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    Home » All Recipes

    Author: Donna | Published: Aug 27, 2019 | Modified: Mar 17, 2021

    Homemade Fall Harvest Hot Crockpot Apple Cider

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    all the ingredients for crockpot apple cider decorated with star anise and cinnamon sticks

    Gather all of the beautiful, fresh, Fall and Winter fruit available, pop it into the crock pot with some warming spices, and get all snuggle with this delicious homemade fall harvest Hot Crockpot Apple Cider. It is warm and comforting, and this recipe is a must in your arsenal of Fall drinks to nourish and delight. This is the perfect option when entertaining. Make a big batch of during the holiday season, and keep warm to serve to guests throughout the cold winter nights (I also have an easy tip for making it an adult drink in the serving suggestions). The perfect winter beverage.

    Fall Harvest hot apple Cider ingredients in the bowl of a slow cooker
    Add all the ingredients for the crockpot apple cider to the crockpot.

    Fall Harvest Hot Crockpot Apple Cider

    Jump to:
    • Fall Harvest Hot Crockpot Apple Cider
    • Ingredients You Need?
    • How To Make Cider In the Slow Cooker
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storing and Freezing
    • Recipe

    You are going to love this easy apple cider recipe made in the crockpot using all of the beautiful fresh produce available in Fall.

    Not only does it taste delicious, but it will make your home smell absolutely amazing while it bubbles away in the slow cooker.

    The best part? It is made in the slow cooker, so you can just dump in the ingredients and let it simmer away while you get everything else done.

    Cider served in a glass mug with a cinnamon stick, apple slice and some pomegranate. There are mulling spices and cinnamon sticks surrounding the mug
    Serve crockpot apple cider warm with a few slices of fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey.

    Ingredients You Need?

    Homemade apple cider is so comforting and delicious, I always go through a couple of batches during Fall.

    Plus it makes the house smell all comfy and festive.

    It requires just a handful of seasonal fruit, some spices, and a touch of natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup and you have yourself a warm glass of Fall to get you in the spirit of the season.

    Gather together these simple ingredients:

    • Apples: these can be red apples or green apples or a combination of both;
    • Persimmon: this fruit is only available in the cooler months, it is orange in color and can be found in the fruit section;
    • Pears: choose sweet pears that are ripe and soft to the touch;
    • Oranges: any variety of oranges will work. You can either chop the whole orange and use it as is, or you could zest the orange before removing the skin and all of the white pith which can cause a bitter flavor, and just use the orange zest and flesh of the orange;
    • Pomegranate arils: this is also only in season in the cooler months and can be found in the fruit section. You can also usually find deseeded pomegranate in the cold section of grocery stores year-round. If pomegranates are expensive or scarce where you are, this can be left out;
    • Cinnamon sticks: these can be found in the spice section;
    • Mulling Spices: this can be found in a well-stocked grocery store and consists of a mixture of whole spices including cinnamon, allspice, dried orange peel, whole star anise, whole cloves, and orange oil;
    • Honey: you can use maple syrup or another liquid sweetener of choice if you would prefer to keep this recipe vegan.

    Optional extras for the perfect mulled apple cider recipe include apple juice or some brown sugar if you like your apple cider to be on the sweeter side.

    This cider is a great way to use up some of the old, wrinkly, forgotten fruit languishing at the bottom of the fruit bowl or the back of the fridge at the end of the week as long as it hasn't started to spoil. It will be mashed up at the end of slow cooking anyway, so leave the fresh and pretty fruit for styling your warm drink.

    I have definitely been known to sneak some overly squishy pears bound for the garbage in there, and they tasted great (so much sweeter)!

    Play around with the fruit you have on hand, and make it your own.

    overhead shot of an apple cider served in a glass mug with apple slice, pomegranate arils, and a cinnamon stick. There are cinnamon sticks and mulling spices on the side
    I always like to add a stick of fresh cinnamon to my crockpot apple cider to make it a wee bit fancy. Star anise is pretty in there too if you have it.

    How To Make Cider In the Slow Cooker

    This easy hot apple cider recipe comes together with limited input by you other than chopping the fruit.

    Chop the apples, persimmons, and pears into quarters before removing the core and then cutting them into thin slices. We want the apple to break down while cooking in the slow cooker so that it releases all of its flavors and can be easily mashed with a potato masher, so keep the slices thin.

    You can leave the skin on if preferred, however, be sure to wash the fruit really well to be sure any harsh chemicals have been removed.

    Cut the oranges into slices. Again, keep the slices thin so that the orange juice can be released. If you are sensitive to bitter flavors, you might want to zest the orange and remove the skin, just using the zest and orange flesh in the cider mixture.

