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Slow Cooker Apple Cider

Homemade slow cooker apple cider made from fresh apples, orange, cinnamon and whole spices. Your whole house smells like fall while it cooks.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cups
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 10 to 12 medium apples a mix of sweet and tart, quartered (no need to peel or core)
  • 1 orange quartered
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tbsp whole cloves
  • 1 tsp whole allspice berries
  • 1 whole nutmeg optional
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup packed brown sugar or maple syrup to taste
  • 12 to 14 cups water enough to cover the fruit

Instructions
 

  • Put the apples and orange in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice and nutmeg.
  • Pour in water to cover the fruit, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until the apples are very soft.
  • Mash the fruit well with a potato masher. Stir in the brown sugar, cover and cook 1 hour more on LOW or HIGH.
  • Strain through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth, pressing on the fruit. Taste and add more sugar if needed. Serve hot, or return to the slow cooker on WARM.

Notes

Make ahead: Make up to 2 days ahead and reheat on the stove or in the slow cooker.
Storage: Refrigerate in jars up to 1 week. Freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave until steaming.
Variations: For a quick mulled cider, simmer 1 gallon store-bought apple cider with the spices and orange on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. For adults, add 1 to 1 1/2 oz bourbon, spiced rum or brandy to each mug.
Keyword crockpot apple cider, homemade apple cider, hot apple cider, slow cooker apple cider