Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
If you’re looking for a treat that truly captures the essence of cozy autumn days, these Apple Cider Donuts are exactly what you need. Light, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices and the natural sweetness of fresh apple cider, these donuts offer a perfect balance of comfort and flavor that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. They’re simple to make but remarkably satisfying, making them my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress friends or indulge in a nostalgic fall treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that work together perfectly to create that iconic taste and tender texture of Apple Cider Donuts. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding moisture, spice, or that golden color we all adore.
- 1 cup fresh apple cider: Provides natural sweetness and that unmistakable apple flavor that defines the donuts.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Gives the structure needed for light, fluffy donuts without being too dense.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Balances tartness and contributes to the overall sweetness.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Ensures the donuts rise beautifully and become airy.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a warm and inviting spice that complements the apple perfectly.
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg: Lends a subtle earthiness that enhances the flavor depth.
- ½ tsp salt: Sharpens the sweetness and rounds out all the flavors.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Help bind the ingredients and contribute to the donut’s tender crumb.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Adds moisture and richness, making each bite decadent.
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and make sure to grease your donut pan generously. This step is key because it helps your donuts come out easily without sticking, keeping their perfect shape intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well combined. This blend of spices with the dry base sets the foundation for that classic Apple Cider Donuts flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the fresh apple cider, eggs, and melted butter. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures that the batter will be smooth and ready to bring your donuts to life.
Step 4: Fold Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Be careful not to overmix here; a few lumps are totally okay. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, and we want that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Fill each cavity in your donut pan about two-thirds full with batter. This amount allows the donuts to rise nicely without spilling over the edges, maintaining their signature round shape.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the donuts for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Let them cool in the pan for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the donuts firm up just enough while staying soft and flavorful.
How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts
Garnishes
While these donuts shine on their own, you can elevate them with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. These simple touches add sweetness and texture that make your Apple Cider Donuts feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pairing your donuts with a hot cup of spiced tea, pumpkin latte, or even a cold glass of milk turns your snack into a comforting experience. Fresh fruit, like sliced apples or a handful of berries, also brings a refreshing contrast to the rich, spiced flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the donuts to create mini donut towers for a party centerpiece or slicing them in half and filling with cream cheese frosting or apple butter for an indulgent surprise. Presentation can turn a simple treat into a delightfully memorable one!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Cider Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed prevents drying out so you can enjoy the same freshness as the day they were baked.
Freezing
If you want to savor them later, these donuts freeze beautifully. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring your donuts back to that freshly baked warmth, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds. This quick reheat revives their softness and enhances their comforting aroma.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought apple cider for these donuts?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe and will deliver that delicious apple flavor you’re after in your Apple Cider Donuts.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin. Just fill the cups less than halfway and adjust baking time slightly, keeping an eye on them so they don’t overbake.
Can these donuts be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend formulated for baking. The texture might be a little different but they will still taste fantastic.
Is it better to use fresh or bottled apple cider?
Fresh apple cider adds the best natural apple flavor and brightness to the donuts, but bottled cider can be a convenient and tasty alternative without much compromise.
How long do Apple Cider Donuts stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature, they stay fresh for about two days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet to keep that delicious flavor intact.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Apple Cider Donuts is like inviting autumn right into your kitchen. They are simple to make, wonderfully fragrant, and perfect for sharing with friends or savoring quietly with your favorite beverage. Trust me, once you try this recipe, they’ll become a seasonal staple you’ll look forward to year after year. So go ahead, make these donuts, and enjoy all the cozy goodness they bring.
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Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful autumn treat, blending the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the rich flavor of fresh apple cider. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a soft, moist texture and a perfect balance of sweetness, ideal for a cozy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh apple cider
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan thoroughly to ensure the donuts release easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until all ingredients are evenly combined for a uniform flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the fresh apple cider, eggs, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender donut texture.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the donuts turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; bottled cider can also be used but might be less robust.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake this batter in a muffin pan for a similar treat.
- For extra flavor, consider dusting the cooled donuts with a cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix evenly.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent dense donuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: apple cider donuts, baked donuts, autumn treats, cinnamon donuts, homemade donuts