    Tie the mulling spices in some cheesecloth or a reusable cotton tea bag. This will make it easier to remove once the mulled cider is ready.

    Pop all of the chopped fruit, along with the water, cinnamon sticks, and mulling spices into the crockpot. Pop on the lid and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.

    TIP: if you do not have a slow cooker, this could be made in a large pot instead. Simply follow the instructions but allow to simmer on the stovetop over medium heat until the fruit is soft enough to mash. Once strained, keep warm over low heat.

    After the time is done, remove the mulling spices, and use a potato masher to mash the fruit and cinnamon sticks gently into the liquid.

    Once mashed, remove as much of the fruit as possible, and then use a fine mesh strainer or a large coffee filter over a large bowl to strain the cider and remove any bits of fruit and errant spices.

    Pour the strained apple cider back into the slow cooker, and put it on the 'keep warm' setting. Alternatively, if you won't be serving straight away then put the cider aside and allow it to cool completely before storing it in jars or another airtight container and cooling in the fridge.

    Having guests over? Make a double batch of cider so you have plenty to go around.

    Overhead shot of apples oranges and cinnamon sticks in the bowl of a slow cooker
    Add everything to the bowl of a slow cooker.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve hot spiced apple cider warm, adding some honey or maple syrup to sweeten if required.

    I love to garnish mine with some orange and apple slices, some pomegranate arils, star anise, and a stick of cinnamon to make it pretty, however, this is completely optional.

    Why not try adding some Dehydrated Orange Slices for extra flavor?

    If you like to be planned in advance, this can be made ahead of time, cooled, and stored in the fridge until needed. When it comes time to serve simply reheat the whole batch in the crockpot on the keep warm setting, or heat just one cup at a time in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave.

    Want to make this a hard cider for adult winter drinks?

    Simply add in some dark rum or spiced rum and you have a delicious adult-friendly hard cider to warm you from the inside out.

    overhead shot of dehydrated orange slices with a sprig of fresh rosemary against a white background
    Dehydrated oranges make the perfect decoration to add to hot cider.

    Storing and Freezing

    Leftover warm apple cider should be allowed to cool completely to room temperature, before being transferred to appropriate containers and stored in the fridge.

    It also freezes really well, for detailed instructions on how to freeze properly check out this article: Can You Freeze Apple Cider And Apple Juice?

    Speaking of Fall fruit, make sure you use up leftover cranberries with some Pumpkin and Fresh Cranberry Bread or Cranberry and Clove Apple Sauce. They will definitely keep you in the holiday spirit, and make your house smell amazing to boot 🙂

    Do you have a favorite easy recipe you enjoy when the cooler weather rolls around? I would love to hear from you so be sure to leave a comment below. Or if you are in a rush simply leave a star rating on the recipe card.

    Happy Drinking

    xx

    Recipe

    Homemade Fall Harvest Hot Crockpot Apple Cider

    Fall Harvest Crockpot Apple Cider

    Whole Food Bellies
    Gather all of the beautiful, fresh, Fall and Winter fruit available, pop it into the crockpot, and warm up with this delicious hot apple cider drink. Warm and comforting this homemade hot apple cider recipe is a must in your arsenal of Fall drinks to nourish you.
    4.89 from 101 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 8 hrs
    Total Time 8 hrs 10 mins
    Course Drink
    Cuisine Drink
    Servings 10 serves
    Calories 123 kcal

    Equipment

    • Slow Cooker
    • Cheese cloth or spice bag

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 apples use multiple varieties and colors
    • 2 persimmons
    • 1 pear I used an asian pear
    • 1 orange
    • 1 pomegranate seeds removed
    • 9 cups water
    • 3 cinnamon sticks
    • 2 tablespoons mulling spices
    • honey, maple syrup or brown sugar to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Wash all fruit very well.
    • Cut the apples, persimmons, and pears into quarters and remove the cores. Cut into thin slices. You can leave the skin on.
      4 apples, 2 persimmons, 1 pear
    • Cut the orange into thin slices. If you are sensitive to bitter flavors, you may want to zest the orange, remove the skin, and just use the zest and flesh in the cider.
      1 orange
    • Use a cheesecloth, or a cotton spice bag to wrap the mulling spices.
      2 tablespoons mulling spices
    • Pop all of the fruit, along with the water, cinnamon sticks, and mulling spices into the crockpot. Set on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
      9 cups water, 3 cinnamon sticks, 1 pomegranate
    • Once cooking time is done, remove the mulling spices from the liquid. Use a potato masher to gently mash the fruit and cinnamon sticks and release their flavor.
    • Remove as much of the fruit as possible and discard it.
    • Use a small gapped strainer to strain the cider liquid and remove any small pieces of fruit or spices.
    • Pour the cider back into the slow cooker, and set it to keep warm.
    • Serve warm, and use some honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to sweeten if required. Garnish with some orange and apple slices, some pomegranate arils, and a cinnamon stick to make it pretty. You could also add some dehydrated orange slices for decoration.
      honey, maple syrup or brown sugar to taste

