A sweet and tart taste of autumn in a pot, this recipe for Instant Pot Apple Cider is the perfect addition to your holiday table.
Apple cider is a classic autumn drink, and it’s easy to make with an Instant Pot. This recipe only takes a few minutes to cook, and the result is a delicious, warm beverage perfect for chilly weather.
Plus, making apple cider in the Instant Pot means you can avoid heating up your kitchen by using the stovetop. Give this simple recipe a try for a quick and easy fall drink.
PIN NOW TO SAVE FOR LATER
Possibly the best thing about the Instant Pot is how it can take a recipe that would normally require hours of cooking time and turn it into something that’s ready in just a fraction of the time.
This is especially true for recipes like apple cider, which can easily be turned into a delicious fall drink with just a few simple steps. Keep reading to learn how to make Instant Pot apple cider in no time at all!
apple cider recipe
Here are some commonly asked questions
Can I make Instant Pot Apple Cider without sugar?
Yes, you can absolutely make sugar-free apple cider in the Instant Pot! Just omit the brown sugar from the recipe and add a sweetener of your choice to taste after the cider has finished cooking. We like to use honey or maple syrup as alternatives.
However- if you are on a low-carb diet, the apples probably contain too much natural sugar to stay within the daily limits even when removing the sugar in this recipe.
Can I make Instant Pot Apple Cider ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make cider in advance! Just cook it according to the recipe instructions and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat individual servings as needed.
When should I serve Instant Pot Apple Cider?
This cider is perfect for fall and winter gatherings! Serve it at holiday parties, tailgates, or cozy family dinners. It’s also a great non-alcoholic option for serving at kid-friendly events.
Can I freeze Instant Pot Apple Cider?
Yes, cider freezes well! Just store it in an airtight container in the freezer and thaw it out when you’re ready to enjoy. It should keep for up to 3 months.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe can also be made in a slow cooker! Just combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
What other variations can be made?
There are so many ways that you can vary this recipe! Try adding different spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. Or, add a splash of rum or bourbon for a boozy twist.
If you’d like a bit of sweetness, try adding a few tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. The possibilities are endless!
What is “natural pressure release”?
Often, an Instant Pot recipe would call for you to release all the pressure at the end of the timed pressure cycle. However, the cooking process stops when the pressure is released.
For recipes that call for a natural pressure release, you would refrain from releasing the pressure from the unit for a set amount of time. This allows for a little extra cooking time as the pressure inside naturally goes down.
At the end of the natural pressure release cycle, you would then use the valve to release the remaining pressure and stop the cooking process.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Apple Cider
- water
- large apples – chopped and core removed
- brown sugar
- cranberries – fresh or frozen
- cinnamon sticks
- vanilla extract
- ground cinnamon
- whole cloves
- allspice
What is the difference between a pressure cooker and an instant pot?
By today’s definition, they are virtually the same – if you are talking about an electric pressure cooker. However, a traditional pressure cooker and an instant pot are two different cooking methods.
A traditional pressure cooker is a sealed metal container that cooks food quickly by steam under increased atmospheric pressure and heats the pot to boiling point.
An Instant Pot, on the other hand, is an electric-style pressure cooker that uses the same idea for cooking foods but can do so with very little liquid. They are incredibly efficient, safer than a traditional pressure cooker, and super easy to use too. Plus they come with a multitude of other functions making them great for quick meal prep.
What to serve with apple cider
There are so many delicious things that go great with apple cider! Try serving it with warm cinnamon rolls, gingerbread cookies, or a slice of pie.
It’s also delicious paired with savory foods like roasted meats or sharp cheeses or cheese logs. really, the sky’s the limit! Just get creative and have fun experimenting.
What kind of apples should I use for apple cider?
Well- we didn’t pick the types of trees that were planted on our property. That was decided by the first owners and we are the lucky recipients. So I have no idea what types we have here. I’m just using what I have and it’s working just fine.
However – since I’m sure most of you will be buying your apples at the store – here are some suggestions.
