Irresistible Slow Cooker Apple Pear Cider: Your Ultimate Allergy-Friendly Fall & Holiday Drink

With a harmonious blend of apples, pears, and oranges, this full-flavored cider is generously infused with classic fall spices. Our Slow Cooker Apple Pear Cider is a comforting warm beverage that yields a large batch, making it an ideal choice for festive holiday get-togethers and cozy autumn evenings. This beautifully spiced drink is naturally free from gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut, and tree nuts, making it a top 8 allergen-free and completely vegan delight.

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The Allure of Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Pear Cider

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like a warm, spiced drink to evoke the comforting spirit of autumn and winter. While store shelves are often lined with various apple ciders, I’ve frequently found myself underwhelmed by their offerings. Many “specialty” ciders come with a hefty price tag but lack the depth of flavor or the wholesome ingredients I crave. Often, they contain little more than apple juice concentrate and water, with a mere hint of spices – if any at all.

My quest for a truly authentic and robust cider led me to create this Slow Cooker Apple Pear Cider. I wanted a beverage that wasn’t just apple juice pretending to be cider, but a distinct, complex drink bursting with real fruit and generous spice. This recipe delivers exactly that, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary experience for your taste buds and your home.

Why This Recipe Stands Out: Real Fruit, Real Flavor

What truly sets this Slow Cooker Apple Pear Cider apart is its reliance on abundant fresh, whole fruit. Unlike store-bought versions, which often skimp on natural ingredients, this recipe calls for not just apples, but also pears for an added layer of sweetness and depth, and even a whole orange to introduce a bright, citrusy note. By using whole fruits, you harness their natural sugars, acids, and aromatics, creating a richer, more nuanced flavor profile that simply can’t be replicated with concentrates.

The beauty of making your own cider is the complete control you have over the ingredients. You can select your favorite varieties of apples and pears, adjust the amount of added sugar to suit your preference, and ensure that every drop is packed with pure, unadulterated goodness. Plus, with a well-stocked kitchen, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. A quick wash and chop of the fruit, a generous addition of water and spices, and your slow cooker does the rest of the work.

The Unforgettable Aroma of the Holidays

Beyond the incredible taste, one of the most magical aspects of making this Slow Cooker Apple Pear Cider is the divine aroma that permeates your entire home. As the fruits and spices gently simmer, your kitchen transforms into an autumnal wonderland, filled with the scent of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves mingling with sweet apples and pears. It’s truly better than any candle, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere that instantly welcomes guests.

Imagine serving this warm cider during Thanksgiving dinner, a festive holiday party, or simply on a chilly evening. The fragrant steam rising from cups of this homemade delight is enough to make anyone feel welcome and cherished. It’s the perfect way to greet friends and family coming in from the cold, offering them a delicious and comforting embrace.

Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Cider

Whole vs. Ground Spices: Your Choice

When it comes to spices, both whole and ground versions work wonderfully. If you have whole cinnamon sticks, star anise, or cloves, they are fantastic because they can be easily fished out at the end, leaving a clearer cider. However, if you’re like me and often have ground spices on hand, don’t hesitate to use them! Ground spices infuse the cider just as effectively. You might notice some fine spice sediment in your cup or bottle, but to me, this is a beautiful reminder of the rich flavors packed into every sip. It’s a small detail that adds to the rustic charm of homemade cider.

Sweetening to Your Taste

Apples and pears vary greatly in sweetness depending on the variety and ripeness. This is why tasting and adjusting the sugar is a crucial step. I recommend starting with about half a cup of brown sugar, or your preferred sweetener. If you’re not vegan, honey can also be a wonderful alternative, adding its own unique depth of flavor. Taste the cider after the cooking process, and if your fruit was on the tart side or you simply prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add more brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey until it reaches your ideal level of sweetness.

Fruit Selection Matters

For apples, a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp (sweet) and Granny Smith or Braeburn (tart) will create the most balanced flavor. For pears, ripe but firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou work well, lending their subtle sweetness without becoming mushy. Remember, keeping the skin on all the fruit is essential for maximizing flavor extraction and color in your cider.

