This easy Crock Pot Pumpkin Apple Cider is the ultimate fall drink, whether served hot or cold! Smooth, spicy apple cider is slow cooked with the comforting flavor of pumpkin, and makes your house smell like grandma's during the holidays!
Wash, core, and slice apples and place them in the crock of a slow cooker. Add cinnamon sticks and star anise (if using).
Pour 1 cup of water in a large measuring cup. Add pumpkin puree, brown sugar, lemon juice, and pie spice and whisk until well blended. Pour mixture over apples in crock.
Add water to crock until apples are completely covered. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
When cook time is up, carefully use a potato masher to crush the cooked apples. Cover and cook 1 hour on low.
Pour mash through a strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl, releasing as much juice as possible from the crushed fruit with a spoon or by squeezing. Discard the solids, as well as the cinnamon sticks.
Pour juice into a pitcher and add sugar to taste if necessary. Refrigerate and enjoy for up to 7 days.