Apple cider donuts are a fall favorite! These soft, sweet treats have a delightful apple flavor, paired with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Yum!
Making them at home is a breeze, and the smell while baking is simply amazing—your whole kitchen will feel cozy! I love enjoying them fresh with a cup of cider. 🍏🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: This is the star of the show! Choose a fresh apple cider for the best flavor. If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice, but it will be less intense.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure. You can swap in a gluten-free blend if needed. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for good results.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Buttermilk: It adds moisture and tanginess. If you don’t have any, you can make a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference! Adding a pinch of ginger can give a nice kick, or you can leave out the cloves if you’re not a fan.
How Do You Reduce Apple Cider for Maximum Flavor?
Reducing the apple cider concentrates its flavor. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Start with fresh apple cider in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes or until it reduces to about 1/4 cup.
- Allow it to cool before adding it to the batter for the best results.
This step is crucial as it enhances the apple flavor in your donuts, making each bite deliciously rich!
How to Make Delicious Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes for preparation and 10-15 minutes for baking or frying. If you’re simmering the apple cider, add another 15 minutes for that step. Overall, a cozy baking session in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. This will take around 10-15 minutes. When done, set it aside to cool.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will incorporate air, giving your donuts a nice texture.
4. Add the Eggs and Flavor:
Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, slowly stir in the cooled apple cider reduction and vanilla extract until combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until everything is just combined; be careful not to overmix as it can make the donuts tough.
6. Prepare to Cook:
If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pans. If frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large pot.
7. Bake the Donuts:
For baked donuts, fill each cavity of the donut pan about 2/3 full with the batter and bake for 10-12 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean. If frying, carefully drop muffin-sized spoonfuls of batter into the oil, frying them until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
8. Coat the Donuts:
In a shallow dish, mix sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for coating. While the donuts are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re nicely coated.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious apple cider donuts warm, paired with a fresh glass of apple cider or your favorite drink. Enjoy the cozy flavors!
These donuts are sure to be a hit, offering a soft and tender bite with that classic sweet and spicy flavor profile. Perfect for gatherings or a delightful treat just for yourself!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s 100% apple cider for the best flavor! If you only have apple juice, that will work in a pinch but may be a bit sweeter.
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken, then use as directed in the recipe.
Can I Freeze the Donuts?
Yes! These donuts freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the freshness!
How Do I Make These Donuts Healthier?
If you want a healthier version, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour. You can also reduce the sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute. Just keep in mind that this might slightly change the texture and flavor.