With apples, pears and oranges, this slow cooker cider is full-bodied and scented with warm fall spices. This Apple Pear Cider makes a large batch, perfect for holiday gatherings. Naturally free of gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts and tree nuts (top 8 free) and vegan-friendly.
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I keep seeing specialty displays of apple cider in stores this time of year. The kids love it, so I often pick up a gallon. Still, many store-bought ciders read like “apples, water, concentrate” on the label, and sometimes only list “spices” with little detail. I wanted a cider made with whole fruit and bold spice flavor — something far from plain apple juice.
This slow cooker version uses apples and pears for a naturally sweet, layered flavor, plus a whole orange for brightness. Using plenty of real fruit lets the cider steep into a deep, authentic taste — and you control the sweetness. It’s easy: wash and chop the fruit, add spices, pour in water, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
The aroma while it simmers is amazing. This cider smells better than any candle and fills the house with cozy, inviting notes — ideal for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or any cold evening when guests arrive and want a warm drink.
For spices you can use whole sticks and pods if you prefer—they’re easy to remove before serving. Ground spices work well too; expect a bit of sediment in cups or bottles if you use ground versions. I don’t mind the tiny bits; they remind me of the real, spiced flavor in the cider.
Taste as you go and adjust the sweetener to your preference. Apples vary in tartness, so start with about 1/2 cup brown sugar (or substitute honey if you’re not keeping it vegan) and add more if needed.
I hope this slow cooker apple pear cider warms you and your guests throughout the fall and winter. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated or enjoyed cold.
Slow Cooker Apple Pear Cider
12 cups
15 minutes
5 hours
5 hours 15 minutes
With apples, pears and oranges, this is a full-flavored cider ripe with fall spices. This warm drink makes a large batch and is ideal for holiday gatherings. Naturally free from common allergens and vegan.
Ingredients
- 7 medium apples
- 2 pears
- 1 whole orange (do not peel)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 12 cups water
- 1/2 to 1 cup brown sugar or sweetener of choice, to taste
Instructions
- Set your slow cooker on high. Use a large cooker that can hold all the water and fruit.
- Wash and cut the fruit; leaving seeds is fine. Keep the skins on for extra flavor.
- Add the spices, 1/2 cup brown sugar (or your preferred sweetener) and 12 cups of water. Cover and cook for four hours.
- After four hours, use a potato masher to squeeze and break up the fruit to release juices and flavor.
- Replace the lid and let the mixture meld for at least one more hour; it can steep longer if desired.
- Taste and adjust sweetness. When it’s at the desired level, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove fruit, pulp and seeds.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. Reheat to serve warm, or enjoy cold.
Adapted from: Peas and Peonies
Don’t forget to pin it for later so you don’t lose it! Check out other allergy-friendly Pinterest boards for more ideas.
