There is something truly magical about the cozy warmth and comforting spice of homemade donuts, and this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe brings all of those heartwarming flavors right to your kitchen. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of soft cake-like texture infused with the tender sweetness of reduced apple cider and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether you’re baking for a crisp autumn morning or just craving a delightful treat, this recipe is a delicious way to celebrate the season with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these irresistible donuts, you only need a handful of pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting that rich taste and tender crumb that define this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe. From the warming spices to the tangy cider reduction, every bit comes together beautifully.
- Apple cider: Reduced to intensify its natural sweetness and apple flavor, it’s the star liquid ingredient that makes these donuts special.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled for moistness and richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Divided use adds sweetness to the batter and forms the crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for fluffy, tender donuts.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents work together perfectly to give the donuts their light rise.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: These warm spices impart that classic autumnal spice that complements the apple flavor so well.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients, adding structure and richness.
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil: For greasing your donut pan so the donuts come out effortlessly.
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Begin by pouring one cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat and let it simmer until it thickens and reduces down to about 1/4 cup. This concentration boosts the cider’s natural sweetness and makes the apple flavor deeply pronounced. Set this reduced cider aside to cool before using it in your batter.
Step 2: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
While your cider cools, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 1 cup of all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures a perfectly even distribution of baking agents and spices throughout your batter.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with the melted and slightly cooled butter. Stir in 1/4 cup of your reduced apple cider, the whole milk, and the large egg. Whisk everything together until smooth and completely incorporated. This mixture will be fragrant and smooth, ready to bring your donuts to life.
Step 4: Combine and Prepare the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep your donuts tender and soft. The batter will be slightly thick but easy to work with.
Step 5: Grease and Fill the Donut Pan
Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Then fill each cavity about two-thirds full with batter. For ease and precision, consider using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off—this makes filling neat and quick.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your donuts in the preheated oven for around 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, your donuts are perfectly done. This step is where that tender crumb forms, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the donuts are baking, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. This will become the delightful sugary crust that adds a satisfying crunch and extra spice to each bite.
Step 8: Cool and Coat the Donuts
Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them carefully to a wire rack. When the donuts are still warm but manageable, dip each one thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated on all sides. This final touch gives your donut that classic, irresistible finish.
How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar on top of your cinnamon sugar coating adds a lovely, snowy contrast that looks charming on a serving platter. Alternatively, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce for a sticky sweetness that complements the apple flavors perfectly. Chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top bring a delicious crunch and nutty warmth.
Side Dishes
Apple Cider Donuts are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a creamy latte to enhance their cozy spice notes. Fresh apple slices or a small bowl of warm apple butter on the side take the apple theme further, making your treat feel like a complete autumn celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these donuts stacked on a rustic wooden board for a charming, homemade feel perfect for brunch or a festive gathering. Arrange them in a circle with a small bowl of apple cider glaze in the center for dipping fun. Wrapping individual donuts in parchment paper tied with twine makes a lovely homemade gift idea that will wow friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they rarely last long), store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed preserves the fresh texture and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months and are a fantastic make-ahead option for holiday mornings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To bring donuts back to their just-baked softness, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This quick reheating refreshes their tender texture and revives that cozy apple cider aroma.
FAQs
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use muffin tins for a similar effect, though the shape will be different. Bake the batter in the muffin cups and add the cinnamon sugar topping as usual for a delightful twist.
Can I substitute apple cider with apple juice?
Yes, apple juice can be used, but since it is less complex in flavor compared to fresh cider, consider adding a bit more cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the spices in your donuts.
Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend designed for cakes or pastries, and be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free too. The donuts will still be deliciously soft and flavorful.
Can these donuts be fried instead of baked?
While this recipe is designed for baking, the batter is adaptable for frying. Just make sure the batter isn’t too runny. Frying will give a crispier exterior but the same warm cinnamon sugar flavor.
What other spices can I add to this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe?
Feel free to experiment by adding ground ginger, cloves, or allspice to the batter for a more complex spice profile. Just start with a small pinch so the spices don’t overpower the apple cider’s natural sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe truly captures the spirit of fall in every bite. It’s wonderfully easy to make, uses approachable ingredients, and rewards you with a delectably tender treat bursting with cozy flavors. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll find it’s the perfect companion to crisp mornings and relaxed afternoons with loved ones. Once you taste a warm cider donut fresh from the oven, it might just become your new favorite seasonal tradition.
Print
Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 12m
- Total Time: 0h 32m
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful fall treat, featuring warm spices and the rich flavor of reduced apple cider. Baked to perfection, they are light, fluffy, and coated with a sweet cinnamon sugar topping, making them an irresistible seasonal snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
Other
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil for coating donut pan
Instructions
- Reduce Apple Cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and boil over medium-high heat until reduced to about 1/4 cup, approximately 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, 1/4 cup of the reduced apple cider, milk, egg, and remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Whisk until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Prepare Donut Pan: Lightly grease the donut pan with cooking spray or brush with vegetable oil.
- Fill Donut Cavities: Fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full with batter. Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off for easier filling.
- Bake Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While donuts bake, mix the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Cool Donuts: Remove donuts from oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Coat Donuts: While still warm, dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating evenly on all sides.
Notes
- Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor and concentrates the sweetness.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep donuts light and fluffy.
- Using a piping bag makes it easier to fill the donut cavities evenly.
- For best texture, serve donuts warm.
- You can substitute whole milk with a milk alternative if desired.
