Sweet, smoky and comforting, these Apple Cider Baked Beans are the perfect dish to set up in your crock pot or slow cooker to simmer all day. The slow cooking provides ample time for these beans to become rich and delicious with flavours of sweet apple cider and smoky paprika and rich depth from molasses and mustard.
My favourite recipe for Baked Beans was originally from the Fanny Farmer Cookbook, Boston Baked Beans, and that recipe was the inspiration for this recipe. Simple, cheap and easy with only a few ingredients, it became a family favourite for years served up with Molasses Brown Bread reflecting our partial familial Eastern Canada influence. I’ve changed it up at times just to add variety to the flavours and this is our favourite variation. The apple cider adds such a beautiful flavour and really makes the dish special.
This dish could not be easier to throw together. Once the beans are soaked, simply add everything else and set up the slow cooker to work its magic. Baked beans are terrific comfort food for cooler days but also for hot days when you don’t want to turn the oven on. Baked Beans are the perfect family meal, potluck contribution or picnic addition. It is an easy make ahead dish and freezes well. We like to take them frozen for camping, where they are quick to heat up and taste so deliciously satisfying after a day spent exploring the great outdoors.
This month with The Recipe Redux, it is all about fast or slow cooking while keeping the kitchen cool. “Beat the Heat with the Slow Cooker/Instapot/Pressure Cooker”. I’m looking forward to checking out all the recipes! What appliances do you use to make your meals while keeping the kitchen cool?
Apple Cider Baked Beans
Serves 8
2 cups dried white beans or pinto beans
Water
3 – 4 cups apple cider*
1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 cup fancy molasses
2 tablespoons oil
salt
Directions:
Soak beans in 8 cups water overnight. Drain, rinse and put in slow cooker or crock pot. Add spices, apple cider, molasses and oil. Stir well to mix the molasses with apple cider. Put on low for 6-8 hours. Test if they are done by trying a bean, they should be tender and creamy inside. Add salt starting with a 1/4 teaspoon and adjust as needed.
*Alternatively, use part apple cider and part water to reduce the sugar in the dish.
Serve with bread or baked potatoes and salad to make a complete meal. This recipe is vegan.
Check out all the other recipes to “Beat the Heat” here:
Baked beans in the crockpot are the best. I have a recipe very similar w a little bourbon in it. Thanks for linking up for meatless Monday
OOo! I like the addition of bourbon!
I didn’t grow up eating beans but I love them now. I’ve got to try this! So simple and the beans look so perfect!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy them.
That sounds so good! Growing up in Quebec, I love baked beans with brunch, and these sound delicious
I haven’t had baked beans in sooo long. My mom used to make Boston Baked Beans growing up, but rarely makes them anymore. They’re the perfect comfort food. This brings back memories. My mouth is watering looking at this.
My Mom too – got me started on making delicious dishes with beans.
The way you described this mades my mouth water! Pinning to try this fall!
Yes they would be a delicious fall dish as well. Thanks!
I haven’t made these for years! Thanks for the reminder. I love the addition of apple cider. Pinning to my Fall Favourites board!
Yes, they would be a delicious fall dish as well.
I’ve started eating baked beans here in Canada a few years ago, and not that often, but I love their delicate texture and sweet flavor so much! I like how simple this dish is, and yet so flavorful!
Thanks!