A super easy homemade apple cider drink made in a crock-pot that will nourish your soul with seasonal flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, apples, and oranges along with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and warm your spirits.
It’s so incredibly easy to make, thanks to the crock-pot method – so you essentially prep the ingredients, dump them in the crock pot, and wait (the hardest part). When you make this recipe, it will suddenly fill your home with warm scents that instantly bring comfort and relaxation. I wish I could make something permanent that smelt like homemade apple cider cooking all day. Start a fire and make some of this delicious cider!!
Apples are in season now, so I am making all things apple. I love everything about them, especially since they offer a big dose of healthy nutrients like potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin C. All of these parts can help your immune system during the winter months where sickness is inevitable. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to sip on this delicious drink!
Speaking of apples, last fall I made one of my favorite desserts. I’ve made it a few times since and I super encourage you to make it for you and your loved ones. It’s the Spiced Apple Biscuit Cobbler, and it’s to die for. The Apple Pie Truffles are simple to make and the Homemade Apple Crepes with Whipped Cream Topping.
Super Easy Homemade Crock-Pot Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 12-14 medium-sized apples - quartered (see note)
- 3 oranges - quartered
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise
- slice of fresh ginger - peeled – about 1 inch
- 1 tablespoon whole nutmeg
- 14-16 cups water - see note
- 2/3 cup maple syrup - see note
- Optional: 1½ teaspoon whole allspice and/or 1 tablespoon whole clove
Instructions
- Add apples, oranges, and spices to a 6 quart slow-cooker. Cover ingredients with water until 1-2” of space is left at the top of slow cooker.
- Cover with lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. If the apples aren’t soft and fork-tender, continue to cook a bit longer until they are.
- Next, gently mash the apples and oranges in the slow-cooker with a wooden spoon or potato masher. Be careful not to splash yourself with hot mixture.
- Cover mixture and let sit on low heat for about 30 minutes.
- Strain mixture using a fine-mesh strainer to remove solid parts then place liquid back in slow-cooker. Toss solid parts into trash.
- Add maple syrup and stir. Adjust syrup to obtain desired sweetness.
- Cider is ready to enjoy. Add extra cinnamon sticks, orange peel, and/or apple slices for pretty presentation. Enjoy!
Notes
- You may use a 3-4 quart slow-cooker – just cut the ingredients in half
Use a variety of apples for enhanced apple flavor. I used 4 granny smiths, 4 fiji, ad 4 gala apples. - Depending on the size of your crock-pot, you may need more or less water than what is listed. Just make sure you fill it up until there’s 1-2” of space at the top.
You may use any sweetener of choice, like honey, coconut sugar, or date syrup. Adjust to achieve desired sweetness.
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Could u use saucepan dont have a slow cooker it’s only me ..
You can use a large pot – that should work. You could also put it in the oven at 275F-300F.