Easy Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider

Every year when the leaves start to turn and the breeze gets a little cooler, I get this craving—not for pumpkin spice lattes—but for something warmer, cozier, and full of fruity spice. This Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider is exactly that!

It all started a few autumns ago when I had a big basket of apples and a leftover can of pumpkin puree. I didn’t want to make another pie or smoothie, so I thought—why not try something different?

I tossed everything into the Instant Pot, crossed my fingers, and oh my goodness—what came out was like fall in a cup.

Ever since then, this has been my favorite drink for chilly mornings, Halloween get-togethers, and Thanksgiving evenings.

What is Pumpkin Apple Cider?

Pumpkin apple cider is a cozy fall drink made by simmering apples, pumpkin puree, and spices into a warm and naturally sweet cider.

It’s a cross between traditional apple cider and pumpkin spice—basically the best of both fall flavors in one cup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• No peeling or chopping apples into tiny pieces
• Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting
• Smells like fall while it cooks
• Made with real fruit and no artificial flavors
• Perfect for gatherings, Halloween parties, or just a quiet night in

How To Make Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider?

Recipe Overview

Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider is a warm, spiced fall drink made with real apples, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and cozy spices like cinnamon and star anise. It’s quick, easy, and loaded with fall flavor!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Beverage
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: About 6–8 cups
• Calories per Serving: ~90
• Serving Size: 1 cup

Equipment You’ll Need

• Instant Pot (I used a 6-quart model)
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Potato masher or large spoon
• Mug or thermos for serving

Ingredients

• 6 apples (I used 3 Honey Crisp + 3 Granny Smith), sliced into rounds
• ½ lemon, sliced into rounds
• ½ orange, sliced into rounds
• 6 cups water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 star anise (optional, but lovely!)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 ⅓ cups pumpkin puree
• ½ tablespoon pumpkin spice

Ingredient Notes

1. Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor.

2. Pumpkin Puree: Make sure it’s plain pumpkin, not pie filling.

3. Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness with a fall touch—honey works too.

4. Pumpkin Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

5. Star Anise: Adds a mild licorice note—skip it if you don’t love that flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Add Everything to the Pot

Place the sliced apples, lemon, orange, cinnamon sticks, star anise (if using), water, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla, and pumpkin spice into your Instant Pot.

Step 2: Pressure Cook

Seal the lid. Cook on Manual High Pressure for 15 minutes. Once done, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing the rest.

Step 3: Mash and Strain

Use a potato masher to press down and release all the flavors from the fruit. Then strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Pour into mugs and enjoy warm! You can garnish with a cinnamon stick stirrer or a lemon slice.

Nutrition Facts (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

Tips & Variations

❖ Make it on the Stove: Don’t have an Instant Pot? Simmer everything in a large pot for 1 hour instead.

❖ Add Whole Cloves or Fresh Ginger: For an extra spice kick.

❖ Sweetness Level: Taste and add more maple syrup if you like it sweeter.

❖ Apple Pumpkin Cider Slush: Chill it, blend with ice, and serve cold!

❖ No Maple Syrup? Brown sugar or honey work too.

Serving Suggestions

➤ Serve it warm in a big mug with a cinnamon stick stirrer

➤ Pair with apple cider doughnuts or a slice of pumpkin bread

➤ Great for Halloween punch (add dry ice for fun fog!)

➤ Serve in a thermos for a fall picnic or hayride

Storing Tips

✔ Fridge: Store leftovers in a sealed jar or bottle for up to 5 days.

✔ Reheat: Microwave or warm on the stove until heated through.

✔ Freezer: Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Helpful Tips

• You don’t need to peel the apples or citrus—just slice and toss them in.
• The longer you mash and steep after cooking, the stronger the flavor.
• This recipe makes your whole kitchen smell like a cozy fall candle!

Recipe Note:

This cider thickens slightly as it sits (thanks to the pumpkin). Give it a good stir before serving if you’ve stored it. I love it extra warm with a splash of oat milk too!

How to Store Homemade Cider?

Let it cool fully before pouring into a jar or pitcher. Store in the fridge and finish within 5 days. You can even portion it into freezer bags and lay them flat to save space in your freezer.

Can I Freeze This?

Yes! Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s completely cool and strain it well before freezing to keep the texture smooth.

FAQ

Try It and Tell Me What You Think!

If you’re craving a warm, fruity, spiced drink this fall, this Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider is it. Whether you’re sipping it solo or serving it up at your next Halloween party or Thanksgiving dinner, this cider always hits the spot.

Leave a comment or tag me if you try it—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! 🍁👩‍🍳