Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider
Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider is a warm, spiced fall drink made with fresh apples, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and cozy autumn spices—all cooked quickly in the Instant Pot for a comforting seasonal treat.
Equipment
- 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
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.
Notes
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!