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    Instant Pot Apple Cider

    Aug 29, 2022 · 38 Comments

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    Instant Pot apple cider from scratch is made with fresh apple, lightly spiced, and perfect for keeping you warm on chilly evenings and during the holidays! Naturally vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free!

    completed Vegan Instant Pot Apple Cider in two glass containers on a white surface

    Quick Hot Spiced Apple Cider in an Instant Pot

    It feels like cooler weather is just around the corner. And while I’ve been enjoying air fryer apples and cinnamon apple chips all summer long, nothing says Fall/Winter quite like this non-alcoholic Instant Pot apple cider!

    A single sip of this hot mulled apple cider will transform you to bustling Christmas markets, family holiday potlucks, and more happy memories. It requires just 6 ingredients, a few minutes of hands-on prep, and will leave your kitchen smelling of an Autumn candle (and Christmas!). Sold yet?

    Well, if you need more convincing, did I mention that this hot mulled cider is also highly adaptable? You can adjust the sweetness, swap the spices, and more. More so, making apple cider in an Instant Pot takes the least time to prepare compared to stovetop and slow cooker methods (alternative methods in the FAQs!), and is ready from scratch in under 30 minutes!

    Plus, with the price of energy increasing worldwide, I think I’ll be sipping my way through winter, surviving on hot drinks (kept warm in big, insulated thermos flasks) and fluffy blankets. It’s perfect for chilly evenings and special occasions and will even help soothe a sore throat!

    What is Apple Juice vs. Apple Cider

    Depending on where you live, apple cider can refer to a warm, non-alcoholic spiced apple juice or chilled alcoholic beverage. In the US, though, we’re referring to the former, with the latter being called ‘hard apple cider.’

    Apple cider is raw, unfiltered apple juice with pulp/sediment. Mulled apple cider adds several warming spices and heats them together to infuse (‘mull’) for a delicious non-alcoholic apple cider. In comparison, apple juice here in the US is typically translucent, pasteurized, and often packed with preservatives.

    For this Instant Pot apple cider recipe, I’m making non-alcoholic apple cider entirely from scratch using whole apples. Can’t get fresher than that!

    The Ingredients

    The base quick spiced apple cider recipe relies on just a handful of simple ingredients.

    ingredients for Vegan Instant Pot Apple Cider against a white surface
    • Apples: You can use any apples for this homemade apple cider. I like combining sweet and tart apples like Honey crisp, Fuji, pink lady, Golden Delicious, Gala (sweeter), and Jonagold or Granny smith apples (more tart).
    • Oranges: Oranges, clementines, or satsumas will work. To infuse the hot apple cider with more flavor, add the zest or strands of peel (no pith!) to the spiced apple juice mixture.
    • Spices: You’ll need cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and nutmeg for this pressure cooker apple cider.

    Can you use ground spices for apple cider?

    Yes, just make sure to substitute the amounts correctly. I.e., 1 cinnamon stick = 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Once clove is a pinch of ground cloves, etc.

    • Sweetener: Use the sweetener of your choice. I.e., brown sugar (for a delicious caramel apple cider), coconut sugar (paleo), maple syrup, agave, or even a sugar-free syrup/sugar (keto).
    • Water: To cover the fruit.

    What Could I Add to The Homemade Apple Cider?

    • Other spices: You can experiment with several spices in this hot apple cider for different flavors. I.e., 2-3 star anise (licorice flavor), a teaspoon of whole cloves, or some nutmeg, cardamom, allspice berries, juniper berries, bay leaves, etc. You could even use a teaspoon or two of apple pie spice.
    • Vanilla extract: Adjust the amount to taste. Or use a vanilla pod.
    • Ginger: A small amount of fresh ginger will add heat and a more robust flavor.
    • Lemon: For a tangy, bright addition to the Instant Pot apple cider.
    • Cranberries: You can add fresh or frozen cranberries to the mulled apple cider. A splash of cranberry juice would also work.

    How to Make Instant Pot Apple Cider?

    Making homemade apple cider from scratch couldn’t be simpler when using an Instant Pot. Follow just 5 simple steps for delicious Instant Pot apple cider in under 30 minutes!

    • 1) First, rinse and chop the apples (no need to peel or core), and peel and chop the oranges.
    • 2) Then, place all the ingredients into your Instant Pot, seal the lid, and cook on manual HIGH pressure for 12 minutes. Once ready, carefully use the quick release valve.
    all ingredients for Vegan Instant Pot Apple Cider in an instant pot
    all ingredients for Vegan Instant Pot Apple Cider in an instant pot
    all ingredients for Vegan Instant Pot Apple Cider in an instant pot

    You can optionally allow it to manually release for 10-15 minutes first, so it won't 'spit' as much, but it’s not necessary.

