As the leaves turn golden and the crisp air sets in, there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting taste of apple cider to signal the start of fall. And what better way to enjoy this seasonal favorite than with a delicious array of apple cider-based recipes? From sweet treats to savory dishes, we’ve got 18 cozy apple cider recipes that are sure to become new fall favorites.
Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy kick from our Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider or a tangy twist on classic donuts with our Apple Cider Donuts with Cider Glaze, there’s something on this list for everyone. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding apple cider to your pork chops or braising chicken thighs in the stuff? The possibilities are endless!
In this article, we’ll dive into all 18 of these mouth-watering recipes and share our favorite tips and tricks for making the most of this autumnal ingredient. So grab a cup of hot cider and settle in – it’s time to get cozy with the flavors of fall!
Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider
Cozy up with a mug of this autumnal delight, perfect for crisp fall evenings or holiday gatherings. This slow cooker spiced apple cider recipe combines the sweetness of apples with warm spices to create a comforting and invigorating drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.
2. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Strain the cider before serving to remove spices.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Serves: 4-6 people
Homemade Apple Cider with Orange and Cinnamon
This homemade apple cider recipe combines the classic flavors of apples and cinnamon with the brightness of orange, creating a deliciously warm and inviting drink perfect for crisp fall days.
Ingredients:
– 2 gallons apple cider
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider and orange juice.
2. Add the ground cinnamon and stir until well combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the cider has reached your desired level of warmth.
5. Remove from heat and add sliced oranges and lemons (if using).
6. Strain the cider into mugs or a large pitcher to serve.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Apple Cider Donuts with Cider Glaze
These sweet treats combine the warmth of apple cider with the fluffiness of donuts, topped off with a tangy glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, milk, apple cider, yeast, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and mix until smooth batter forms.
4. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Fry donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Drain excess oil and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cider Glaze:
– Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider, and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted.
– Dip warm donuts in glaze and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apple Cider Pork Chops with Rosemary
Elevate your pork chops game with this autumnal twist, featuring the warm, comforting flavors of apple cider and rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-inch thick)
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pork chops in a shallow baking dish and brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the meat.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through to your desired level of doneness.
5. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apple Cider Caramel Sauce
Elevate your fall baking and snacking game with this rich and velvety apple cider caramel sauce, perfect for topping apples, cakes, or even using as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup apple cider (fresh or store-bought)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and turns a light golden brown.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract.
4. Let the sauce cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Apple Cider Sangria with Fresh Fruit
Elevate your fall gatherings with this refreshing and flavorful sangria recipe, perfect for Apple Cider season.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup mixed fresh fruit (such as sliced apples, oranges, grapes, and cranberries)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup Triple Sec liqueur (or other orange-flavored liqueur)
– Sliced citrus fruits and fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, apple cider, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the mixed fresh fruit to the pitcher and stir gently.
3. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add the Triple Sec liqueur and stir well.
5. Serve the sangria chilled, garnished with sliced citrus fruits and fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: None required! Simply chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs
This recipe is a perfect blend of autumn’s flavors, with tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a rich apple cider sauce. Serve it over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in apple cider and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then add thyme. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Cover Dutch oven with lid and transfer to preheated oven. Braise for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Apple Cider Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with a stack of fluffy apple cider pancakes drizzled with pure maple syrup. This autumn-inspired breakfast is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine milk, apple cider, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with pure maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Apple Cider Vinegar BBQ Ribs
Experience the sweet and tangy fusion of apple cider vinegar and classic BBQ flavors with this unique rib recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs (optional). Place ribs in a large baking dish or roasting pan.
4. Brush the vinegar-based BBQ sauce evenly over both racks of ribs.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until caramelized to desired level.
Cooking Time: 2.5 hours
Enjoy your tender, flavorful Apple Cider Vinegar BBQ Ribs!
Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
As the seasons change, warm up with this cozy cocktail that combines the richness of bourbon with the sweetness of apple cider. Perfect for crisp fall nights, this drink is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 4 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 1/4 oz lemon juice
– Ice
– Apple slice or cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, apple cider, honey syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake and serve.
Enjoy your Autumnal Elegance Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail!
Apple Cider Bread with Walnuts
This moist and flavorful bread combines the sweetness of apples with the crunch of walnuts, perfect for a cozy fall or winter morning. The addition of apple cider gives it a unique depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, egg, apple cider, and sugar. Stir until combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in walnuts.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Cider Roasted Root Vegetables
Elevate your roasted root vegetables with the warm, spicy flavors of apple cider and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 2-3 parsnips, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss together carrots, parsnips, and sweet potato with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, honey, and cinnamon.
4. Pour the apple cider mixture over the vegetables and toss to combine.
5. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Apple Cider Glazed Salmon
Elevate your salmon game with this sweet and savory glaze made with apple cider, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until glaze has thickened slightly.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place salmon fillets on the sheet.
5. Brush the apple cider glaze evenly over the salmon.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and season with pepper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Apple Cider French Toast Casserole
Start your day with a sweet and savory twist on traditional French toast. This casserole combines the warmth of apples and cinnamon with the crunch of bread, perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf of Challah bread (12-16 slices), cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add apple cider and whisk until smooth.
4. Add bread cubes and toss until evenly coated.
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and dot with melted butter.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
7. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts (if using) and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Apple Cider Pulled Pork Sliders
Elevate your slider game with the perfect blend of tender pork, sweet apple cider, and crunchy texture. These bite-sized sliders are sure to become a fall favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Pickle slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, then place it in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker.
4. Pour in apple cider, cover, and cook for 8 hours or until tender.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and stir in any remaining juices.
6. Split hamburger buns in half and toast.
7. Assemble sliders by spooning pork onto the bun, topping with coleslaw, and adding pickle slices if desired.
Cook Time: 8 hours
Apple Cider Sorbet with Cinnamon
As the weather cools down, a refreshing apple cider sorbet with a hint of cinnamon is just what you need to brighten up your day. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for serving at fall gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, sugar, and cinnamon. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Once frozen, scoop the sorbet into cones or bowls and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (plus freezing time)
Apple Cider Hot Toddy
As the weather cools down, a warm and comforting drink is just what you need to cozy up. Our Apple Cider Hot Toddy recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the spiciness of cinnamon and cloves, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup strong brewed tea (black or green)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 4-6 whole cloves
– 1 shot of bourbon or whiskey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mug, combine the apple cider and brewed tea.
2. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves to the mug.
3. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved and the liquid is hot but not boiling.
4. Remove from the microwave and stir well to combine.
5. If desired, add a shot of bourbon or whiskey to the toddy.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes
Apple Cider Baked Beans
Elevate your backyard BBQ or fall gathering with this unique twist on traditional baked beans. The sweetness of apple cider adds a delightful depth to the classic bean dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, combine beans, onion, garlic, ketchup, apple cider, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir until well combined, then drizzle with olive oil.
4. Cover the pot and bake for 6-8 hours or overnight.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Summary
Get cozy this fall with these delicious apple cider recipes! From sweet treats like Apple Cider Donuts and Apple Cider Pancakes, to savory dishes like Braised Chicken Thighs and Pork Chops, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy classic comfort foods like Baked Beans and French Toast Casserole, or try your hand at more adventurous recipes like Apple Cider Sangria and Bourbon Cocktail. Whether you’re looking for a warm beverage or a tasty dessert, these 18 cozy apple cider recipes are sure to please.
