Apple cider donuts are a beloved treat, especially during the fall season when apples are at their peak. These donuts are moist, flavorful, and coated with a cinnamon-sugar topping that adds a delightful crunch. Follow this recipe to learn how to make these irresistible apple cider donuts at home!
Ingredients for Apple Cider Donuts
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
- Reduce Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. This concentrates the flavor. Let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Batter
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Donut Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the cooled melted butter, reduced apple cider, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make Donut Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Bake the Donuts
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed. Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.
- Coat the Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, brush each donut with melted butter and then dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating all sides evenly.
About the Main Ingredients
Apple Cider
The use of reduced apple cider in both the batter and the coating gives these donuts their distinct apple flavor. Reducing the cider concentrates its sweetness and tanginess, enhancing the overall taste of the donuts.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves)
These warm spices complement the apple flavor and add depth to the donuts. They contribute to the cozy, fall-inspired taste that makes apple cider donuts so popular during the autumn season.
Buttermilk and Butter
Buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang to the donuts, while melted butter enriches the batter and enhances its texture. These ingredients ensure that the donuts are tender and flavorful.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Apple Cider: Fresh, unfiltered apple cider will provide the best flavor. Avoid using apple juice or processed cider for authentic taste.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter gently until just combined to avoid tough donuts. A few lumps are okay; they will disappear during baking.
- Coat While Warm: Coating the donuts with cinnamon-sugar while they are still warm helps the mixture adhere better and adds a pleasant crunch.
Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with these homemade apple cider donuts. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to indulge in a cozy treat, these donuts are sure to be a hit. Share them with family and friends, and savor the deliciousness of freshly baked apple cider donuts anytime!
