Crockpot Spiced Pear Cider Recipe

Introduction

There’s something extra cozy about a warm drink simmering away in the slow cooker, and this Crockpot Spiced Pear Cider is a perfect example. Sweet, fragrant, and packed with warm spices, it fills your home with comforting aromas and tastes like a warm hug in a mug—ideal for crisp fall days or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

• 6 ripe pears, cored and quartered
• 1 apple (any sweet kind), cored and quartered
• 1 orange, sliced (leave the peel on)
• 1/2 white onion, peeled and quartered
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 6 cups water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the pears, apple, orange slices with peel, and quartered onion into the crockpot.
2. Step 2: Place the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and grated fresh ginger directly over the fruit.
3. Step 3: Pour in the maple syrup and vanilla extract to sweeten and flavor the mixture.
4. Step 4: Add the water, pouring it gently over all the ingredients.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the fruit is very soft and the flavors have melded.
6. Step 6: Use a potato masher to gently mash the softened fruit, then let it simmer for another 20 minutes.
7. Step 7: Strain the cider through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher or bowl. Serve warm in mugs.

Tips & Variations

• Don’t skip the onion; it adds unexpected depth without noticeable flavor.
• Use whole spices rather than ground for a smoother cider free of grit.
• Substitute honey or brown sugar for maple syrup if preferred.
• Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon after cooking for a boozy twist.
• If you don’t have pears, apples create a lovely classic cider flavor.

Storage

Allow the cider to cool completely before transferring it to a sealed container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze portions for longer storage; just thaw and warm when ready to serve.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this on the stove instead?

Yes, you can simmer all ingredients in a large pot over low heat for 2-3 hours instead of using a crockpot.

Do I have to peel the pears?

No need to peel—the skins add flavor and nutrients, and everything is strained out at the end.

Crockpot Spiced Pear Cider Recipe

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This Crockpot Spiced Pear Cider is a warm, fragrant, and cozy drink perfect for chilly days and holiday gatherings. Crafted with ripe pears, sweet apple, orange slices, warming spices, and a touch of maple syrup, it simmers low and slow in a crockpot, filling your home with irresistible aromas and delivering a comforting, layered flavor that’s easy to make and delightful to sip.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits

• 6 ripe pears, cored and quartered
• 1 sweet apple, cored and quartered
• 1 orange, sliced (with peel)
• 1/2 white onion, peeled and quartered

Spices and Flavorings

• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup maple syrup

Liquids

• 6 cups water

Instructions

1. Prep the Fruit: Add 6 ripe pears (cored and quartered), 1 sweet apple (cored and quartered), 1 orange (sliced with peel), and 1/2 white onion (peeled and quartered) into the crockpot, preparing the base of your cider.
2. Add the Spices: Place 3 cinnamon sticks, 5 whole cloves, 2 star anise, and 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger directly over the fruit in the crockpot, infusing the drink with warm, layered aromas.
3. Sweeten and Flavor: Pour in 1/3 cup maple syrup and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract to add natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
4. Add Water: Pour 6 cups of water over all the ingredients, ensuring everything is submerged to allow full infusion during cooking.
5. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours (or HIGH for 2-3 hours), until the fruit is very soft and the flavors are rich and fragrant.
6. Mash and Simmer: Use a potato masher to gently mash the softened fruit in the crockpot, then let it simmer for an additional 20 minutes to deepen flavors.
7. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher or bowl to remove solids, and serve warm in mugs for the perfect cozy drink.

Notes

• Do not skip the onion—it adds subtle depth without altering the taste.
• Low and slow cooking is preferred to develop flavors without burning the fruit.
• Strain well with a fine mesh or cheesecloth for a smooth cider free of chunks or sediment.
• Use ripe pears for proper breakdown and rich flavor.
• Can be made a day ahead and reheated; flavors improve after resting.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup or apple juice if desired.
• Whole spices are preferred to avoid grit; ground spices can be used with additional straining.
• Store leftovers in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: crockpot pear cider, spiced pear cider, slow cooker cider, warm fall drink, holiday beverage, autumn cider, non-alcoholic cider, cozy drinks