I’ve always loved apple cider donuts, but I never realized how simple they were to make at home until I tried it myself. If you’re craving that perfect fall treat, this dessert is a must-try.
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Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Apple cider donuts, also known as cider doughnuts, are a type of American cake doughnut. They are a beloved autumn treat, especially popular in North America. These cake-style donuts are often enjoyed fresh at farms or fall festivals.
The donuts have a cakey, dense texture with warm spiced aroma and a pronounced apple cider taste. They are typically fried and coated with cinnamon sugar or granulated sugar. However, you can bake them for a healthier version.
You can enjoy these treats with scoops of ice cream such as vanilla, caramel, cranberry, or chocolate. They also go great with warm apple butter or pumpkin butter spread on top, especially when toasted.
Apple cider donuts pair well with drinks like coffee, chai latte, spiced rum cocktails, sweet wine, and bourbon. For a classic combo, try dunking the donuts in hot apple cider during colder months or pairing them with cider slushies in the summer. These pairings highlight the donuts’ warm, spiced flavors perfectly.
Here’s how to make apple cider donuts – a seasonal favorite.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Nutrition
Ingredients
For the donuts:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup buttermilk or milk + 1 tsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- In a saucepan, simmer apple cider over medium heat until reduced to ½ cup. Cool to room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or use non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk egg, both sugars, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, and reduced cider.
- Add wet mixture to dry and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix.
- Spoon batter into donut molds (or pipe it using a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off).
- Bake 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Brush warm donuts with melted butter. Mix sugar and cinnamon and toss donuts in the mix to coat.
Notes
- If you don’t have a donut pan, use a muffin pan and shape holes with foil balls in the center.
- Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
Apple cider donuts come in several versions. They are distinguished mainly by their preparation style, texture, and flavor intensity. Here are some notable versions:
- Yeast-based Donuts offer a chewy, light texture with a balance of cakey and airy qualities.
- Flavor Infusion Methods
- Incorporate fresh apples and reduced cider for bursts of apple flavor and a texture reminiscent of apple fritters.
- Use apple juice concentrate for a strong apple flavor without apple cider.
- Use straight or reduced apple cider to infuse the dough with natural cider taste.
- Use homemade apple cider made from pureed and strained apples for a fresh, mildly flavored donut.
- Coating Styles
- Cinnamon and sugar coating is a traditional pick.
- Powdered sugar is a lighter, old-fashioned version.
- Plain or lightly spiced coatings bring a subtler flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Versions use gluten-free flour.