When you are making apple cider, there are different kinds of apples that work best. Some apples have a higher water content, so they will add to the overall volume of the cider as well as the ratios with the other ingredients. Some are quite sweet, which can also change the overall outcome of the cider.
When picking an apple to make into apple cider, you want to focus on ones that are a bit more tart in flavor. This will result in a nice balance of tart and sweet for the perfect cider flavor. The best type of apple for this is usually the Red Delicious variety, though Golden Delicious will work as well.
How to Make Instant Pot Apple Cider
- Combine the water, apples, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, whole cloves, and allspice in the Instant Pot Insert.
- Close the lid, set to sealing, and cook on manual high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Quick release. Remove the lid once the pin drops.
- Use a potato masher to mash the apples a bit to help release more flavor.
- Set the Instant Pot to the saute setting and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Set a fine mesh strainer lined with a cheesecloth over a large bowl or pot.
- Very carefully ladle the contents of the Instant Pot into the strainer, catching all of the solids.
- Once all of the liquid has passed through into the pot below, give the cheesecloth a good squeeze to get out any remaining liquid. Be sure to wait until it is cool enough to touch so you don’t burn yourself.
- Discard the solids in the cheesecloth.
- Ladle the warm cider into mugs and serve with a fresh apple slice or wedge, cranberries, and a fresh cinnamon stick.
Awesome Holiday Drinks to Try
- Holiday Party Punch
- Bourbon Apple Cider
- Thanksgiving Punch
- Instant Pot Apple Cider
- Rum Punch
- Crockpot Cranberry Cider
Apple Equivalents & Measures – rough estimates
- 1 bushel of apples is the dry equivalent to 2 gallons of produce
- 2 large apples = 1 pound
- 3-4 medium apples = 1 pound
- 3 cups cored, sliced or chopped apples = 1 pound
- 1-1/3 cups applesauce = 1 pound of apples
- 1 pound dried apples = 8 cups cooked apples
- 1 pound dried apples = 4 1/3 cups
- 4 pounds fresh apples = 1 pound dried apples
- 4 pounds of fresh apples = 4 cups of applesauce
- 1/2 cup mashed apples = 1 medium apple
- 3/4 cup cored, chopped apples = 1 medium apple
- 1 cup cored, sliced apples = 1 medium apple
- 2 pounds fresh apples = filling for ONE 9″ pie
- Small apples are approx 2 1/4 inches in diameter.
- Medium apples are approx 2 3/4 inches in diameter.
- Large apples are approx 3 3/4 inches in diameter.
What size Instant Pot do you use for this recipe?
I am currently using an 8-quart pot, but this recipe can be made in the 6-quart pot too. If you have one of the smaller versions (3-quart mini), I recommend cutting this recipe in half.
Here are my favorite Instant Pot Tools and Accessories!
DON’T MISS THESE HOLIDAY E-BOOKS!
If you love this easy apple cider recipe, you’re going to love these other apple recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
If you love this recipe for Instant Pot Apple Cider as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!
CONNECT WITH YUMMI HAUS!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Instant Pot Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 10 cups water
- 8 large apples 4-5 lbs total – chopped and core removed
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup cranberries fresh or frozen
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp whole cloves
- ½ tsp allspice
Instructions
- Combine the water, apples, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, whole cloves, and allspice in the Instant Pot Insert.
- Close the lid, set to sealing, and cook on manual high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Quick release. Remove the lid once the pin drops.
- Use a potato masher to mash the apples a bit to help release more flavor.
- Set the Instant Pot to the saute setting and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Set a fine mesh strainer lined with a cheesecloth over a large bowl or pot.
- Very carefully ladle the contents of the Instant Pot into the strainer, catching all of the solids.
- Once all of the liquid has passed through into the pot below, give the cheesecloth a good squeeze to get out any remaining liquid. Be sure to wait until it is cool enough to touch so you don’t burn yourself.
- Discard the solids in the cheesecloth.
- Ladle the warm cider into mugs and serve with a fresh apple slice or wedge, cranberries and a fresh cinnamon stick.
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot/Electric Pressure Cooker
- 1 fine mesh strainer
- 1 Cheesecloth
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Reader Interactions
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Share Your Thoughts