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Easy Hot Apple Cider Recipe (Stovetop, Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Instructions)

Make homemade apple cider from scratch using just fresh apples , spices and water (plus a few slices of orange if you have them on hand). This recipe makes approximately 4 cups.
Servings 4
Calories 232kcal
Author Mommypotamus

Ingredients

  • 5 apples
  • 4 cups water
  • 2-3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2-3 star anise
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 4 cardamom pods (optional)
  • 4 whole allspice (optional)
  • 1-2 slices of orange (optional)
  • 4-8 tbsp butter (optional)

Instructions

Stovetop Instructions

  • Quarter the apples (no need to seed or core them) and place them in a medium pot. 
  • Add the spices, water and orange slices (if you're adding them), then cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for two hours. The water may not cover all the apples at first - that's okay. As they release their liquid and become softer, just mash them down using a potato masher.
  • When the cider is ready, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the liquid from the apples, orange slices and spices.
  • Check for sweetness. If needed, add coconut sugar or maple syrup in 1 tablespoon increments until it reaches the sweetness level you prefer.
  • Optional Step: Blend with butter if desired. I usually just pour the apple cider back in the pot, add the butter, and blend with an immersion blender, but you could pour the cider/butter into a traditional blender and mix it up that way, too.
  • Serve warm with cinnamon sticks, star anise, or fresh cranberries for garnish if desired.

Slow Cooker Instructions

  • Place apples, spices, water and orange slices (if using) in a slow cooker. 
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • When the cider is ready, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the liquid from the apples, orange slices and spices.
  • Check for sweetness. If needed, add coconut sugar or maple syrup in 1 tablespoon increments until it reaches the sweetness level you prefer.
  • Optional Step: Blend with butter if desired. I usually just pour the apple cider back into the slow cooker, add butter, and use an immersion blender to blend. Another option is to pour the cider and abutter into a blender and mix it up that way. Serve warm with cinnamon sticks, star anise, or fresh cranberries for garnish if desired.
  • Serve warm with cinnamon sticks, star anise, or fresh cranberries for garnish if desired. 

Instant Pot Instructions

  • Place the apples, spices, water and orange slices (if using) in an Instant Pot. 
  • Close the pressure cooker lid, set the valve to the "seal" position, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, slowly turn the pressure release valve to begin venting pressurized steam. Once the valve has finished releasing steam, twist and turn the lid open.
  • Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the liquid from the apples, orange slices and spices.
  • Taste and check the sweetness. If you'd like it to be a little sweeter, add 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar or maple syrup. Taste again and add more if needed.
  • Optional Step: Blend with butter if desired. After straining out the apples spices I usually pour the apple cider back in the Instant Pot, add the butter, and blend with an immersion blender, but you could pour the cider and butter into a traditional blender and mix it up that way, too.
  • Serve warm with cinnamon sticks, star anise, or fresh cranberries for garnish if desired. 

Notes

 
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Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 116mg | Potassium: 266mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 473IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1mg