    • 3) Remove the spices with a slotted spoon and then mash the mixture with either a potato masher or an immersion blender.
    the process of removing cinnamon sticks from instant pot
    process of using potato masher on instant pot ingredients
    • 4) Allow the hot apple cider to cool slightly, then pour it through cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, or a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl, squeezing the pulp to extract as much of the liquids as possible.
    process of using strainer to filter out Vegan Instant Pot Apple Cider ingredients
    • 5) Reheat if needed, then serve hot, adding more sweetener to taste if preferred. Enjoy the homemade apple cider, garnishing the glasses with cinnamon sticks and cranberries.

    You can also make this into more of a dessert-like caramel apple cider treat with the addition of caramel sauce and whipped coconut cream.

    FAQs

    Can I make homemade apple cider on the stovetop?

    Add everything to a large, heavy-bottomed pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 2 hours or until the fruit is breaking down. Then mash the fruits, strain the mixture, and enjoy!

    How to make crockpot apple cider?

    Place all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 6-8 hours, mashing the fruits when 40-60 minutes are left. Then, strain, taste, and adjust the sweetener to taste.

    Top Recipe Tips and Notes

    • To save time: Use pre-made apple juice, but make sure it’s unpasteurized, raw, and unfiltered.
    • If you want to use the pulp: You may prefer to core the apples first to remove their seeds. The leftover fruit pulp can then be added to oatmeal, baked goods, smoothies, etc.
    • To keep it warm for functions: For large amounts, use a crockpot/Instant Pot on the ‘keep warm/warming’ function. For smaller amounts, coffee dispensers work great to keep the mulled apple cider warm for hours.
    • Adjust the amount of water: Depending on the size of your pressure cooker, you may need to adjust the amount of water used to cover the fruit.
    • Adjust the sweetness: Feel free to omit adding the sweetener until after straining the Instant Pot apple cider, then sweeten the drink to taste.
    completed Vegan Instant Pot Apple Cider in two glass containers on a white surface

    Storage Instructions

    Store: Allow the pressure-cooked apple cider to cool and then store the leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

    Reheat: I recommend only reheating the spiced apple cider you need, as it should only be reheated once. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop or heat individual mugs in the microwave for between 1-2 minutes.

    More Fall/Winter Recipes

    • Easy vegan apple muffins
    • Creamy vegan sausage gravy
    • Healthy apple pie baked apples
    • Mixed bean and vegetable stew
    • Immunity boosting juice
    • Instant Pot vegetable barley soup
    • Instant Pot navy bean soup

    If you try this easy Instant Pot apple cider recipe, I’d love to know what you think in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

    Photos by Alfonso Revilla

    completed Vegan Instant Pot Apple Cider in two glass containers on a white surface

    Instant Pot Apple Cider

    This Instant Pot apple cider from scratch is made with fresh apple, lightly spiced, and perfect for keeping you warm on chilly evenings and during the holidays! It's naturally vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free!
    5 from 52 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Calories 425 kcal

    Equipment

    • knife set
    • measuring cups
    • instant pot
    • strainer

    Ingredients
      

    • 5 apples of any variety, chopped (no need to peel or remove core)
    • 2 oranges peeled and chopped
    • 3 cinnamon sticks
    • 3 whole cloves
    • 1 whole nutmeg
    • ¼ cup of your choice of sweetener (brown sugar, maple syrup, agave, etc.)
    • Water to cover the fruit

    Instructions
     

    • Place all the ingredients into the instant pot and cook on high for 12 minutes with a quick release.
    • Remove the spices with a slotted spoon, and then use a potato masher to mash the fruit.
    • Strain using cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer. Make sure to squeeze the fruit to get as much juice out as possible.
    • Serve hot.

    Notes

    • To save time: Use pre-made apple juice, but make sure it’s unpasteurized, raw, and unfiltered.
    • If you want to use the pulp: You may prefer to core the apples first to remove their seeds. The leftover fruit pulp can then be added to oatmeal, baked goods, smoothies, etc.
    • To keep it warm for functions: For large amounts, use a crockpot/Instant Pot on the ‘keep warm/warming’ function. For smaller amounts, coffee dispensers work great to keep the mulled apple cider warm for hours.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 425kcalCarbohydrates: 111gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 17mgPotassium: 802mgFiber: 18gSugar: 87gVitamin A: 559IUVitamin C: 91mgCalcium: 166mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword apple cider, apple recipes, dairy free, easy drinks, healthy drinks, holiday drinks, holiday recipes, instant pot recipes, non alcoholic drinks, preservative free, vegan, vegan drinks, vegetarian
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @foodsharingvegan on Instagram!

