I love autumn for so many reasons. I feel like it is such an amazing transition season. And there so many wonderful ways to celebrate the season. One autumn activity that gives me so much joy is apple picking. We love heading up to the Orchards in the mountains of North Carolina and picking from the varieties of apples. While that activity is always fun, once you arrive home with your bountiful, then it’s time to decide on what you will actually do with them all.
I will be posting some of my favorite things to do with apples, such as Apple Dumplings, Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake, Classic Apple Pie, Glazed Apple Cider Doughnuts, Apple Butter, Caramel Apple Pie w/ Cinnamon Roll Crust and of course Slow Cooker Apple Cider.
Is there anything better than a warm mug of apple cider on a cold day? I didn’t think so. This slow cooker apple cider is super easy to make and is the hit of any gathering. Not only is this slow cooker apple cider recipe seriously easy, but it’s also quintessentially autumn. This cider looks like autumn. It tastes like autumn. If you’ve ever made homemade apple cider, then you know it’s worth it just for how amazing it makes your house smell! There’s just something special about the combination of apples and spices that really makes it feel like autumn.
Making Slow Cooker Apple Cider
When I say this is super easy. I am not kidding. Simply cut your apples into quarters, you don’t have to bother removing the seeds as you will be straining it out later in the process. So just place your apples, spices, sugar, and water into the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours. It should be nice and aromatic. 
After about 3 hours you can grab your immersion blender or a masher to puree the apples as much as you can. Honestly I even worry too much about the floating apple pieces (see below) since you will be straining it later on. You can now slow cook it for another one – two hours or until you’ve reached the desired flavor intensity. I think an hour is the sweet spot but it’s a totally up to your taste. Next, you strain the liquids with a strainer covered with cheesecloth to remove any fine apple pieces. Remember to use caution as this is very hot.
That’s it. You’re all done. You can serve it up immediately or place in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
TIPS FOR SLOW COOKER APPLE CIDER
- I use a mix of Gala & Red Delicious apples to give it a sweet earthy taste.
- I prefer to use whole spices instead of ground (cloves, cinnamon sticks, etc) to let them slowly infuse the cider as it simmers.
- You can turn this into a cranberry apple cider by using 4 cups of sweetened cranberry juice.
- You can make your apple cider into an adult beverage by adding some of your favorite bourbon to the finished cider.
- Garnishes – For an everyday cider I use sliced oranges and apples for a pop of color. For holiday gatherings I add a handful of fresh cranberries since they are so pretty and seasonally appropriate. And for the times I want to fancy up my cider see below.
I’ve made this slow cooker apple cider tons of times before, but this time I wanted to turn it into a caramel flavored Apple Cider. If you’ve had Starbuck’s Caramel Apple Spice? Then you know how yummy this combination is. it’s warm, sweet, cider drink topped with fresh whipped cream and drizzled with caramel sauce. This recipe is spot on and couldn’t be easier to make from home!
Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Slow Cooker Apple Cider is a fun and easy holiday drink the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 10 apples
- 10 cups water
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp ground allspice
Instructions
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Cut your apples into quarters (Don't worry about removing the seeds)
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Place apples, spices, sugar and water into the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours
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After 3 hours use an immersion blender
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Cook for another 1-3 hours or until the desired flavor has been reached
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Strain the liquids with a strainer covered with cheesecloth to remove any fine apple pieces
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Place in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Recipe Notes
Garnish as desired. Tips on garnishes above in the article.