Apple cider is one of fall’s most versatile ingredients, bringing warmth and depth to both sweet and savory recipes. It adds tang to meats, richness to baked goods, and a cozy sweetness to drinks. From slow-braised lamb shanks and brined roasts to chewy cookies and donut cakes, cider brings out flavors that feel unmistakably autumn. This list highlights creative and comforting ways to use apple cider, whether you’re baking, roasting, sipping, or simmering on a crisp fall day.

Cider-Brined Pork Roast

Cider-Brined Pork Roast. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This roast is brined in apple cider, which tenderizes the meat and infuses it with subtle sweetness. Once roasted, the pork stays juicy with a caramelized crust. The cider brings out a fall-inspired depth of flavor. It’s perfect for a centerpiece dish at family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cider-Brined Pork Roast

Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Bowl of Instant Pot beef stew with carrots and potatoes.
Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Tender beef, potatoes, and carrots simmer quickly in the Instant Pot with apple cider. The cider adds tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the meat. The broth is hearty and comforting, ideal for chilly evenings. Serve with bread to soak up the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Overhead shot of this apple bundt cake on a cake stand with apples in the background.
Apple Cider Donut Cake. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This cake captures the flavor of classic cider donuts in a soft, sliceable dessert. A spiced batter bakes into a golden loaf or bundt, then gets dusted with cinnamon sugar. The cider keeps the crumb moist and flavorful. It’s a festive bake for autumn gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Donut Cake

Strawberry Basil Cider Slushies

A tray with two glasses of pink smoothie, fresh strawberries, and a bowl of crackers is being held by a person near a window—perfect for pairing with sweet and savory apple cider treats.
Strawberry Basil Cider Slushies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fresh strawberries and basil blend with cider for a refreshing twist. The mix is frozen or blended with ice into a cool slush. The herbs add brightness that balances the sweet fruit. A light and unexpected way to enjoy cider outside of baking.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Basil Cider Slushies

Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce

Grilled chicken skewers arranged around a bowl of sweet and savory dipping sauce, with spinach leaves and roasted vegetables on the side. A fork dips a chicken piece into the sauce—perfect for those who love to cook with apple cider.
Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Chicken is marinated in cider before grilling, which adds tenderness and a hint of sweetness. The skewers get paired with a creamy gouda sauce that adds richness. Smoky, tangy, and cheesy all at once, this dish feels hearty yet playful. It’s a fall-inspired spin on grilled chicken.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Turkey breast soaks up apple cider flavor before cooking low and slow. The result is tender meat with a hint of natural sweetness. The slow cooker locks in juices while keeping prep easy. It’s a great holiday recipe when you don’t need a full bird.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

Apple Cider Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Juicy chicken thighs simmer in a sauce of apple cider, garlic, and herbs. The cider reduces into a tangy glaze that coats the meat. The skin stays crisp while the inside stays tender. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

Easy Apple Cider Blondies

Easy Apple Cider Blondies. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

These chewy blondies use apple cider to add sweetness and depth. A hint of cinnamon brings in autumn flavors. The bars bake golden and slice neatly. A great handheld dessert for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Cider Blondies

Apple Cider Oatmeal Bread

Iced Oatmeal bread on a brown and white plate.
Apple Cider Oatmeal Bread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Oats and apple cider come together in a hearty, lightly sweet bread. The crumb is soft with a nutty undertone from the oats. It’s great toasted with butter on cool mornings. A simple loaf that tastes like fall comfort.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Oatmeal Bread

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Overhead of a stack of baked apple cider donuts.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These donuts bake up golden and light instead of frying. Rolled in cinnamon sugar, they taste just like orchard favorites. Apple cider keeps them moist inside. Perfect for autumn mornings or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cider Baked Apples

A baked apples on a white plate with a glaze dripping onto a plate.
Apple Cider Baked Apples. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Whole apples are cored and baked in a bath of cider, cinnamon, and sugar. As they bake, the cider seeps in, making them tender and flavorful. The centers can be filled with nuts or dried fruit. They smell as good as they taste.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Baked Apples

Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Cinnamon sugar cookies on a plate.
Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

These buttery cookies are flavored with reduced apple cider for richness. The dough bakes into crisp, crumbly rounds. A drizzle of icing or sugar dusting gives a sweet finish. They’re a fall-ready twist on classic shortbread.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Soft And Chewy Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

Flavorful apple cider cookies with a soft and chewy texture on a cutting board.
Soft And Chewy Apple Cider Cookies Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These cookies bake up thick and tender, flavored with spices and apple cider. The centers stay chewy while the edges firm slightly. A dusting of cinnamon sugar adds extra flavor. They’re as cozy as they sound.
Get the Recipe: Soft And Chewy Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks

Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb shanks simmer slowly in apple cider until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. The cider base creates a savory-sweet sauce that coats the lamb. Root vegetables often join the pot for a complete dish. It’s rustic and deeply flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks

Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

A cast iron skillet with chicken and apples in it.
Apple Cider Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

This one-pan dish cooks chicken in a cider-based sauce with onions and herbs. The liquid reduces into a glossy glaze that coats every piece. It’s simple but full of fall flavor. Serve straight from the skillet for a cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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