    Disclaimer: Although foodsharingvegan.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Foodsharingvegan.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea says

      August 29, 2022 at 10:13 pm

      love how easy this apple cider is to make in the IP! so simple and satisfying!

      Reply
    2. Teodora says

      September 04, 2022 at 10:43 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing recipe! One of my favorites!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 12, 2022 at 2:03 am

        It's sooo soothing!

        Reply
    3. Rachel says

      September 06, 2022 at 3:31 pm

      5 stars
      I was always intimidated to make my own apple cider but this recipe was so easy to follow! It turned out great!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 12, 2022 at 2:05 am

        So glad you enjoyed it! It's a delicious one!

        Reply
    4. Gina H. says

      September 06, 2022 at 4:48 pm

      5 stars
      What a great idea! I usually use my crockpot, but it'll be a treat to try my Instant Pot, too. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 12, 2022 at 2:07 am

        You're going to love it! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Bea Buono-Core says

      September 07, 2022 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      Genius! I can't wait to try it 🙂

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 12, 2022 at 2:08 am

        Hope you enjoy it 🙂

        Reply
    6. Janaye says

      September 09, 2022 at 3:36 pm

      5 stars
      I didn’t even know you could make cider in the instant pot so cool!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 12, 2022 at 2:14 am

        Right?! So many things you can do with an IP!

        Reply
    7. James Strange says

      September 14, 2022 at 12:16 am

      5 stars
      This was so easy to make and turned out really good.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 20, 2022 at 2:23 am

        Gotta love the easy ones!

        Reply
    8. nancy says

      September 14, 2022 at 6:33 pm

      5 stars
      omgosh - what a great way to warm up to after a nice walk!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 20, 2022 at 2:23 am

        Right?! Such a cozy drink!

        Reply
    9. Genevieve says

      September 14, 2022 at 8:01 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe makes my entire house smell like fall! I absolutley love it and it's so easy to put together.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 20, 2022 at 2:23 am

        Yesss! Such a fun fall drink!

        Reply
    10. Addie says

      September 15, 2022 at 4:03 am

      5 stars
      So fun and festive for fall! Plus it makes my house smell amazing. Yum!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 20, 2022 at 2:23 am

        Gotta love that fall smell from this drink!

        Reply
    11. Melinda says

      September 15, 2022 at 1:09 pm

      5 stars
      Love making hot apple cider from scratch! I didn’t even need to peel the apples. The spices here are just right and it’s another great way to use my Instant Pot.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 20, 2022 at 2:25 am

        Gotta love a good homemade apple cider recipe!

        Reply
    12. Julie says

      September 19, 2022 at 1:18 pm

      5 stars
      Your instant pot apple cider recipe is really wholesome and comforting with just the right amount of sweetness. Made mine with cinnamon.💕

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 20, 2022 at 2:25 am

        Love the cinnamon addition!

        Reply
    13. Natalie says

      September 19, 2022 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      Never had a hot apple cider before! It will be perfect for these colder days coming up, thanks!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 20, 2022 at 2:25 am

        You're going to love it!

        Reply
    14. Shelby says

      September 19, 2022 at 4:26 pm

      5 stars
      There's nothing more comforting than having some apple cider warming up to keep you cozy!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 20, 2022 at 2:29 am

        Agreed! So so cozy and the perfect drink to warm up too!

        Reply
    15. Jess says

      September 19, 2022 at 7:56 pm

      5 stars
      So perfect for the fall!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 20, 2022 at 2:33 am

        Yesss! The ultimate fall drink!

        Reply
    16. Shilpa says

      September 20, 2022 at 6:19 am

      5 stars
      Wow this is so good. And I love that we can make it in the Instant Pot. So easy and healthy.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 23, 2022 at 3:24 am

        Gotta love a good IP recipe!

        Reply
    17. Katie says

      September 20, 2022 at 11:34 am

      5 stars
      fIrst time making a drink in my instantpot, and it worked incredibly! Love this apple cider!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 23, 2022 at 3:24 am

        Love it! It'll leave your house smelling like fall!

        Reply
    18. Rosanna Stevens says

      September 20, 2022 at 11:56 am

      5 stars
      Such a warm and comforting drink to make on these cooler evenings! We loved it, thanks for the recipe

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 23, 2022 at 3:25 am

        So glad you enjoyed this one! It's a yummy one, alright!

        Reply
    19. nancy says

      September 20, 2022 at 9:33 pm

      5 stars
      so easy to make and soothing for my throat

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        September 23, 2022 at 3:25 am

        Agreed. Such a yummy drink!

        Reply
    20. Liz says

      November 28, 2022 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      I made this for Thanksgiving and the family wants me to serve it again for Christmas! A winning recipe!

      Reply

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