Cool evenings, golden leaves, and a pot of homemade apple cider simmering slow in the Dutch oven — simple, spiced, and unmistakably autumnal. It’s a cozy recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again all season long.
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This recipe is perfect poured alongside the Sourdough Apple Fritters, still warm and dusted with cinnamon sugar, or with the Sourdough Apple Cider Donuts for the ultimate fall treat. Together, they turn an ordinary afternoon into something quite special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’m also a big fan of mulled cider in the winter, so I’ll definitely be trying this! ~ Youtube Comment
Featured Video
Homemade Apple Cider Recipe In A Dutch Oven
Get in the Holiday Spirit with this Apple Cider Video TODAY!
Ingredients
Tip: Use a mix of apple varieties for the best flavor — sweet for body and tart for brightness. If you’d like a deeper caramel note, swap the brown sugar for maple syrup or a drizzle of honey; it melts beautifully into the cider as it simmers.
Recipe Tips
Use fresh apples: A mix of sweet and tart gives your cider a deeper, rounder flavor that feels naturally balanced.
Don’t rush the simmer: Letting it cook low and slow brings out that rich, spiced sweetness that tastes like fall in a mug.
Leave the peels on: They add color and body — plus, less prep means more time to enjoy the cozy scent filling your kitchen.
Adjust the spice: For a lighter flavor, pull the cloves early; for a bolder, warming cider, let them steep the full time.
Sweeten to taste: Add more brown sugar or maple syrup near the end — the apples will tell you how much sweetness they need.
Strain gently: Press the fruit lightly through a sieve or cheesecloth to capture all that golden flavor without clouding the cider.
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Roughly chop the apples (no need to peel) and slice the orange into rounds. Add both to your Dutch oven.
- Add the spices: Drop in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns, allspice berries, star anise, and brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Pour in the water: Add just enough to cover the fruit — about 2 to 2 ½ quarts. Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer low and slow: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 1½–2 hours. Your kitchen will smell incredible as the apples soften and the spices bloom.
- Mash the fruit: Once the apples are tender, use a wooden spoon or potato masher to press them against the side of the pot, releasing their juices.
- Strain the cider: Set a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a large bowl and pour the mixture through, pressing gently to extract every drop of flavor.
- Warm and serve: Return the strained cider to the pot and heat gently before serving. Ladle into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange if you like.
Note: The longer your cider simmers, the richer and more fragrant it becomes — there’s no rushing that kind of cozy. Let it rest warm on the stove while you go about your day, and it’ll be ready just when the house starts to smell like fall.
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Another favorite from my kitchen to yours, where the seasons guide the table and every meal is an act of love — may this recipe become a favorite in your kitchen too.
With gratitude & love,
Emily
Apple Cider Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 peppercorns
- 1 ½ quarts of freshly juiced apple juice or pre-bought you can also use apple cider
- 6 allspice berries
- 6-12 whole cloves
- 2 sticks of cinnamon
- ½ sliced orange
- 2 tsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbs of brown sugar
- 2 star anise seeds *optional
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Roughly chop the apples (no need to peel) and slice the orange into rounds. Add both to your Dutch oven.
- Add the spices: Drop in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns, allspice berries, star anise, and brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Pour in the water: Add just enough to cover the fruit — about 2 to 2 ½ quarts. Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer low and slow: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 1½–2 hours. Your kitchen will smell incredible as the apples soften and the spices bloom.
- Mash the fruit: Once the apples are tender, use a wooden spoon or potato masher to press them against the side of the pot, releasing their juices.
- Strain the cider: Set a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a large bowl and pour the mixture through, pressing gently to extract every drop of flavor.
- Warm and serve: Return the strained cider to the pot and heat gently before serving. Ladle into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange if you like.
Video
Nutrition
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If you gave it a try and loved it, I’d be so grateful if you came back to leave a 5 “⭐️” rating. Use the buttons below to share, comment, or connect—I truly enjoy seeing and celebrating your beautiful bakes.
Emily Rider
Cottage lifestyle blogger and home miller with 25+ years of sourdough and fresh-milled flour experience.
Sharing cozy homemade recipes that help you bake with confidence, celebrate each season, and savor the beauty of everyday cottage living.
