Fall is by far my favorite season of the year. I love the crisp, cool air and the smell of warm toasty things. There are still a couple weeks left of summer but now that the temperatures have dropped in the mornings and I’ve started wearing long-sleeves – it feels like fall has arrived early. To celebrate this fall-like weather, I decided to make some delicious sweet homemade apple cider in my crockpot.
I decided to use 12 smallish apples to make my cider. A mixed variety is best – the apple vendor at the farmer’s market suggested a combination of gala, pristine and honey crisp so that’s what I used for this particular batch. If you have a larger slow cooker, feel free to add more apples and adjust the spices as needed.
A lot of people will tell you that you don’t have to core and remove your apple stems, but I do. I think it makes it easier to strain and save the pulp once your cider is done. I also decided to leave the peels on, to help color and flavor the cider. I cored and chopped my apples and cut off any parts that were bruised. I put the apples in my crockpot along with some spices and used just enough filtered water to cover the apples. I set it on high for about 5 hours (4 to 8 will do just fine though) and when it was done, I strained the cider. I don’t like to waste so I decided to make an apple chutney with the leftover apples. You can easily make tasty applesauce though (just blend the pulp).
As for adding sweetener – my husband and I feel differently about sugar. I like a little and he likes a lot so I decided to sweeten our cider individually by cup rather than in the crock pot. Maple syrup is the secret sweetener to making your cider spectacular. It gives the cider so much depth. I get my syrup from a local farmer, but if you don’t have access to fresh maple syrup then be sure to buy Grade B at your grocery store. This is so important. Grade B maple syrup is thicker and darker than the syrup you’re probably used to pouring on top of your pancakes. It has caramel undertones and everyone knows caramel and apples make an excellent pair. This syrup can take your cider from incredibly decent to very decadent.
Ingredients
- 12 smallish local or organic apples use a mixed variety of apples, washed and chopped
- 2-4 Cinnamon Sticks I used 2 pieces of cassia (stronger flavored cinnamon)
- 15 Cloves whole
- 1 whole Nutmeg
- water enough to cover your apples
- Organic Maple Syrup to taste
Instructions
- Put chopped apples and spices in crock pot and pour just enough filtered water to cover the apples.
- Set crock pot on high 4-8 hours.
- Strain cider before serving.
- Add maple syrup to taste, and enjoy!
Kahtleen says
This cider came out delicious, but way too thick even after straining twice, once in fine mesh strainer and then in cheese cloth. Can I just add more water to the cider? Will this make it thinner or will the thick part just fall to the bottom of the jar?
Dee Dee says
How long after its cooled down is it good for? We are going on a road trip so I would love to bring this on the road with us for a couple days. We have a cooler so it’ll be on ice.
My Heart Beets says
I’d think it’d last if you’re planning to keep it chilled but I’m not sure…
Aysha Faith says
So, in case you did add too much water …
How do you fix this? Mine has been going … ohhhh … 5 hours now, and it’s watery as hell. 🙁
My Heart Beets 5 says
Aysha, aww man. I’m sure it’s still good? You can try adding more apples and letting it cook longer in the crockpot if you have the patience to wait!
Elise says
Thanks for posting this. I just tried this and used my pressure cooker for 1/2 hour to speed up the cooking process. I added a good 2 inches of sliced fresh ginger, and it tastes great with a bit of honey added to my cup for extra sweetness. I didn’t have any nutmeg, only cloves & cinnamon. I have a bit of stomach complaints since yesterday and today, and this made my tummy feel good. I understand that apple pectin is good in cases like this, so this is the perfect remedy!
Elise
Jessica says
Hi there! I can’t wait to try this 🙂 I don’t have a whole nutmeg, can I use ground?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Jessica! Yes, you can definitely use ground – just adjust to taste 🙂
Lisa Rose says
I can’t wait to try this – my kids are going to love it!! And am always looking for new slow cooker recipes…
My Heart Beets says
Thanks Lisa! I hope you and your family enjoy it 🙂
Kayla says
Do you grate the nutmeg or just put it in there whole?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Kayla! I keep it in there whole and then remove when I strain the cider. Hope that helps!
Ginny says
I can’t wait to make this! I LOOOVE your blog and all these amazing recipes!!!! 🙂 <3
My Heart Beets says
Thank you Ginny 🙂 I appreciate the love!!
Kelly says
Think this could be replicated in a pressure cooker??
My Heart Beets says
Kelly, that sounds like a genius idea… I’ll investigate the next time I get my hands on some apples! 🙂
Kelly says
And I’ll let you know when I try it 😉 thanks!!
Melissa Simpson says
Hello there! I am trying your crock pot apple cider tonight. I didn’t read anywhere how much this recipe yields? Thanks!
My Heart Beets says
Hi Melissa! I believe it made ~2 quarts – I didn’t measure though. Your amount will vary depending on the size of your apples and the amount of water you use. Remember – you can always dilute your cider if its too sweet. Let me know how it turns out!
Emily says
Any reason this could not be canned a and then heated up when ready to use?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Emily – Canning is an art I have yet to learn, but I don’t see why it can’t be done with this cider.
Janette says
How small do you chop your apples and do you leave the skins on?
My Heart Beets says
Janette, I mostly cut my apples into quarters. As for the skin, yes leave it on – the peel will help give your cider a pretty color. Let me know how it turns out!
My Heart Beets says
It’s easy and awesome – I hope you like it! And thank you – he’s feeling better! I’ve bookmarked that hot toddy recipe for the next time one of us is feeling under the weather.
Aimee / Wallflower Girl says
This morning I had some heated apple juice with a cinnamon stick which did really hit the spot, but now I’ve heard your from-scratch cider I must try this instead… Hope your husband is feeling better, I imagine he would be after drinking some of this!