    Notes

    Remember to tie the mulling spices into a little square of cheese-cloth to make it easily removed. If you don't have any, that's fine - just be sure to use a super fine mesh sieve to get all the 'bits' out of the cider.
    If serving on the night keep in the crockpot on the keep warm setting.
    Can be made ahead of time and reheated in the crockpot on the keep warm setting or in a saucepan on the stovetop of in the microwave. 
    Freezes well, for detailed instructions check this out: Can You Freeze Apple Cider And Apple Juice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 123kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 13mgPotassium: 297mgFiber: 4gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 76IUVitamin C: 36mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword hot apple cider, slow cooker apple cider, spiced apple cider
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    Don’t forget to follow Whole Food Bellies on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration! Or if Pinterest isn’t your style, bookmark this post! Let’s keep the conversation going- join my Facebook group! 

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    all the ingredients for crockpot apple cider decorated with star anise and cinnamon sticks

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Analida Braeger says

      September 01, 2019 at 11:02 pm

      I think this recipe would make a great adult version of the hot toddy as well! This would be great for a party! Thanks!

      Reply
    2. Tammy says

      September 01, 2019 at 3:42 am

      It's a tradition in my house to make mulled cider every fall usually around the holdiays. It's such a wonderful treat! I would love to try yours! It sounds so lovely with the persimmons and pears ^_^

      Reply
      • Donna says

        September 02, 2019 at 8:06 am

        What a lovely tradition!

        Reply
    3. Tina says

      September 01, 2019 at 1:20 am

      I just saved this for later. Looking forward to smelling up my house with these wonderful flavors, perfect time for Autumn. Thanks for this!

      Reply
      • Donna says

        September 02, 2019 at 8:06 am

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Amanda says

      September 01, 2019 at 12:57 am

      I love apple cider! I can’t wait until fall to make this!

      Reply
    5. Jenni says

      August 31, 2019 at 9:58 pm

      I made this cider after we went apple picking and it was PERFECT! So easy and so delicious! I will definitely be making this again!!

      Reply
      • Donna says

        September 02, 2019 at 8:07 am

        Yay!! Jealous of your apple picking, I used to love doing that in the US!

        Reply
    6. Veronika's Kitchen says

      August 31, 2019 at 8:20 am

      What can be better than a cup of fresh warm apple cider! I wanted to try to make it myself last year but never did... will save your recipe and make it next week!

      Reply
    7. Linda says

      August 31, 2019 at 5:28 am

      The Fall weather starts late here in the Bay Area so we rarely have apple cider but we always enjoy it during Christmas with the family and I can't wait to make this.

      Reply
      • Donna says

        September 02, 2019 at 8:08 am

        Oh you don't need to wait until Fall, I make this and serve it cold all the time when the weather is warmer.

        Reply
    8. Leslie says

      August 30, 2019 at 11:54 am

      Not only is this going to taste amazing, but I'm looking forward to the wonderful aroma that will ensue my home!

      Reply
      • Donna says

        August 30, 2019 at 12:38 pm

        It makes your house smell all kinds of amazing!

        Reply
    9. Anne Lawton says

      August 30, 2019 at 11:11 am

      This is so full of fall flavors, I can't wait to make this!

      Reply
    10. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

      August 30, 2019 at 2:36 am

      YES!!! I love all things apple in the fall. Sure pumpkin stuff is great but pumpkin spice everything is so 2015. lol This look soooo good! It just looks perfect on a cool autumn day!

      Reply
      • Donna says

        August 30, 2019 at 8:45 am

        Haha I agree, especially since there is no pumpkin spice in Australia so I have to adapt now that I have moved back here 🙂

        Reply
    11. Veena Azmanov says

      August 28, 2019 at 2:23 pm

      A drink full of flavors. Surely unique and perfect.

      Reply
      • Donna says

        August 30, 2019 at 8:45 am

        Absolutely

        Reply
    12. Robotance says

      April 13, 2019 at 8:34 pm

      Looks very sweety and I'm gonna try this Fall Harvest Hot Apple Cider on coming Sunday!

