Homemade Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Introduction

Apple cider donuts are a quintessential fall treat, bringing the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and tangy apple cider together in a delightful way. Whether you’re enjoying a crisp fall morning or indulging in a cozy snack by the fire, these donuts offer a comforting sweetness that celebrates the season. This recipe will guide you through making homemade apple cider donuts, from reducing apple cider to creating the perfect dough, and frying them to golden perfection.

Not only are apple cider donuts a classic at orchards and fall fairs, but they are also a fantastic recipe to make at home, filling your kitchen with the fragrant aroma of spiced apple cider. We’ll walk through the step-by-step process and offer tips for achieving the best results every time. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to create a batch of irresistibly soft and flavorful apple cider donuts that everyone will love.

The Key Ingredients for Apple Cider Donuts

Creating delicious apple cider donuts requires simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients and why they are used in this recipe:

Apple Cider: The star ingredient! To get the best flavor, it’s essential to reduce the apple cider before adding it to the dough. This concentrates the apple flavor, giving the donuts their signature taste.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure of the donut. It’s essential to measure the flour accurately to avoid a dense dough.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: A mix of both sugars adds sweetness, with brown sugar contributing a slight molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with apple cider.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Both leavening agents help the donuts rise and become fluffy.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices complement the apple cider perfectly and are key to the classic fall flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the donuts.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a soft texture.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, helping to tenderize the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
Vegetable Oil: For frying. It’s essential to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the best results.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: After frying, the donuts are rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mix, giving them their signature sweet, spiced finish.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Making apple cider donuts from scratch may seem intimidating, but it’s a simple process when broken down into easy-to-follow steps. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Reduce the Apple Cider

The first step is to concentrate the flavor of the apple cider by reducing it. This is essential to achieving a strong apple taste in your donuts.

Steps to Reduce Apple Cider:

Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan.
Bring the cider to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Allow the cider to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it reduces to about ½ cup.
Set the reduced cider aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the dough.

Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor, ensuring that the apple taste doesn’t get lost among the spices and other ingredients. This step is crucial to making apple cider donuts that stand out.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt

Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, cream together:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is important for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in light and fluffy donuts.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients

Once the butter and sugars are creamed, mix in the following wet ingredients:

2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
The reduced apple cider (now cooled)

Add these wet ingredients to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough will become fragrant and slightly creamy.

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough donuts. The dough should be thick but soft, ready for shaping into donuts.

6. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the donuts keep their shape during frying.

7. Cut Out the Donuts

After the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use two round cutters or even the rim of a glass for the larger circle and a bottle cap for the donut hole.

8. Fry the Donuts

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each donut for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Once the donuts are fried, transfer them to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

9. Coat the Donuts

While the donuts are still warm, roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. To make the coating, mix together:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a final layer of sweetness and spice, making these donuts truly irresistible.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donuts

Here are some additional tips to help you make the best apple cider donuts:

Use Fresh Apple Cider: For the best flavor, use fresh, unfiltered apple cider. This will give your donuts a more robust apple taste.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Maintain Oil Temperature: It’s essential to keep the oil at a steady 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside and remain raw inside. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Test with a Donut Hole: If you’re unsure if the oil is at the right temperature, fry one of the donut holes as a test. This will give you a good indication of whether the oil is ready for the larger donuts.

Variations on Apple Cider Donuts

While the classic apple cider donut recipe is delicious as-is, there are several variations you can try to put your own spin on these fall treats:

Baked Apple Cider Donuts: For a healthier version, bake the donuts instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Glazed Apple Cider Donuts: Instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating, dip the donuts in an apple cider glaze made from powdered sugar and reduced apple cider.
Spiced Donuts: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the dough for an extra layer of warm, spicy flavor.
Filled Donuts: Try filling the donuts with apple butter or caramel for a sweet surprise inside.

How to Store and Freeze Apple Cider Donuts

Apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them for later. Here’s how to store and freeze your donuts:

Storing: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live in a humid environment, it’s best to store them in the fridge to prevent them from getting soggy.
Freezing: To freeze apple cider donuts, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1 hour. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen donuts, thaw them at room temperature and reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Donuts

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough the night before and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to make the donuts, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and cutting it out.

