Crockpot Apple Cider

Servings: 10–12 | Cook time: 3 hours on HIGH or 6–8 hours on LOW

It Smells Like Fall in a Mug 🍂

This is the kind of recipe I make just because it feels right. Chilly weather, a slow day at home, and suddenly I’m tossing apples and spices into the crockpot. The best part? The whole house starts to smell like an apple orchard mixed with a spice shop. And all you had to do was toss some fruit in a pot. Win.

🍏 What You’ll Need

• 4 red sweet apples (like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
• 4 green tart apples (like Granny Smith)
• 1 orange (unpeeled)
• 3–4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 10 cups water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (add to taste)

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

The first time I made this, it was a breezy October evening and I just wanted my house to smell like fall. I didn’t expect it to become something I crave every year.

• It makes your whole house smell AMAZING
• It’s super hands-off (hello, slow cooker!)
• You control the sweetness and spice
• It tastes better than store-bought and costs less

🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

• Apple skins and orange peel add flavor, color, and natural oils
• Low, slow heat gently extracts the fruit and spice flavors
• Brown sugar adds a rich depth and natural molasses note
• Whole spices release flavor slowly without overpowering

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips

1. Don’t peel the apples or orange — the skins add great flavor
2. Use a mix of sweet red and tart green apples for balance
3. Add the sugar at the end — the fruit sweetens naturally as it cooks
4. Mash the fruit gently to release more juice before straining
5. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to keep the cider smooth

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

• Crockpot / slow cooker
• Cutting board + sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or masher
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Pitcher or large bowl for straining

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• No brown sugar? Try honey or maple syrup
• Want it spicier? Add a few slices of fresh ginger or a star anise
• Want it boozy? Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon after straining

🕒 Make Ahead Tips

• Make the cider up to 3 days ahead
• Store in the fridge in an airtight container
• Reheat in the slow cooker or on the stove
• Freeze it too — just leave some space for expansion in the container

👣 How to Make Crockpot Apple Cider

✅ Step 1: Prep the Fruit

• Wash apples and orange
• Core the apples but leave the skin on
• Slice each apple into 8 wedges
• Slice the orange into thin 0.5cm round slices, skin on

✅ Step 2: Add Everything to Crockpot

• Add apples, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, nutmeg
• Pour in 10 cups of water

✅ Step 3: Cook

• Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours

✅ Step 4: Mash the Fruit

• Use a spoon or potato masher to gently mash the softened fruit
• This helps release more flavor into the liquid

✅ Step 5: Strain

• Pour the mixture through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl
• Discard all solids

✅ Step 6: Sweeten

• Stir in brown sugar while the cider is still warm
• Start with 1/2 cup and adjust to taste

🧊 Leftovers & Storage

• Let it cool, then store in the fridge up to 5 days
• Reheat on the stove or in the slow cooker
• Freeze in portions for up to 2 months

🧠 Common Mistakes

• Only using one type of apple → flavor gets flat
• Adding sugar too early → it can get too sweet
• Skipping the straining → pulp and spice bits can make it gritty
• Not cooking long enough → flavor won’t fully develop

🍽️ What to Serve With It

• Apple cider donuts
• Pumpkin muffins or bread
• Brie and crackers
• Cinnamon rolls
• Caramel popcorn or toasted pecans

❓ FAQ

Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes! Just simmer gently for 2–3 hours, covered.

Do I really need to strain it?
Yep. It makes the cider smooth and drinkable.

Can I use apple juice instead of fresh apples?
You can, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

🍂 Ready to Feel Extra Cozy?

You’re just a crockpot and a few apples away from the best-smelling house on the block. Give it a try, and let me know how it goes! Leave a comment if you have any questions, tips, or just want to share how amazing it turned out.