Homemade Instant Pot Apple Cider Recipe for Fall Gatherings

A steaming mug of apple cider is one of the best comforts of autumn. This Instant Pot apple cider recipe delivers classic, warmly spiced flavors in a fraction of the time it takes on the stovetop, while tasting like it simmered all day.

When the leaves turn and the air turns crisp, apple cider season begins. With so many orchards nearby, fresh cider is easy to find — and even better when you make a batch at home. This version blends apples, citrus, and fall spices in the Instant Pot, then mashes and strains the mixture to produce smooth, flavorful cider.

The result tastes like it came straight from the orchard but was made in your kitchen: fragrant, cozy, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup and a touch of coconut sugar.

What’s in homemade apple cider?

This Instant Pot apple cider uses a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. The main components are:

• Apples: A mix of sweet and tart varieties works best, but any apples you have will do.
• Citrus: Orange and lemon add brightness and help balance the sweetness.
• Warming spices: Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and cardamom deepen the cider’s flavor when pressure cooked.
• Sweeteners: Pure maple syrup and a little coconut sugar give natural sweetness and a rounded flavor.
• Water: Acts as the base to extract the fruit and spice flavors during cooking.

Instant Pot Apple Cider Variations

Apples: Use whichever varieties you prefer or have on hand — this recipe is forgiving and welcomes any combination.

Sweetness: After straining, taste and adjust. Add maple syrup a teaspoon at a time until it reaches your preferred sweetness.

Storage

Keep apple cider refrigerated for up to 7 days. The flavors continue to meld over time, so it often tastes even better after resting a day.

Freezing Apple Cider

Apple cider freezes well for longer storage. Pour into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 3 months. For easy single-serving portions, freeze in silicone cubes or ice cube trays; thaw as needed and warm before serving or enjoy chilled.

Serving Suggestions

Apple cider pairs beautifully with fall baked goods and holiday menus. Serve it with apple cinnamon bread, add a splash to cocktails, or make a spiked version for gatherings. It’s also a cozy companion for game-day snacks and Thanksgiving celebrations.

Instant Pot Apple Cider

Warm up chilly fall days with this Instant Pot apple cider — perfectly spiced, faster than stovetop, and always crowd-pleasing.

By: Linley Hanson

Prep: 30 mins

Cook: 20 mins

Cool Time: 1 hr

Total: 1 hr 50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 14 apples, cored and quartered
• 1 large orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice seasoning
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
• 1 vanilla bean
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 8 cups water

Instructions

• Place all ingredients in the Instant Pot.
• Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing.
• Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 20 minutes. (It may take about 15 minutes to come to pressure because of the large volume of liquid.)
• Quick-release the pressure and remove the lid. Use a potato masher or large wooden spoon to mash the apples, orange, and lemon until the mixture resembles applesauce.
• Let the mash cool for about an hour.
• Strain the cooled mash through a fine sieve or cheesecloth, collecting the cider in a large pitcher or container.
• Taste and adjust sweetness with additional maple syrup if desired. Store the cider in the refrigerator and serve cold or warmed.

Tips & Notes

• Storage: Refrigerate up to 7 days.
• Freezing: Freeze up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for single servings.
• Adjust sweetness: Add maple syrup a teaspoon at a time after tasting until it’s just right.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.