      Reply
    13. Amanda West says

      November 24, 2015 at 7:05 pm

      Hey there! I think I am making this for tomorrow and I'm so excited about it! I'm kinda just making this for myself since I'll be the only one at home most of the day, so there will be quite a bit leftover. Do you know long this keeps in the fridge? In other words, how many days do I get to enjoy this? 🙂 thanks!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 25, 2015 at 2:43 pm

        Hey Amanda, it is fine in the fridge for about 4-5 days (prob ok a bit longer, but I am always a bit cautious). If you are looking for ways to use it up (if you cant drink it all), I also used it instead of water when making my morning oats, and it tasted delicious! Enjoy!! Have a great thanksgiving 🙂

        Reply
        • Busy Cook's Kitchen says

          September 12, 2019 at 3:15 am

          You could probably use it to make cous cous, too. I like to use cider or apple juice, but it's often too sweet. Leftovers of this deliciousness would be perfect. I also add dried cranberries and chopped apple. It's amazing with pork.

          Reply
          • Donna says

            September 16, 2019 at 10:28 am

            Oh wow I would never have thought to use it to make cous cous, what a great idea!

            Reply
    14. Aarika says

      November 18, 2015 at 7:06 pm

      I want to drink this immediately! My husband and I have been stocking up on Persimmons since they are abundant this time of year, and this drink looks like another jackpot way to include one of my favorite fruits. Yay! Thanks for sharing this recipe.

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 18, 2015 at 9:01 pm

        Oh you are so welcome Aarika! We have been going persimmon crazy over here as well - my two year old is totally addicted (who would have thought!).

        Reply
    15. Jessica Birgeneau says

      November 18, 2015 at 10:35 am

      This cider looks so warm and delicious, love the idea of adding pomegranate!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 18, 2015 at 1:37 pm

        Thanks Jessica, I have been adding pomegranate to everything since I figured out how to easily get the arils out 🙂

        Reply
    16. Lori Hill-Smith says

      November 18, 2015 at 9:49 am

      This sounds delish & looks so pretty! Might have to try it!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 18, 2015 at 1:37 pm

        I hope you do Lori 🙂

        Reply
    17. jennyb says

      November 18, 2015 at 2:10 am

      That looks beautiful. Another thing to try.

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 18, 2015 at 7:26 am

        Thanks Jenny 🙂

        Reply
    18. April says

      November 17, 2015 at 5:20 pm

      This sounds so warm and yummy, with so little added sugar. I am so doing this. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 17, 2015 at 9:05 pm

        Oh thank you April! Yes, the sweetness from the fruit really cuts down on the need for sugar. I always add a little bit of honey though 🙂

        Reply
    19. Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy says

      November 17, 2015 at 2:41 pm

      WOW! That almost looks too pretty to eat!!!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 17, 2015 at 3:49 pm

        Aww thanks Natalie, the fruits all looked so beautiful together!

        Reply
    20. Heather Blaise says

      November 17, 2015 at 2:28 pm

      This looks so comforting. I had an apple cider te amo my love bag the other day but it was nothing like what I bet this tastes like. Great post and site! I found you on FB GYB page. Let me know if you’d like to collaborate, be a guest writer with links back to your blog (or vice versa), or get together to do a giveaway with some other bloggers, just support each other in some way. My site is http://www.4hourbodygirl.com
      All the best,

      Heather

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 18, 2015 at 7:27 am

        Thank you so much Heather! I just popped over and checked out your site - I absolutely love it!! I will definitely be in touch 🙂

        Reply
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    Hello and welcome, I'm Donna!

    I am so glad you are here!

    Since I have a part-time job, 3 little kids, and a love of good food (as do you I assume), I have learned how to get the most out of the kitchen in the smallest amount of time.

    Forget about hunting down weird ingredients and making trips to specialty shops.

    We are going to make the most of what is available at the store and farmer's markets all whilst enjoying some delicious meals the whole family (hopefully...if you have fussy eaters I guarantee nothing) will enjoy.

    Pop on that apron and let's get creative in the kitchen!

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    Hello and welcome, I'm Donna!

    I am so glad you are here!

    Since I have a part-time job, 3 little kids, and a love of good food (as do you I assume), I have learned how to get the most out of the kitchen in the smallest amount of time.

    Forget about hunting down weird ingredients and making trips to specialty shops.

    We are going to make the most of what is available at the store and farmer's markets all whilst enjoying some delicious meals the whole family (hopefully...if you have fussy eaters I guarantee nothing) will enjoy.

    Pop on that apron and let's get creative in the kitchen!

    More about me →

    Summer Salads

    • Zesty Heirloom Tomato and Nectarine Salad
    • Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette
    • Lightened Up Creamy Pasta Salad
    • Summer Stone Fruit and Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad

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