This Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider is the quintessential spiced Fall drink that can be served warm or chilled. It’s brimming with pumpkin flavor, warm spices, fresh apples, and subtle citrus and vanilla undertones. It’s bound to become a family favorite fall recipe!
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Easy Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider
When it comes to classic fall drink recipes, there’s none more classic than apple cider. Yes there’s pumpkin spice lattes, and those are a close second, but, in my mind, homemade apple cider wins the unofficial contest.
That said, I decided traditional apple cider just wasn’t going to cut it this year. So that’s why I’m introducing you to Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider today! It’s every bit as homey and comforting as the original version is, but the flavors are over-the-top delicious… in the best way possible!
Apple, orange, and lemon slices combine with cinnamon sticks, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup for the most flavorful homemade apple cider ever. I know that’s quite the declaration, but I also know that this cider is going to live up to the hype.
So, make it in the crockpot, make in the instant pot, add some extra maple syrup, serve it hot, serve it cold… just don’t miss out!
What You’ll Need
Let’s get started on this sweet apple cider! Here’s what we’ll need to round up before we begin:
- Apples: I used Honey Crisp and Granny Smith apples, sliced into rounds. Gala and Fuji apples also work well, especially if you like your cider sweet.
- Citrus: Slice some orange and lemon into rounds for tart citrus flavor.
- Water: Engulfing the chopped fruit in water is a vital part of creating this cider.
- Cinnamon: Letting cinnamon sticks soak in the water infuses your cider with sweet, homey flavor.
- Star Anise: This is optional, but I love the flavor this spice adds.
- Vanilla Extract: For extra sweet flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup if you can, rather than the imitation kind.
- Pumpkin Puree: Rich pumpkin flavor blends perfectly with the citrus and vanilla undertones.
- Pumpkin Spice: For extra pumpkin flavoring!
How to Make Pumpkin Apple Cider
Pumpkin apple cider is super easy to make, but it comes out looking picturesque and elegant. It takes about 10 minutes to prep, which mostly consists of chopping up fruit. Then you’ll cook the cider in the instant pot, strain it, wait for it to cool, and at that point, you’re done! Simple.
These are the instructions you’ll need to follow:
Place the Ingredients in the Instant Pot: Add the cut fruits, water, cinnamon, star anise and vanilla extract to the instant pot or pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Let the Cider Cool: Once finished, do a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Remove the lid and allow the cider to cool completely.
Strain the Cider: Once cool, use a colander and cheesecloth to strain the apple cider and squeeze out all of the juice from the fruits. Discard the fruits when you’re finished.
Add the Maple Syrup: Also add the pumpkin puree and the pumpkin spice to the apple cider, and mix well until everything is combined. Serve your cider warm or chilled, and enjoy!
Crockpot Method
Don’t have an instant pot? No worries! You can also use your crockpot. Pumpkin apple cider can be made in more than one way!
Instead of using an instant pot, you can cook your apple cider on low for 8 hours, or on high for 5 hours, in a crockpot. It tastes delicious either way, so feel free to pick your favorite method!
Tips for Success
This cider would be perfect for fall get-togethers, Oktoberfests, and maybe even Thanksgiving! Just something to think about as you read over these quick tips 🙂 :
- For Sweeter Apple Cider: Add more maple syrup if you need more sweetness in your apple cider.
- Adjust the Spices: If you want to add other spices like nutmeg or cloves, go for it! You could also add more cinnamon, use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks, omit the pumpkin spice, etc. Make it your own!
- Can I Make this Spiked Apple Cider? Sure! To make spiked apple cider, add a splash of bourbon or rum.
Serving Suggestions
You can totally drink this apple cider as-is. But… if you’re looking for add-ons and enhancements, I’ve got you covered. Feel free to top your warm apple cider with whipped cream, cinnamon, or a caramel drizzle! Or all three at once, if you feel that that’s necessary, like I do!
If you like to drink your cider cold, try garnishing your glass with apple/orange slices, or other fruit. Enjoy!
How to Store Homemade Cider
Store any leftover pumpkin apple cider in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave yourself a glass, or heat your cider up on the stovetop in a saucepan – low heat is best so that you don’t accidentally boil it.
Can I Freeze This?
Sure. Make sure your apple cider has cooled completely before freezing it, though. Pour it into an airtight container, leaving some space at the top so it can expand when it freezes, and freeze for 1-2 months. Let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight before drinking/reheating again.
Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 6 apples, I used 3 Honey Crisp and 3 Granny Smith, sliced into rounds
- ½ lemon, sliced into rounds
- ½ orange, sliced into rounds
- 6 cups water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise, optional
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 ⅓ cups pumpkin puree
- ½ tbsp pumpkin spice
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Instructions
- Add cut fruits, water, cinnamon, star anise and vanilla extract in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
- Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once finished, do a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Remove lid and allow cider to cool completely.
- Once cool, use a colander and cheesecloth to strain the apple cider and squeeze out all of the juice from the fruits. Discard fruits.
- Add maple syrup, pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the apple cider, mixing until well combined.
- Serve warm or chilled. Optional: Top with whipped cream, cinnamon, and a caramel drizzle!
Notes
Nutrition
Categories:
More Fall Favorites to Try
Looking for more Fall recipes to serve your guests that feature the seasons favorite apples and/or pumpkins? Try out one of these reader favorite recipes!
- Cinnamon Baked Apples
- Best Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Coquito
- Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake
- Apple Streusel Cake
- Apple Pie French Toast Casserole
- Best Pumpkin Cake
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