Fall lovers rejoice! You’ll be thrilled to know that apple cider recipes extend far beyond the classic drink, and you can make them year-round. While many people go wild for apple cider when fall arrives, there’s no need to wait for the season to get creative with this versatile ingredient. In fact, it’s incredibly useful in a multitude of dishes, from soups and desserts to cocktails (or mocktails) and main courses.
And if you’re still unsure about its potential, just take a look at these 25 recipes that showcase its incredible range – they’ll prove beyond a doubt that apple cider is so much more than just a seasonal drink! If you’ve got some leftover cider or are simply looking for new excuses to buy it, give these recipes a try and discover the endless possibilities that await you.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Beef Stew
Taking into consideration the combination of thick, tender chunks of beef and an abundance of hearty vegetables, it’s no surprise that slow cooker beef stew has become a crowd-pleaser. Adding apple cider to the mix elevates its rich flavors even further, introducing a subtle yet underlying sweetness that perfectly complements the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes
You can’t help but be drawn to the irresistible charm of baked donut holes. These sweet treats pack a punch with their delightful blend of cinnamon, apple cider, nutmeg, cloves, and more. One of the best things about them is that they’re healthier than traditional deep-fried donut holes because you’ll be baking them instead of frying. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation, as even healthier options like these can become indulgent if overconsumed.
Sparkling Apple Pie on the Rocks (Apple Cider Cocktail)
Adding a touch of elegance to any occasion, this stunning golden cocktail is reminiscent of an apple pie in liquid form. At its core, it begins with a champagne base, providing a crisp and refreshing foundation. To elevate the flavor, you’ll add a drizzle of apple cider simple syrup, followed by a splash of apple cider. Don’t forget to get creative with your garnishes – they can make all the difference.
For an added flourish, I often rim the glass with silver and gold sparkling sugar, adding an extra layer of festivity to this already special drink.
Apple Cider Cookies
Keenly anticipated by many, especially during the fall season, these particular cookies have become a household favorite in my home due to their unique combination of flavors and textures. The soft and crumbly texture is simply irresistible, while the apple cider icing adds an unparalleled level of sweetness and depth. What’s more, the addition of real apples provides a pleasant surprise with each bite, complemented by the warm and comforting spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Plus, the aroma that fills your home as you bake them is nothing short of intoxicating.
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
You’ll love this seasonal twist on the classic Moscow mule recipe. To make a fall-inspired version of the popular drink, combine vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice with four ounces of apple cider. This simple addition gives the traditional Moscow mule its usual crispness while subtly mellowing it out. The result is a refreshing and autumnal cocktail perfect for sipping on chilly evenings.
Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Zeroing in on the perfect pulled pork recipe is a challenge many home cooks face. Fortunately, with just 10 key ingredients and a short cooking time of under an hour, making mouthwatering apple cider pulled pork at home has never been easier. When you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this sweet and savory dish has earned its reputation as a crowd-pleaser – the flavors are so rich and delicious that it’s not uncommon for guests to ask for seconds (or even thirds)!
Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions
Highlighting short ribs as a culinary masterpiece, it’s clear why they’re so beloved. The tender meat simply melts in your mouth, offering an unparalleled level of comfort and satisfaction. Meanwhile, the caramelized onions have been cooked to perfection, their sweet and savory flavors harmonizing beautifully with the accompanying cider. This added element brings a rich, smoky depth that is impossible to resist.
The presence of garlic and vegetables adds an additional layer of complexity, complementing the dish without overpowering it. The optional addition of apples may be seen as a novelty, but trust me when I say they bring a lightness to the overall experience that elevates it to new heights.
Apple Cider Bundt Cake
Sweet Cinnamon Biscuits with Apple Cider Glaze
Hugging fans of sweet biscuits, these treats will quickly become your new obsession. They offer a delightful combination of warm and flaky textures with soft, tender centers, perfectly complemented by an abundance of cinnamon and brown sugar flavors. It’s the indulgent glaze that truly sets them apart, providing a gooey, sticky, and messy contrast to the biscuit itself – but trust us when we say it’s worth every crumbly mess!
After all, when something tastes as incredible as this apple-infused goodness, who needs anything more? Certainly not those of us lucky enough to have devoured them, nor anyone else we had to politely ‘encourage’ to share their portion.
Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
Keen home cooks will appreciate this recipe’s simplicity and bold flavors, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner that still packs a punch. Although quick and easy to prepare, it elevates the humble chicken dish from ordinary to extraordinary. To add depth and complexity, you’ll incorporate thyme, onion and garlic powders, paprika, fresh garlic, salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and rich butter into your cooking process.
This thoughtful combination of ingredients will infuse every morsel with a sweet and tangy essence that is both satisfying and addictive. For a well-rounded meal, serve the chicken atop a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a simple green salad.
Apple Cider Caramels
Keenly felt by many is the delight of homemade soft caramels, but these innovative treats might just surpass the originals in terms of flavor and texture. They retain the same signature smoothness and comforting chewiness associated with traditional caramel, while incorporating subtle hints of apple cider, cinnamon, and a touch of sea salt to create an unparalleled taste experience.
