These warm apple cider donuts are a fall treat that everyone loves! They are soft, sweet, and bursting with cinnamon-apple goodness. Perfect for enjoying with a warm drink!
I can never eat just one! They’re great for breakfast or as a special snack. Plus, they make your kitchen smell amazing while baking. Who doesn’t love that? 🍏🍩
Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: This is the star ingredient! For the best flavor, use fresh apple cider. If you don’t have cider, you can use apple juice, but the taste won’t be as rich.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for your donuts. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but be prepared for a denser texture.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): These spices give the donuts their warm flavors. If you don’t have cloves, don’t worry! Just use cinnamon and nutmeg for a delicious twist.
Granulated Sugar: This provides sweetness. You can experiment by using brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have any, you can make a quick substitute by mixing milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice (1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar).
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Donut Texture?
Getting the donuts just right takes a bit of care. Here’s how to ensure they come out soft and fluffy:
- Let the apple cider reduce fully for intense flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter! Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined. This keeps the donuts light.
- Maintain a frying temperature of 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to keep an eye on the oil, as too hot can burn them while too cold can make them greasy.
- Allow donuts to drain on paper towels after frying, ensuring they aren’t soggy.
Enjoy these tips, and you’ll be on your way to making delightful apple cider donuts!
How to Make Delicious Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15-20 minutes of preparation time, plus 20-30 minutes for frying. You’ll end up with a delicious treat that’s perfect for fall or any time you crave something sweet!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Start by pouring 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook it down until it’s reduced to about ½ cup. This will intensify the apple flavor! Set it aside to cool.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves (if using), and salt. Make sure everything is well mixed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the reduced apple cider, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Create the Donut Batter:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pot or heavy-bottomed pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the temperature stays steady for perfect frying.
6. Roll and Cut the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the donut dough onto it. Roll the dough to about ½ inch thick. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to cut out your donuts and their holes. Place them on a tray as you prepare to fry.
7. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully drop a few donuts at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
8. Toss in Cinnamon Sugar:
While the donuts are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated. This gives them a sweet and spicy finish!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These apple cider donuts are best served warm. Share them with family and friends, or keep them all to yourself for a cozy treat!
Now you’ve got the perfect recipe for soft, flavorful apple cider donuts that celebrate all the cozy flavors of fall!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works just fine and is a convenient option. Just make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor. If you can’t find cider, apple juice is a good substitute, but it may be a bit sweeter.
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, they can be wrapped and frozen for up to a month. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying them again!
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can! To bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spoon the batter into a greased donut pan and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. They might not be as crispy, but they will still be delicious!
What if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing ½ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and you’ll have buttermilk in no time!