Homemade Apple Cider (No Added Sugar)
Learn how to make homemade apple cider in a few easy steps! This Crockpot Apple Cider recipe is so simple to make with customizable flavor options and no added sugar! Have your hot cider mulling away in your slow cooker, filling your home with all the cozy aromas of fall and winter! No fancy equipment, you can even make this healthy apple cider on the stovetop!
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 5 Hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-12 Servings 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3-4 lbs Apples (mixed variety, roughly quartered)
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar Sweetener (optional & to taste, use any sweetener of choice)
- 1 Medium Orange (optional)
- 4 Cinnamon Sticks*
- 1 TB Whole Cloves*
- 1 Whole Vanilla Bean (sliced lengthwise)*
- Fresh Filtered Water
Instructions
Crockpot Instructions:
- Core and roughly quarter or chop your apples, before adding them, along with the additional spices and flavorings to a large 6-8 quart slow cooker. Pour in enough water to cover the apples, leaving an inch or 2 of space from the top rim.
- Cover the slow cooker and simmer on high for 2-4 hours (6-7 on low), until the apples are soft (timing will depend on the type of apple and size of chop).
- Mash the apples with a potato masher or wooden spoon to release as much flavor and natural juice as possible. Cover and simmer for another 1-2 hours on high or 2 hours on low.
- Now carefully strain the solids particles and chunks of fruit from the cider with a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or fine mesh skimmer. Set the solids aside for applesauce, compost, or discard.
- Taste test the cider for sweetness and adjust as needed. Serve warm from the crockpot or chill in the fridge overnight for a cold cider.
Stovetop Instructions:
- Core and roughly quarter or chop the apples before adding them along with the spices, and flavorings to a large 8-quart stockpot. Cover the contents with water, leaving an inch or two of space from the top of the pot.
- Cover and bring the pot to a simmer over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-4 hours until the apples are soft.
- Mash the apples with a potato masher or wooden spoon to release all juices and flavors. Cover the pot again and simmer for another 1-2 hours.
- Carefully remove the solids from the cider with a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or fine mesh skimmer. Set the solids aside for applesauce, compost, or discard.
- Taste test the cider for sweetness and adjust as needed. Serve warm from the pot or chill in the fridge overnight for a cold cider.
Notes
- All spices, flavorings, and mulling ingredients are optional and can be adjusted to taste. See blog post for more ideas.
- Storage: You can store leftover cider in the fridge for 5-7 days.
- Freezing: To batch and freezer leftover apple cider, pour the cider into gallon-sized freezer bags and freeze flat until solid. Then you can move the bags and store them in the freezer where needed. Thaw the frozen cider in the fridge overnight by placing the frozen bag in a bowl to prevent leaking. Frozen cider is best used within 6-8 months.
- Reheating: To reheat cold apple cider, warm on the stove in a pot over low heat or in the microwave in a mug to the desired temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cup
Keywords: apple cider, mulled cider, mulled apple cider, crockpot apple cider, slow cooker apple cider, homemade apple cider
Find it online: https://strengthandsunshine.com/homemade-apple-cider/