Instant Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Add cut fruits, water, cinnamon, star anise and vanilla extract in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
   
2. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
   
3. Once finished, do a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Remove lid and allow cider to cool completely.
   
4. Once cool, use a colander and cheesecloth to strain the apple cider and squeeze out all of the juice from the fruits. Discard fruits.
   
5. Add maple syrup, pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the apple cider, mixing until well combined.
   
6. Serve warm or chilled. Optional: Top with whipped cream, cinnamon, and a caramel drizzle! 
   

Notes

[*]For Sweeter Apple Cider: Add more maple syrup if you need more sweetness in your apple cider.
[*]Adjust the Spices: If you want to add other spices like nutmeg or cloves, go for it! You could also add more cinnamon, use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks, omit the pumpkin spice, etc. Make it your own!
[*]Can I Make this Spiked Apple Cider? Sure! To make spiked apple cider, add a splash of bourbon or rum.
[*]Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid for up to a week.
[*]Crockpot: Instead of using an instant pot, you can cook your apple cider on low for 8 hours, or on high for 5 hours, in a crockpot.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 171Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 16mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 6gSugar: 33gProtein: 1g