Harvest Apple Bacon Crostini--there's a whole world of apple-inspired goodness waiting for you to savor!
I'm absolutely thrilled to share this Apple Cider recipe with all of you. Prior to this, I'd never tried making my own apple cider, always opting for the organic store-bought variety. But since giving it a shot at home, I've become a true believer! It's incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a slow cooker and a bit of patience. Packed with those delightful fall flavors, it can be savored both piping hot + refreshingly cold. It's ideal for whipping up a large batch, and the best part is you can even freeze it for later!
Jump to:
- What Makes This Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider SO GOOD?
- How To Make Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider
- Ingredients
- My Thoughts On The Slow Cooker?
- What Type Of Slow Cooker Is Best?
- Homemade Apple Cider Variations
- How To Serve Homemade Apple Cider
- Why You Will LOVE This Apple Cider Recipe
- What's So Good About Apples, Anyway?
- Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider Q + A's
- More Fall-Inspired Apple Recipes
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider
How To Make Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Making this apple cider recipe is a breeze! Just toss everything into your slow cooker, then cover everything with water, leaving an inch of space at the top to prevent spills. Let it simmer until the apples soften and the fragrance fills the air. Turn off the slow cooker, remove the oranges, and carefully strain the mixture into a large bowl, pressing the apples to extract all that delicious juice! Voila!
Ingredients
- Organic Gala apples: Provide fruity sweetness and a rich apple flavor.
- Large organic orange: Contributes a citrusy twist.
- Fresh water: Forms the base for the cider, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Cinnamon sticks: Infuse warmth and aromatic spice.
- Whole cloves: Add a bold and pungent note.
- Ground allspice: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm and earthy tones.
- Sweetener (organic brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave): Adds a touch of sweetness, depending on your preference.
My Thoughts On The Slow Cooker?
Whelp, honestly, I can attest to the awesomeness of the slow cooker! While I haven’t used it to the magnitude of others (Yes–some have baked cakes, cheesecakes, etc. in theirs!), I can say that it’s a really good kitchen appliance to have available.
I truly love the ease of use and the ‘set it and forget it’ ability, which gives you more flexibility to make your meal and do other things, especially if you’re really busy.I'll definitely be putting it to good use throughout the fall and winter seasons.
There's nothing quite like crafting cozy, warming soups in it to share with the family. I love this Slow Cooker Quinoa Veggie Soup and Easy Flavorful Rigatoni Meatball Soup---which by the way are super popular with our readers too! And for good reason---- they are amazingly delicious!
What Type Of Slow Cooker Is Best?
You know, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this, but here's the good news: there are tons of budget-friendly options out there. Personally, I'm a fan of the 3.5 Qt Programmable Slow Cooker from Cuisinart; it's been a real kitchen hero for me. But trust me, there's a whole world of other slow cookers out there, some with fancy features, and even larger sizes, so you've got lots of choices to pick from!
SHOP MY FAVORITE DRINKWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES!
Here, I’ve curated a list of drinkware and mocktail essentials that I use to achieve my favorite drinking experiences, especially with this Apple Cider recipe. Everything from my fave glassware, cocktail shakers, ice cube trays, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Homemade Apple Cider Variations
If you're feeling adventurous and want to elevate the flavor profile, here are some additional ingredients to consider experimenting with:
Chai Tea: Instead of, or alongside, the dried spices, throw in a chai tea bag or two. It'll infuse your cider with a delightful spicy twist.
Ginger: If you're a fan of ginger, consider tossing in a fresh inch of it. It'll give your cider an extra punch of gingery goodness.
Spike it: To make it a bit more festive, don't hesitate to add a splash of bourbon, brandy, or your favorite spirit of choice. It's a great way to kick things up a notch!
Honey Sweetness: Drizzle in some honey for natural sweetness and a lovely depth of flavor.
How To Serve Homemade Apple Cider
With apple cider, the possibilities are endless, and here are some ideas to help you savor it to the fullest.
