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Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider: Best Easy Recipe

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This slow cooker spiced apple cider is deeply spiced, naturally sweet, and incredibly easy to make. Just toss everything in and let it simmer until your whole house smells like a fall festival.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (64 oz) 100% apple cider
  • 2 large apples, sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 1 large orange, sliced
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 3 star anise pods (optional)
  • 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, thinly sliced
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Wash the apples and orange thoroughly. Slice the apples into thin rounds, about ¼-inch thick. Leave the skin on. Slice the orange into rounds, about ½-inch thick. Remove any seeds from the orange.
  2. Place the apple slices and orange slices in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  3. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise pods (if using), and sliced ginger. If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise, scrape the seeds into the pot, and toss the pod in as well. If using vanilla extract, hold off until step 5.
  4. Pour in the 8 cups of apple cider.
  5. Drizzle in the maple syrup and add the pinch of salt. Give everything a gentle stir. If using vanilla extract, add it now.
  6. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
  7. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large heatproof bowl or pot. Carefully pour the cider through the strainer to catch the fruit and spices. Discard the solids. For a clearer cider, strain twice.
  8. Ladle the strained cider into mugs. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or a thin apple slice if desired. Serve immediately.
  9. If not serving all at once, return the strained cider to the slow cooker and set to the ‘warm’ setting. It will stay perfect for up to 4 hours.

Notes

Don’t overdo the cloves. Toast spices first for deeper flavor. Use a whole orange, not just juice. Taste and adjust after 2 hours. Keep the slow cooker lid on during cooking. Make it in the morning for evening serving. Strain properly to avoid mouthful of cloves.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker spiced apple cider, apple cider, spiced cider, fall drink, holiday drink, slow cooker recipe, easy apple cider

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/cozy-slow-cooker-spiced-apple-cider-best-easy-recipe/