These sweet apple cider donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with apple flavor! Perfect for a cozy fall day, they’re also rolled in cinnamon sugar for that extra tasty touch.
Honestly, who can resist warm donuts fresh out of the oven? I love enjoying them with a cup of hot cider—seriously, it’s like a hug for your taste buds! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: Don’t skimp on quality here! Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. If you can’t find cider, apple juice can work, but it won’t have the deep taste of cider.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect, but if you want a healthier option, use whole wheat flour. The donuts will be slightly denser, but still delicious!
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, simply mix 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, and let it sit for a few minutes. This gives the same tangy flavor.
Spices: While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices, you can experiment! Pumpkin pie spice or even cardamom adds a unique twist.
How Do I Get the Perfect Donut Shape?
Shaping your donuts might feel tricky, but it can be fun! After rolling out the dough, use a donut cutter if you have one. But if not, use two different-sized round cutters. Here’s how:
- Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thick on a floured surface.
- Press the larger cutter to make the outer ring, then use the smaller one to cut out the center. Gently remove the middle piece.
- Transfer the donuts to a baking sheet lined with flour. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—they’ll taste great!
Make sure your oil is hot enough. If it’s too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If you’re unsure, drop a test piece of dough; it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly.
Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Cider Reduction:
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
For the Donut Batter:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/4 cup apple cider reduction (from above)
For Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and about 20 minutes for frying. After everything is cooked, let the donuts cool for a few minutes before coating them in cinnamon sugar. Total time is about 1 hour, including cooling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction:
Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer until it reduces down to about 1/4 cup and becomes thick and syrupy. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once it’s done, let it cool completely.
2. Make the Donut Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice (if using). In another bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, buttermilk, melted butter, and the cooled apple cider reduction until everything is smooth and combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix! The batter will be thick, and that’s just perfect.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat about 3-4 inches of vegetable oil to 365°F (185°C). Make sure to keep an eye on the temperature; it should be hot enough to fry the donuts quickly and evenly.
5. Shape the Donuts:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small) to cut out donut shapes. Once cut, gently transfer the donuts and holes onto a baking sheet lined with flour.
6. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully place 2-3 donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and let them drain on paper towels.
7. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the donuts are frying, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
8. Coat the Donuts:
When the donuts are still warm (but not too hot), roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This gives them that delicious sweet crust!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the donuts cool slightly on a wire rack, but for the best flavor, enjoy them warm. These are perfect paired with apple cider, coffee, or tea. Enjoy your homemade apple cider donuts!
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You’ve just made a batch of delightful apple cider donuts! They’re fluffy with a lovely cinnamon-sugar coating and that rich apple flavor from the cider reduction. Enjoy the cozy fall vibes! 🍂🍩
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s 100% apple cider for the best flavor. If you only have apple juice, you can use that, but the taste won’t be as rich.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but they’re best eaten fresh!
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and fill a greased donut pan with the batter. Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. They won’t have the same crispy texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
