There’s something extra cozy about having a warm drink simmering away in the slow cooker — and this Spiced Pear Cider is one of my absolute favorites when the air gets crisp.
It’s sweet, fragrant, and packed with warm spices that make the whole house smell amazing.
You just toss everything in, let it simmer low and slow, and by the time you’re ready for a mug, it’s like a warm hug in drink form.
Great for holidays, small get-togethers, or a solo treat on a chilly day.
Why I Love This Recipe
This one takes me back to my grandma’s house in the fall. She’d have a pot of pear cider warming on the stove all day long, and every time someone walked in the door, they were handed a mug before they could even take off their coat. It was comfort, welcome, and warmth all in one cup.
- Perfect for cozy weekends or holiday mornings
- Smells like a candle — but better
- Easy to make and hands-off
- Can double as a stovetop air freshener
- Everyone always wants seconds
Serves: 8
Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
What You’ll Need
- 6 ripe pears, cored and quartered
- 1 apple (any sweet kind), cored and quartered
- 1 orange, sliced (leave the peel on)
- 1/2 white onion, peeled and quartered
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 6 cups water
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Pears have natural sugars that caramelize slowly during the long cook time, creating a deep, almost buttery sweetness. The spices infuse over time, not just flavoring the liquid, but making the entire drink feel layered and warming. The onion? Trust me — it’s subtle but adds a depth you don’t expect. You won’t taste it, but you’ll miss it if it’s not there.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the onion: It seems weird, but it adds depth — don’t leave it out.
- Overcooking on high: Low and slow lets the flavors really develop without burning the fruit.
- Not straining well: A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth makes sure your cider is smooth, not chunky.
- Using underripe pears: They won’t break down properly and the flavor won’t be as rich.
What to Serve With
- Gingerbread cookies
- Warm cinnamon rolls
- Savory charcuterie board
- Apple fritters or pumpkin bread
- Cheese and crackers for a cozy pairing
FAQ
Can I make this on the stove instead?
Yep! Just simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for about 2-3 hours.
Do I have to peel the pears?
Nope! Leave the peel on for extra flavor and fiber — it all gets strained out anyway.
Can I make it sweeter?
For sure. Add more maple syrup or a splash of apple juice to sweeten it up.
Can I use ground spices instead of whole?
Whole spices are best here since they steep without leaving grit. If using ground, strain through cheesecloth.
Substitutions and Variations
- No pears? Use apples — it’ll be more like a classic cider
- No maple syrup? Honey or brown sugar work well
- Want it boozy? Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon after it’s done simmering
- No star anise? Skip it or replace with a pinch of ground allspice
Make Ahead Tips
You can make this a day ahead! Just let it cool completely, strain it, and store in the fridge. Reheat in the slow cooker or on the stove. It might even taste better the next day once the flavors settle in.
How to Make Crockpot Spiced Pear Cider
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
Add 6 ripe pears (cored and quartered), 1 sweet apple (cored and quartered), 1 orange (sliced with peel), and 1/2 white onion (peeled and quartered) into the crockpot.
Step 2: Add the Spices
Add 3 cinnamon sticks, 5 whole cloves, 2 star anise, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger directly over the fruit.
Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor
Pour in 1/3 cup maple syrup and 1 tbsp vanilla extract.
Step 4: Add Water
Pour 6 cups of water over everything.
Step 5: Cook on Low
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours (or HIGH for 2-3 hours), until the fruit is very soft and the flavors are rich and fragrant.
Step 6: Mash and Simmer
Use a potato masher to gently mash the softened fruit in the crockpot. Let it simmer for 20 more minutes.
Step 7: Strain and Serve
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher or bowl. Serve warm in mugs.
Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Potato masher
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Leftovers and Storage
Let the cider cool completely, then store it in the fridge in a sealed jar or pitcher for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze it in portions — just thaw and warm up when you need it!
Wrap Up
This crockpot Spiced Pear Cider is seriously one of the easiest ways to make your home smell amazing and feel even better. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something warm to sip on during a quiet evening, this drink hits the spot every time. Give it a try, and don’t forget to come back and leave a comment with how it turned out — or ask any questions you’ve got!
