Ah, fall—the season of cozy sweaters, vibrant leaves, and the glorious aroma of apple cider simmering away. There’s something about a warm cup of cider that feels like a hug for your insides, especially when it’s homemade. This easy crock pot apple cider recipe has become my go-to comfort drink for those chilly evenings when all you want to do is curl up on the couch with a good book.
Steps
- Begin by peeling the skins off 8-10 medium apples and discarding them. Chop the apples into large chunks and place them into a slow cooker. Remove the peel from one orange, ensuring you leave behind the white pith, and add the peel to the cooker.
- Add two cinnamon sticks, ½ teaspoon of whole cloves, and 1 teaspoon of whole allspice to the slow cooker. Fill the cooker with water until it reaches the bottom of the top layer of apples. Place the lid on the cooker and set it to low heat.
- Allow the mixture to cook on low for 8-12 hours. Once finished, remove the lid and add 1 cup of your preferred sweetener, such as granulated sugar or honey, stirring until it dissolves. Use a potato masher to crush the apples within the cooker.
- For a clearer cider, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the apple chunks and spices. Return the strained cider to the slow cooker to keep it warm.
- Taste the cider and adjust sweetness if needed. For a more concentrated flavor, you can boil off some water by turning the slow cooker to high or reduce on the stovetop. Store any leftover cider in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Ingredients
- pot apple cider:
- 8-10 medium-sized apples (suggested varieties: McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, with a few Granny Smith for tartness)
- 1 orange (only the peel, not the fruit or pith)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- ½ teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- 1 cup sweetener (options include granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or a combination)
FAQ
- Can I use different types of apples for homemade apple cider?
- Yes, you can use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor. Some recommended varieties include Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Braeburn. Avoid using Red Delicious apples as they may not provide the desired flavor.
- What is the best sweetener to use in apple cider?
- You can use any sweetener you prefer, such as white granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Each will impart a slightly different flavor and color to the cider, with brown sugar, honey, and maple syrup giving a darker, richer color.
- Do I need to peel the apples before making cider?
- It’s recommended to peel the apples to avoid any risk of bitterness, though some people have enjoyed the cider with the peels left on. Removing the peel ensures a smoother and sweeter cider.
- Can I add other spices to the cider?
- Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cinnamon, allspice, and clove, you can experiment by adding fresh ginger or other whole spices to suit your taste preferences.
- How long can I store leftover apple cider?
- Leftover apple cider can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can enjoy it chilled over ice or reheat it as desired.
Tips
- To avoid any bitterness in your cider, make sure to peel the apples and remove the orange pith before adding them to the slow cooker. This step ensures a sweeter, more balanced flavor.
- For a richer apple flavor, consider straining out the cooked fruits and whole spices once the cider is finished cooking. Use a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve for this process before returning the cider to the crock-pot to keep warm.
- If you find your cider isn’t sweet enough for your taste, feel free to add more sweetener at the end. You can choose from brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or white sugar to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- To add a new dimension to your cider, experiment with additional spices like fresh ginger root, or serve it with a garnish such as a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Equipment
- Crock-Pot (slow cooker)
- Fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth
