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Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider

Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider - featured image

This Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider is a cozy, spiced fall drink that combines apples, pumpkin puree, and warming spices for a creamy, aromatic treat. Itโ€™s quick to make, naturally sweetened, and perfect for gatherings or a quiet autumn afternoon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 810 medium apples (about 3 lbs), quartered (mix of sweet and tart, e.g., Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
  • 1 large orange, sliced (leave peel on)
  • 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup maple syrup, to taste
  • 23 cinnamon sticks
  • 68 whole cloves
  • 45 allspice berries (optional)
  • 1-inch knob fresh ginger, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  • 8 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (added after pressure cooking)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Wash apples and orange thoroughly. Quarter apples (no need to peel or core) and slice orange. Place all fruit in the Instant Pot.
  2. Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries (if using), ginger slices, nutmeg, water, and a pinch of salt to the pot.
  3. Seal the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to ‘sealing,’ and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 20 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  4. Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the softened fruit in the pot to extract more flavor.
  5. Set a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl or pitcher. Carefully ladle the hot cider through to strain out solids. Discard or compost solids.
  6. Stir in maple syrup (start with 1/3 cup and add more to taste) and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as desired.
  7. Ladle hot cider into mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor. Sweeten at the end to adjust to taste. For a sugar-free version, use monk fruit or stevia. Strain twice for extra-smooth cider. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze in ice cube trays for single servings. For an adult version, add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin apple cider, instant pot cider, fall drink, cozy drink, pumpkin cider, apple cider, pressure cooker cider, autumn beverage, non-alcoholic cider, easy cider recipe