Print

Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cider Donuts are a perfect fall treat featuring crispy, spiced donuts with the warm flavors of apple cider and comforting autumn spices. Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, these donuts offer a nostalgic taste with a golden crust and soft interior that’s ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert during the cozy season.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh or store-bought apple cider
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying (about 4 cups)

Topping

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction: Start by simmering 1 cup of fresh apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until reduced to about half its volume, concentrating the flavor. Allow it to cool before use.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 1 cup granulated sugar until fluffy. Add 4 tablespoons melted butter and the cooled apple cider reduction, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth batter.
  4. Form the Dough: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a slightly sticky but workable dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
  5. Shape the Donuts: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes for the center hole.
  6. Fry Until Golden: Heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep skillet or fryer. Fry donuts, in small batches, for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  7. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, toss the donuts in a bowl containing a mix of ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until evenly coated.

Notes

  • Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor.
  • Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough donuts.
  • Maintain frying oil temperature at 375°F for even cooking and crispiness.
  • Cool donuts slightly before coating with cinnamon sugar to help it adhere without melting away.
  • Test oil temperature by frying one donut first and adjust heat as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Apple Cider Donuts, Fall Treats, Spiced Donuts, Autumn Recipes, Crispy Donuts