What type of apple cider should I use?
For the best flavor, use unfiltered apple cider. It has more apple solids, which intensifies the flavor after reducing.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Baked apple cider donuts are a great alternative if you prefer a lighter version. Just use a donut pan and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Introduction

The Key Ingredients for Apple Cider Donuts

Creating delicious apple cider donuts requires simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients and why they are used in this recipe:

Apple Cider: The star ingredient! To get the best flavor, it’s essential to reduce the apple cider before adding it to the dough. This concentrates the apple flavor, giving the donuts their signature taste.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure of the donut. It’s essential to measure the flour accurately to avoid a dense dough.

Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: A mix of both sugars adds sweetness, with brown sugar contributing a slight molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with apple cider.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Both leavening agents help the donuts rise and become fluffy.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices complement the apple cider perfectly and are key to the classic fall flavor.

Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the donuts.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a soft texture.

Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, helping to tenderize the dough.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.

Vegetable Oil: For frying. It’s essential to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the best results.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating: After frying, the donuts are rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mix, giving them their signature sweet, spiced finish.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Making apple cider donuts from scratch may seem intimidating, but it’s a simple process when broken down into easy-to-follow steps. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Reduce the Apple Cider

The first step is to concentrate the flavor of the apple cider by reducing it. This is essential to achieving a strong apple taste in your donuts.

Steps to Reduce Apple Cider:

Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan.

Bring the cider to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Allow the cider to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it reduces to about ½ cup.

Set the reduced cider aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the dough.

Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor, ensuring that the apple taste doesn’t get lost among the spices and other ingredients. This step is crucial to making apple cider donuts that stand out.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, cream together:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is important for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in light and fluffy donuts.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients

Once the butter and sugars are creamed, mix in the following wet ingredients:

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup buttermilk

The reduced apple cider (now cooled)

Add these wet ingredients to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough will become fragrant and slightly creamy.

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough donuts. The dough should be thick but soft, ready for shaping into donuts.

6. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the donuts keep their shape during frying.

7. Cut Out the Donuts

After the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use two round cutters or even the rim of a glass for the larger circle and a bottle cap for the donut hole.

8. Fry the Donuts

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each donut for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Once the donuts are fried, transfer them to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

9. Coat the Donuts

While the donuts are still warm, roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. To make the coating, mix together:

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a final layer of sweetness and spice, making these donuts truly irresistible.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donuts

Here are some additional tips to help you make the best apple cider donuts:

Use Fresh Apple Cider: For the best flavor, use fresh, unfiltered apple cider. This will give your donuts a more robust apple taste.

Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Maintain Oil Temperature: It’s essential to keep the oil at a steady 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside and remain raw inside. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Test with a Donut Hole: If you’re unsure if the oil is at the right temperature, fry one of the donut holes as a test. This will give you a good indication of whether the oil is ready for the larger donuts.

Variations on Apple Cider Donuts

While the classic apple cider donut recipe is delicious as-is, there are several variations you can try to put your own spin on these fall treats:

Baked Apple Cider Donuts: For a healthier version, bake the donuts instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Glazed Apple Cider Donuts: Instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating, dip the donuts in an apple cider glaze made from powdered sugar and reduced apple cider.

Spiced Donuts: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the dough for an extra layer of warm, spicy flavor.

Filled Donuts: Try filling the donuts with apple butter or caramel for a sweet surprise inside.

How to Store and Freeze Apple Cider Donuts

Apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them for later. Here’s how to store and freeze your donuts:

Storing: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live in a humid environment, it’s best to store them in the fridge to prevent them from getting soggy.

Freezing: To freeze apple cider donuts, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1 hour. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen donuts, thaw them at room temperature and reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Donuts

Can I make these donuts ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough the night before and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to make the donuts, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and cutting it out.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough the night before and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to make the donuts, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and cutting it out.

What type of apple cider should I use?
For the best flavor, use unfiltered apple cider. It has more apple solids, which intensifies the flavor after reducing.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Baked apple cider donuts are a great alternative if you prefer a lighter version. Just use a donut pan and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.