Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

If there’s one treat that perfectly captures the warm, cozy flavors of fall, it’s these amazing apple cider donuts. This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe combines the lightly spiced, tender donut dough with the sweet, fragrant punch of reduced apple cider, then finishes with a generous cinnamon sugar coating that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re welcoming guests or craving a comforting snack, these donuts bring nostalgia and joy right to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just the right ingredients for this recipe is crucial, and the beauty lies in how familiar pantry staples come together with the star of the show—apple cider—to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and warmth.

• Apple cider (2 cups): Reduced down to a syrupy concentrate, it infuses the donuts with that classic apple flavor and sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (3 ½ cups): Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the donut dough.
• Baking powder (1 ¼ teaspoons): Helps give the donuts their light, fluffy texture.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Reacts with acidic ingredients to create lift and softness.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Signature warm spice for that comforting autumn vibe.
• Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle spicy aroma.
• Ground allspice (½ teaspoon, optional): Boosts complexity with a hint of clove-like warmth.
• Granulated sugar for batter (1 cup): Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering.
• Large eggs (2): Helps bind the ingredients and contributes to tenderness.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted and cooled): Enriches the dough and keeps it moist.
• Buttermilk or plain yogurt (½ cup): Adds acidity and moisture for a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the warm flavors and roundness.
• Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral oil that crisps the donuts beautifully.
• Granulated sugar for coating (1 cup): Creates the irresistible cinnamon sugar outer layer.
• Ground cinnamon for coating (2 teaspoons): Mixed with sugar to finish off each donut with a fragrant, sweet crunch.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan and bringing it up to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Patience is key here—let it slowly reduce for about 20 to 25 minutes until only about a half cup remains, thick and syrupy. This concentrated cider packs an intense, natural sweetness that makes these donuts so special. Be sure to let it cool completely before adding it to the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While the cider reduction cools, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional allspice in a large bowl. This mixture creates a perfectly spiced and balanced backbone for your donuts, ensuring each bite bursts with warm flavors.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Then add the cooled apple cider reduction, granulated sugar, melted and cooled butter, buttermilk or plain yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until smooth and well combined. This wet mixture brings moistness and flavor that dances beautifully with the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the batter together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as that can make your donuts tough. The dough should be soft but not sticky, ready to roll out into delicious shapes.

Step 5: Shape the Donuts

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about half an inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger, one smaller) to cut out your donut shapes. Collect the scraps and reroll to make as many donuts as possible—nothing goes to waste in this recipe!

Step 6: Heat Oil and Fry

Fill a deep fryer or heavy pot with vegetable oil and heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts a few at a time to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.

Step 7: Coat Donuts in Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts are still warm, roll each one generously in a shallow bowl filled with the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the sugar stick and creates that iconic crunchy, sweet coating you’ll want to dive into immediately.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Apple cider donuts are simply irresistible served warm. Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or a mug of apple cider to amplify those fall flavors and make the experience even cozier. Get ready for compliments and requests to make them again and again!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to elevate your apple cider donuts, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top or drizzle melted caramel for a decadent touch. Adding chopped nuts or a dusting of extra cinnamon can enhance texture and flavor as well.

Side Dishes

These donuts shine alongside spiced hot beverages like chai tea, hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks, or a smooth latte. For brunch, serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream to add balance to the sweet, spicy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking the donuts in a rustic basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin for a homestyle feel. You can also thread them onto a decorative skewer for a fun and shareable snack presentation at parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, and enjoy them within 2 days. This keeps them fresh enough while maintaining their soft, cakey texture without becoming soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the donuts individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for an hour.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warm. Avoid microwaving, which can make the donuts chewy or rubbery.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

Absolutely! You can bake the dough in a donut pan at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. The texture will be more cake-like and less crispy but still delicious.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, plain yogurt or milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice works perfectly to provide the necessary acidity.

Is it necessary to reduce the apple cider?

Reducing the apple cider concentrates its sweetness and flavor, which is key to these donuts. Skipping this step will result in a milder apple taste, so it’s worth the extra time.

Can I use a different oil for frying?

Yes! Any neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or sunflower oil, works well for frying these donuts to a crisp, golden finish.

How do I prevent the donuts from becoming greasy?

Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) and don’t overcrowd the fryer. Proper draining on paper towels immediately after frying also helps reduce excess oil.

Final Thoughts

Making this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is a rewarding way to capture the flavors and feelings of a crisp autumn day right in your own kitchen. These donuts are more than just a snack; they’re a cozy experience that brings smiles and a bit of sweet magic to your table. I can’t wait for you to try them and share them with your loved ones!

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