Apple Cider Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to enjoy this fall, these Apple Cider Donuts are just what you need! The aroma of warm spices and sweet apple cider fills your kitchen, creating the perfect atmosphere for those crisp autumn days. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, craving a sweet snack after school, or simply want to indulge yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping up batch after batch!

These delightful donuts are not only delicious but also have a wonderful texture that makes them irresistible. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this fantastic recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: In just 17 minutes, you can have warm donuts fresh from the oven.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty treats—perfect for sharing!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple cider and spices creates a comforting flavor that screams autumn.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can easily prepare the batter ahead of time for quick baking later on.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert—anytime is donut time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Apple Cider Donuts is simple with wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Donuts

• 3 T butter (unsalted)
• 1/3 cup apple cider
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

For the Topping

• 3 T butter (for dipping)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Variations

This Apple Cider Donut recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and try out some fun variations:

• Add Some Fruit: Toss in some diced apples or pears for added texture and flavor.
• Change the Spice: Swap out apple pie spice for pumpkin pie spice for a different seasonal twist.
• Make Them Glazed: Instead of dipping in sugar, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top.
• Try Different Flours: Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures that your donuts bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the apple cider and set it aside. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to your donuts.

Step 3: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice. This step helps combine the dry ingredients and ensures even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg into the cooled cider-butter mixture until well combined. This is where you’ll create that lovely sweetness that pairs perfectly with apple cider.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Gently stir together your wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; doing so could lead to dense donuts instead of light and airy ones!

Step 6: Prepare Your Donut Pan

Spray your donut pan with cooking spray if it’s not already non-stick. Then transfer your batter to a piping bag or spoon it directly into the pan. Fill each cavity about three-quarters full.

Step 7: Bake & Cool

Bake your donuts for approximately 7 minutes or until they spring back when lightly touched. Keep an eye on them! Allow them to cool in the pan for about one minute before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Make the Topping

While your donuts are cooling, melt more butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix together brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon.

Step 9: Coat Your Donuts

Dip each warm donut in melted butter first, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated. This step adds an extra layer of deliciousness!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Apple Cider Donuts! They’re best served warm but can be enjoyed any time of day. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donuts

Making apple cider donuts can be a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh apple cider enhances the flavor of your donuts, giving them that authentic autumn taste. Look for unfiltered cider at local orchards or markets for the best results.

• Don’t over-mix the batter: Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together prevents the donuts from becoming tough. A light touch ensures that they’ll remain fluffy and tender!

• Watch the baking time closely: Since ovens can vary, start checking your donuts after about 6 minutes of baking. They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of apple pie spice or add other spices like nutmeg or ginger to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

• Serve warm for maximum enjoyment: These donuts are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. The warmth enhances their flavors and makes them even more irresistible.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts

Presenting these delightful apple cider donuts can turn a simple treat into an impressive dessert. Here are some ideas to make your serving even more special!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of caramel sauce: A light drizzle of caramel sauce adds a sweet richness that complements the spiced flavor of the donuts perfectly.
• Dusting of powdered sugar: A sprinkle of powdered sugar gives your donuts a beautiful, snowy finish while adding just a hint of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: Pair your donuts with a warm cup of spiced apple cider for a cozy touch that enhances the flavors.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy texture, making it a perfect complement to these rich treats.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with apples, pears, and berries provides a bright contrast to the sweetness of the donuts and adds color to your plate.
• Chai tea: The warming spices in chai tea beautifully harmonize with the cinnamon in your donuts, creating an inviting flavor combination.

Enjoy crafting your perfect fall-inspired gathering with these apple cider donuts!

Make Ahead and Storage

This apple cider donut recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious donuts.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen donuts to an airtight freezer bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For the best texture, reheat frozen donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• If using a microwave, heat them individually on high for about 10-15 seconds, but be aware this may make them a bit chewier.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making apple cider donuts.

Can I make apple cider donuts without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or use a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) as an egg replacement.

What makes these apple cider donuts special?

These apple cider donuts are special because they capture the essence of autumn with warm spices and the rich flavor of apple cider, making every bite feel like a cozy day spent enjoying the season.

How do I ensure my apple cider donuts turn out perfectly?

To ensure perfect donuts, avoid overmixing the batter and keep an eye on them while baking. Every oven is different; testing with a toothpick will help you determine when they’re done!

Can I make baked apple cider donut holes instead?

Absolutely! Simply follow the same recipe but use a mini donut pan or roll small balls of dough and bake until golden. They’ll be just as delightful!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful apple cider donuts as much as I do! They’re not only easy to whip up but also bring that lovely fall scent into your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo with a cup of hot cider, these little treats are sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!