Hot + Steaming:
Serve your freshly made apple cider piping hot in mugs or heatproof glasses. This is perfect for warming up on chilly days. Optionally, garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Chilled:
If you prefer a cooler option, refrigerate your cider and serve it over ice. It's a refreshing drink, especially on a crisp fall afternoon.
Try It In a Mocktail:
Get creative with mocktail recipes, try my Apple Cider Mocktail or this festive Cranberry Apple Cider Orange Sangria
Pair with fall treats:
Serve your homemade apple cider alongside classic fall treats like apple pie, pumpkin bread, or Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls for a complete autumn experience.
Keep it Warm:
If you have a crowd, keep your apple cider warm in a slow cooker or on a stovetop at a low simmer. Guests can help themselves!
Why You Will LOVE This Apple Cider Recipe
- Fall in a cup-- bursting with cozy apple flavors!
- Super easy set-and-forget recipe
- Perfect for chilly days + holiday gatherings.
- Customizable sweetness + flavor
- Can be enjoyed hot or chilled!
- Crafted with love in your trusty slow cooker.
- Can be frozen for future apple cider cravings!
What's So Good About Apples, Anyway?
Whelp, in case you weren’t aware—Apples have a few great benefits when it comes to your health. Yup. That good saying, “One Apple a day keeps the Doctor away” is a fact. Haha. Indulging in a cup of warm apple cider isn't just about the delightful warmth and coziness it brings; it also boasts a range of health benefits:
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Apple cider is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and polyphenols, which play a crucial role in shielding your cells from potential harm caused by free radicals.
Digestive Comfort: The soothing warmth of apple cider can work wonders for your digestive system, offering relief from minor stomach discomfort and promoting digestive well-being.
Immune System Support: With a generous dose of vitamin C, it's a natural boost for your immune system, helping to fortify your body's defenses and potentially ward off illnesses.
If you want to learn more about all things apples, I recently wrote an article about The Surprising Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar + Best Ways to Use it for Your Health!
Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider Q + A's
Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered in your pitcher for up to 5 days.
Yes! It can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed in the refrigerator.
Absolutely! You can customize the sweetness by adding your preferred sweetener and adjusting the amount to suit your taste. Check out my article on The Best Healthy Sugar Alternatives + Substitutes for more ideas!
Yes, you can keep the apple cider warm in a slow cooker or on a stovetop at a low simmer when serving a crowd. Guests can help themselves throughout your gathering.
Absolutely! While Gala apples are mentioned in the recipe, you can experiment with other apple varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp to tailor the flavor to your preference.
Apple Cider can stay at room temperature no longer than 2 hours, according to the USDA
More Fall-Inspired Apple Recipes
If you loved this Homemade Apple Cider Recipe, be sure to try these mouthwateringly good apple recipes next!
- Vegan Apple Bread
- Fluffy Overnight Apple Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
- Warm Vegan Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
- Vegan Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread
- Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Lemonade
- Apple Spice Cornmeal Waffles
- Vegan Apple Spice Muffins
- Easy Warm Apple Chai Latte
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you choose to make this Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider or any other recipe from us, be sure to tag us on Instagram at #Orchidsandsweettea so that we can share the love, rate, comment below, + share!
Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 8 organic Gala apples, peeled + diced
- 1 large organic orange, sliced
- 8-9 cups fresh water
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground all spice
Sweetener:
- ½ cup organic brown sugar (I use Sugar in the Raw; See Notes!)
Instructions
- Begin by turning on your slow cooker to it's highest setting for 3 hours.
- Add the apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, all spice, and cloves to your slow cooker and cover with water, leaving about an inch of space at the top so that it doesn't boil over.
- Let it simmer until the apples have softened entirely and everything becomes fragrant.
- Once done, turn off your slow cooker, remove oranges, and carefully scoop spoonfuls (using a large cooking spoon) of the mixture and place it into a strainer over a large bowl, squeezing the apples to remove the excess juice. Continue this until all of apple cider is strained into the bowl. Discard the apples, cinnamon sticks and cloves.
- Stir in the brown sugar or your other choice of sweetener until fully dissolved.
- To serve, add apple cider to your prepared glass along with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick, if preferred.
- Sip, sip and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Nutrition
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