Apple Cider Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn, you’ve found it right here with these delightful Apple Cider Donuts! There’s something magical about the warm spices and sweet apple flavor that fills the air as these donuts bake. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, and they make your kitchen smell heavenly. Plus, who can resist the joy of sharing homemade treats with loved ones?

This recipe is a favorite in my household because it’s simple yet so satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or serving them at a fall gathering, these donuts are sure to become a cherished part of your seasonal traditions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious donuts in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and everyone will enjoy these tasty treats.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time, and enjoy fresh donuts whenever you want!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple cider and warm spices creates an irresistible flavor that screams fall.
• Flexible Recipe: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to come by. No fancy items here—just good old-fashioned baking staples! Here’s what you need to gather:

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
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Variations

One of the beautiful things about this Apple Cider Donuts recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to make it your own! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Make it fruity: Toss in some finely chopped apples for added texture and flavor.
• Switch up the spices: Experiment with different spice blends like pumpkin pie spice or even ginger for a new twist.
• Glaze instead of coating: Drizzle a sweet glaze over your cooled donuts instead of coating them in sugar for a different finish.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step because having a properly heated oven ensures that your donuts will rise beautifully and cook evenly.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice until well mixed. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout your batter.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the sugar and egg into the cider and butter mixture. Whisk until fully incorporated. This step is crucial as it creates a lovely base for our batter.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gently stir together the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want tender donuts!

Step 6: Prepare Your Pan

Spray your donut pan with cooking spray if it’s not already non-stick. Then add your batter to a piping bag (or use a spoon) to fill each donut cavity evenly.

Step 7: Bake Those Donuts!

Bake for about 7 minutes—keep an eye on them! Test with a toothpick to make sure they come out clean. After baking, let them cool slightly before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Make Your Topping

While your donuts are baking, melt more butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix together cinnamon, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for rolling.

Step 9: Coat Your Donuts

Once cooled slightly, dip each donut into the melted butter first then coat in the sugar mixture. Place back on the cooling rack to set.

And there you have it—your very own batch of warm Apple Cider Donuts! Enjoy them fresh from the oven or save some for later (if they last that long!).

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donuts

Baking these apple cider donuts is a breeze, but a few helpful tips can make them even more delightful!

• Use fresh apple cider: The quality of the cider directly impacts the flavor. Fresh, unfiltered apple cider brings out a rich, authentic taste that elevates your donuts.

• Don’t over-mix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps keep your donuts light and fluffy. Over-mixing can lead to denser, tougher donuts that aren’t as enjoyable.

• Watch the baking time closely: Ovens can vary in temperature. Start checking your donuts around the 6-minute mark to ensure they don’t overbake and dry out.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves along with the apple pie spice for an extra layer of autumn flavor that will surprise your taste buds.

• Let them cool properly: Allowing the donuts to cool on a rack for a minute before removing them helps maintain their shape and prevents sogginess from steam.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts

Serving these apple cider donuts is as fun as making them! You can present them in various ways that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch and makes your donuts look irresistible.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Caramel drizzle: A warm caramel drizzle not only enhances sweetness but also gives a beautiful presentation that’s perfect for autumn gatherings.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: Nothing beats pairing these delicious donuts with a warm mug of spiced apple cider. The flavors complement each other beautifully!
• Vanilla yogurt: Serve with a side of creamy vanilla yogurt, which adds a tangy balance and makes it feel like an indulgent breakfast treat.
• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits such as apples, pears, and pomegranates provides refreshing contrast and brings in more fall flavors.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing your donuts with a steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the cozy vibe while providing an ideal companion for this sweet treat.

With these serving ideas and pro tips, you’ll have everyone raving about your delightful apple cider donuts! Enjoy making memories in your kitchen this fall!

Make Ahead and Storage

These apple cider donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for a delicious treat throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the donuts to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cool the donuts completely before freezing.
• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped donuts in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Remove desired number of donuts from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the thawed donuts on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy fresh!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe.

Can I make apple cider donuts without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, then use it in place of the egg.

What makes apple cider donuts different from regular donuts?

Apple cider donuts are infused with apple cider, giving them a moist texture and a deliciously sweet, spiced flavor that perfectly captures the essence of fall.

How should I serve my apple cider donuts?

These apple cider donuts are best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or tea. You could also sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top or drizzle with a simple glaze for an extra touch!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour in this recipe, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly since whole wheat flour can absorb more moisture.

How long do apple cider donuts last?

When stored properly, these apple cider donuts will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful apple cider donuts as much as I do! They capture all the cozy flavors of autumn and are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether it’s a chilly morning or an evening treat, these baked goodies are sure to bring joy to your table. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!