An Allergy-Friendly and Vegan Delight

One of the most significant advantages of this Slow Cooker Apple Pear Cider recipe is its incredible inclusivity. It is naturally free from common allergens such as gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. This means it’s a “top 8 free” recipe, making it a safe and delicious option for almost everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions or food allergies. Furthermore, it’s completely vegan, ensuring that all your guests, including those following plant-based diets, can enjoy a comforting mug without worry. This makes it an ideal centerpiece for holiday tables, school events, or any gathering where you want to offer a truly welcoming beverage.

Knowing that you can provide such a flavorful and wholesome drink that caters to so many different needs is incredibly rewarding. It allows everyone to partake in the warmth and joy of the season, making your gatherings even more special and stress-free.

Slow Cooker Apple Pear Cider (Gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut & tree nut free; top 8 free; vegan)

Yield:
12 cups

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
5 hours

Total Time:
5 hours 15 minutes

With apples, pears and oranges, this is a full-flavored cider that is ripe with fall spices. This warm drink makes a ton and would be great for holiday get togethers. This spiced drink is naturally gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut and tree nut free; top 8 free as well as 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 other sweeter of choice, to taste

Instructions

Set your slow cooker on high. Ensure it’s large enough to hold all the water needed (at least a 6-quart capacity is recommended for this recipe).
Thoroughly wash and then cut all the fruit into large chunks. There’s no need to remove the seeds. Crucially, keep the skin on the fruit, as it contributes significantly to the final flavor and color of the cider.
Place all the cut fruit into the slow cooker. Add the cinnamon sticks, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, half cup of brown sugar, and pour in the 12 cups of water. Stir gently to combine. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on high for a minimum of four hours.
After four hours, carefully remove the lid. Using a potato masher, thoroughly squish and mash all the fruit against the sides and bottom of the slow cooker. This crucial step extracts all the delicious juices and pulp, infusing the cider with maximum flavor.
Replace the lid on the slow cooker and allow the cider to continue to meld and steep for at least one more hour. For an even deeper flavor, you can let it meld for longer, up to another 2-3 hours on low, if your schedule allows.
When you’re ready to serve, carefully taste the hot cider. Determine if additional sugar or sweetener is needed to reach your desired level of sweetness. Once the sweetness is perfect, strain the fruit, pulp, and seeds using a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher or serving bowl. Press down on the solids in the strainer to extract as much liquid as possible.
Serve warm. If you have any leftover cider after serving, store it covered in the refrigerator. It can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker when you’re ready to enjoy it again. This cider is also surprisingly delicious served cold!

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Once strained, your Slow Cooker Apple Pear Cider is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm in mugs, perhaps garnished with a thin slice of orange, a cinnamon stick, or a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg. For an extra touch of festivity, consider adding a few cranberries to each mug.

Sparkling Cider: For a bubbly twist, let the cider cool completely, then mix it with a sparkling apple cider (ensure it’s allergy-friendly if needed) or ginger ale just before serving.
Adult Version: For those who enjoy a spirited beverage, a splash of bourbon, rum, or spiced brandy can be added to individual servings.
Additional Spices: Experiment with other warming spices like a few star anise pods, a piece of fresh ginger, or a couple of whole cardamom pods for an even more complex flavor profile.
Cranberry Infusion: Add a cup of fresh or frozen cranberries along with the other fruits for a tart and beautiful cranberry apple pear cider.

Beyond the Cider: More Fall-Inspired Treats

This incredible Slow Cooker Apple Pear Cider recipe was beautifully adapted from: Peas and Peonies.

If you’re looking for more delightful ways to enjoy the flavors of the season, especially if you have leftover apples or are craving more apple-infused goodness, check out these fantastic recipes:

For a fun, carbonated drink option, try this refreshing Thanksgiving Punch from Thyme and Joy. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any holiday table.
Transform any leftover apples into a healthy and crunchy snack with these Air Fryer Apple Chips, courtesy of fellow blogger Running to the Kitchen.
If your apple cider craving continues, you absolutely must try these scrumptious GF Apple Cider Donut Muffins by Thyme and Joy. They capture all the essence of an apple cider donut in a convenient, gluten-free muffin form.

I genuinely hope this Slow Cooker Apple Pear Cider brings warmth, comfort, and delicious joy to you and your loved ones throughout the fall and winter seasons. It’s more than just a drink; it’s an experience that fills your senses and creates lasting memories.

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Happy sipping!

Don’t forget to pin this delightful recipe for later so you don’t lose it! Be sure to check out my other allergy-friendly Pinterest boards too for more inspiration!