Apple Cider Sage Turkey Brine
When crafting the ultimate Thanksgiving turkey, the importance of a well-executed brine cannot be overstated. It’s the key to unlocking that coveted crispy skin and imbuing it with a robust, herby flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Apple Cider Chicken
Elevating the art of one-pan dinners has become my new obsession, as it allows me to create delicious meals in no time while minimizing cleanup. The beauty of this particular recipe lies not only in its speed but also in its rich flavors and satisfying portions. A squeeze of apple cider brings out the tenderness of the chicken, while the caramelized apples add a sweet and tangy twist.
Finishing it off with a sprinkle of rosemary gives the dish an aromatic depth that will leave everyone wanting more.
Sparkling Apple Cider
Visionaries of fermentation will attest that a dash of dry champagne or baker’s yeast can elevate a still apple cider to a refreshing, fizzy delight.
Apple Cider Old-Fashioned
Adapting classic cocktails to suit seasonal flavors is a fun way to keep things fresh without straying far from the original recipe. Altering the Moscow Mule or Old Fashioned to incorporate autumnal notes can result in a truly unique drinking experience. Armed with just a few simple ingredients, including apple cider, bourbon, maple syrup, bitters, and garnishes like apples, oranges, or cinnamon sticks, you can whip up this fall-themed drink in under 5 minutes.
Apple Cider Glazed Ham
Building on the principles of creating a delectable glazed ham, it’s essential to understand that investing time in this recipe will yield impressive results. The harmonious blend of apple cider, Dijon mustard, thyme, garlic, butter, brown sugar, paprika, and chicken stock perfectly balances flavors – smoky and sweet notes intertwined with herbaceous freshness. Completing the dish are the added layers of caramelized onions and crisp apples, making it an exemplary choice for a special occasion.
Apple Fritters
Just when you think you’ve found the perfect treat to enjoy during the fall season, you’re reminded that there’s something even more irresistible – these mouth-watering apple fritters. Crunchy on the outside and sweet with soft, tender centers, they’re elevated by an apple cider-flavored sticky glaze that complements their warm spices perfectly, making them a top favorite among everyone this time of year.
Apple Sidecar Cocktail
Adding a twist to the classic Sidecar cocktail is easier than you think. To give it an extra boost of flavor, try combining apple cider with sage leaves and a pinch of nutmeg. Alternatively, if you find the original recipe too sweet for your taste buds, this variation might just hit the spot.
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Cider Vinaigrette
Keeping simplicity at its core, this salad manages to pack a punch when it comes to flavor. The base is a crisp bed of baby kale, which provides a delightful contrast to the other ingredients. Tangy goat cheese and dried cranberries add a burst of sweetness and acidity, while salty pumpkin seeds provide a satisfying crunch. Meanwhile, tender butternut squash brings a comforting warmth to the dish.
And let’s not forget the apple cider vinaigrette – its subtle tanginess elevates each bite to new heights. My advice? Make a big batch of this salad and store it in the fridge, as once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Cider-Glazed Butternut Squash
Joining in on the deliciousness of roasted vegetables, if all you’re craving is the squash without the accompaniment of salad, cider-glazed butternut squash makes for a fantastic standalone side dish that requires minimal effort to prepare. Its sweet and earthy flavors are perfectly balanced, providing a surprisingly satisfying finish.
Grilled Apple Cider Thyme Chicken
Savoring the flavors of sweet and smoky grilled chicken is a treat like no other, and this recipe for apple cider thyme chicken is one that I highly recommend. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, requiring just 5 minutes of prep time, followed by an additional 20 minutes until they’re ready to devour.
The ingredients list is refreshingly simple, consisting only of an onion, garlic, apple cider, olive oil, thyme, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, brown sugar, black pepper, and the chicken itself. Give them a try at your next barbecue; I’m confident you’ll be thrilled with the result.
Apple Cider Pancakes
Certainly, if you’re a pancake enthusiast who has yet to experience the delight of apple cider pancakes, this recipe is about to revolutionize your breakfast routine. These indulgent treats are not just infused with apples, but boast an abundance of juicy fruit in every single bite. The secret lies in using apple cider as the base for the batter, adding a sweet and tangy twist that complements the crunchy pan-fried cinnamon apples perfectly.
And if that’s not enough, you’ll top it all off with a rich caramel apple cider syrup – the perfect finishing touch. Your taste buds will be tantalized by the aroma alone, but once you take your first bite, there’s no turning back. Be warned: these pancakes are so irresistible that sharing them might be out of the question. Perhaps consider making a double batch to ensure everyone gets their fill, or better yet, keep them all to yourself!
Caramel Apple Cider Floats
While many people adore the classic combination of root beer floats, those who prefer a sweeter taste may want to consider an alternative – try making caramel apple cider floats instead. This twist on the original idea is just as easy to prepare, but with a richer, more pronounced flavor profile thanks to the use of apple cider.
The good news is that these tasty treats can be whipped up in just 5 minutes using a few simple ingredients: ginger ale, apple cider, vanilla ice cream, and caramel sauce – all you need to do is combine them and enjoy!
Mulled Apple Cider Chai French Crullers
A delightful twist on traditional donuts, mulled apple cider crullers offer a perfect combination of texture and flavor. The crunchy exterior gives way to a warm, soft center, while the sticky chai glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness. If you’re a fan of apples, cinnamon, and deep-fried dough, you’ll surely fall in love with these mouthwatering treats.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
