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This Homemade Apple Cider is easy to make and perfect for fall and for parties! Slow cooker, Instant Pot, and stove top instructions included. #apples #applecider #beverage #easyrecipe

Homemade Apple Cider

Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple cider recipe, homemade apple cider, hot apple cider
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 -12
Calories: 135kcal
Author: Malinda Linnebur
Homemade Apple Cider that's filled with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and a little clove. It's the perfect drink to warm up with! Slow cooker, Instant Pot, and stovetop instructions included.
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Ingredients

  • 4 pound (2280g) apples (about 10-12 medium)
  • 1 cup (236ml) orange juice
  • 1-2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • ½- 1 teaspoon ground clove
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • pinch salt

Instructions

SLOW COOKER:

  • Wash apples, core, and cut into wedges. Add to a 6 quart or larger slow cooker along with remaining ingredients. 
  • Add enough water to cover fruit plus a little extra. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. 
  • Mash fruit with the back of a spoon as much as possible. Carefully strain the chunky liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a large pot or bowl. You can strain the liquid one more time if you want. Taste and add sweetener of choice if desired. 

INSTANT POT:

  • Wash apples, core, and cut into wedges. Add to a 6 quart or larger Instant Pot along with remaining ingredients.
  • Add 6 cups water. Cover, set to knob sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Do a natural release or natural release for 15 minutes then vent. 
  • Mash fruit with the back of a spoon as much as possible. Carefully strain the chunky liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a large pot or bowl. You can strain the liquid one more time if you want. Taste and add sweetener of choice if desired. 

STOVE TOP:

  • Wash apples, core, and cut into wedges. Add to a large stockpot along with remaining ingredients. 
  • Add enough water to cover fruit plus a little extra. Cover and cook high for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Turn to low and simmer for 2- 2 1/2 hours. Add water as needed to keep the fruit covered. 
  • Mash fruit with the back of a spoon as much as possible. Carefully strain the chunky liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a large pot or bowl. You can strain the liquid one more time if you want. Taste and add sweetener of choice if desired. 

Notes

  1. I recommend using a variety of apples to make flavorful apple cider. Choose ones that you like to eat. 
  2. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. 
  3. Freeze for up to 3 months. 
  4. Use honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or regular sugar to sweeten to your taste. I personally like maple syrup. 
  5. I personally like to make this at least one day in advance. I think it tastes better the next day.
  6. Nutrition Facts: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate. Nutrition facts not calculated with sugar added. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 301mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 25.3mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 0.4mg