Slow Cooker Apple Cider

Cozy up with this slow cooker apple cider recipe! Fresh apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar create a rich, comforting drink that’s perfect for cold days.

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting drink to warm you up this winter, this slow cooker apple cider recipe is exactly what you need. Instead of just heating up store-bought apple cider, this recipe takes things up a notch by simmering fresh apples in your slow cooker. The apples are slowly cooked, then strained, resulting in a rich, full-bodied flavor that will make your house smell absolutely amazing. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth, while brown sugar gives it that lovely molasses sweetness. What’s really special about this recipe, though, is the way the apples are pressed through a fine mesh sieve, extracting all the delicious, concentrated flavor without any unwanted pulp. It’s the ultimate comforting drink—rich, flavorful, and perfect for sipping on cold days.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires very little hands-on time. You won’t have to worry about it boiling over on the stove, and there’s no need to babysit it. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen. Whether you cook it overnight, strain it in the morning, and keep it warm for a whole day of enjoyment, or cook it on high for a few hours and enjoy it later, this cider is perfect for any occasion. Imagine coming in from playing in the snow or sledding, then wrapping your hands around a warm mug of this homemade cider. It’s pure luxury! Plus, it’s an excellent drink to serve at parties or get-togethers—everyone will love having a hot cup of this delicious, soothing cider ready to enjoy.

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Video

Ingredients

The complete list of ingredients and their exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

• apples
  • I used a combination of Gala and McIntosh apples for a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors. But don’t worry—almost any variety of apples will work here. You can use just one type of apple or mix and match different varieties depending on your preference. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith are also great options as well as so many other delicious options.
• brown sugar
  • Brown sugar is my go-to for this cider because it adds a lovely depth of flavor from the molasses. It gives the cider a warm, caramel-like sweetness that just can’t be beat.
  • If you’re out of brown sugar, you can definitely substitute with granulated sugar or raw sugar, though the flavor will be a little cleaner and less complex.
• cinnamon sticks
  • Cinnamon sticks bring so much warmth and flavor to this cider. They infuse the drink with a comforting, spicy aroma that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples. Plus, using sticks instead of ground cinnamon creates a smoother, less “dusty” flavor.
• other spice options
  • If you’re feeling adventurous, you can throw in some extra spices to make your cider even more exciting! Cloves, allspice, and star anise are all fantastic additions. Just a little pinch of these spices goes a long way, so be careful not to overdo it. They’ll give your cider an even more complex, warming flavor that’s perfect for chilly days.
• Equipment needed: Slow Cooker - I used a 6 quart slow cooker to make this recipe.

How To Make Slow Cooker Apple Cider

1. Peel and core the apples.
   • Start by peeling and coring your apples. This step helps get rid of any tough skin or seeds, ensuring a smooth and flavorful cider. It’s quick and easy—just a few simple cuts and you’re ready to go. If you're rushed for time, you can just core the apples and leave the skins on.
2. Add everything to the slow cooker
   • Add the peeled and cored apples into your slow cooker along with the cinnamon sticks and brown sugar. Pour in the water to cover the apples.
3. Let it cook
   • Now, let the slow cooker work its magic! Set it to High for 4-6 hours or Low for 12 hours (or overnight, if you’re prepping it for the next day).
   • When the apples cook for 4 hours on high, they are still firm, but cooked through. If you want the apples to be softer, cook them longer. The softer they are, the easier it will be to press them through the sieve and the cider will be more flavorful.
   • The longer it cooks, the richer and more flavorful the cider will become. I actually prefer cooking it on Medium overnight. I start it in the evening, let it cook all night long, then strain it and put it back in the slow cooker on low.
4. Strain the cider
   • Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to strain your cider. Place a fine mesh sieve over a large bowl and pour the cider through. You have two options for straining:
     • 1. Strain the apples and discard the cinnamon stick: This will give you a cleaner, smoother cider. The apples left behind will still have plenty of flavor, so don’t throw them out! You can enjoy them as is, or turn them into delicious applesauce. Just mash them with a potato masher or use a food processor or blender for a silky-smooth texture.
     • 2. Press the apples to extract more juice and pulp: If you’re after a richer, more flavorful cider, gently press down on the apples to release as much juice and pulp as you can. This will add incredible depth to the cider, giving it that full-bodied, homemade taste. The pulp will still be very fine, so it won’t feel too heavy, but it’ll make your cider even more indulgent.

Serving the Apple Cider

Once you've strained your apple cider, I love pouring it right back into the slow cooker and keeping it on Low or Warm. This way, it stays hot and ready to serve whenever you need it. Keep a ladle by the slow cooker, and everyone can help themselves—it’s such a cozy and easy way to share this treat with family and friends!

If you really want to take the flavor to the next level, try adding a small pat of salted butter into your hot cider. As it melts, it adds a rich, creamy texture and a hint of salty goodness that completely elevates the drink. It’s like a little bit of luxury in every sip—absolutely dreamy! Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

From 3 lbs of apples and 13 cups of water, you should get approximately 14 cups of cider.

Helpful Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

Slow Cooker Apple Cider

Olga Klyuchits

Slow cooker apple cider made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar—rich, soothing, and perfect for winter days or holiday parties.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Servings 10

Ingredients

  

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• ▢ 3 lbs apples
• ▢ ½ cup brown sugar
• ▢ 12 cups water
• ▢ 1-2 whole cinnamon sticks

Instructions

 

• Peel, core, and quarter the apples.
• Place the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and water into the slow cooker.
• Cook on High for 4-6 hours or Low for 12 hours (or overnight).
• Once the cooking time is up, strain the cider through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the apples to extract as much juice as possible.
• Discard the cinnamon sticks and serve hot. Keep the cider warm in the slow cooker if serving over time.

Notes

• Different apples: Feel free to use a mix of apples (Gala, McIntosh, Granny Smith, etc.) or add other fruits like pears, peaches, or cherries for a unique twist.
• Adjust sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar depending on your preference.
• Water: You can use more or less water to make the cider more or less concentrated, depending on how strong you like the flavor. (I always use 12-14 cups of water and ½ cup of brown sugar because I don't like my cider to be too sweet.)

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