These warm apple cider donuts are a cozy treat! Made with fresh apple cider and spiced for just the right kick, they are soft and fluffy on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside.
Honestly, I can’t resist them, especially when they’re fresh out of the oven! Perfect with a cup of coffee, they make any morning feel special. Who can say no to that sweet, spicy goodness? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider is best for flavor. If you can’t find it, apple juice works; just avoid sweetened versions for better flavor balance. You can also reduce the juice like the cider for a bolder taste.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the ideal choice for fluffy donuts. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix, which can often mimic the texture well.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice add great warmth. Feel free to play with the amounts based on your taste. If you’re missing any, pumpkin spice can be a decent substitute, as it usually contains these spices.
Buttermilk: If you lack buttermilk, make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil like canola or grapeseed for frying. If you prefer an added flavor, peanut oil or coconut oil can work, but watch for stronger flavors affecting the donuts.
How Do You Get the Perfect Donut Texture?
Getting the right texture in your donuts is key! Start by carefully measuring your dry ingredients, and whisk them well for even distribution. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, so mix gently when combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Chill the dough for at least an hour to firm it up for easier cutting.
- Ensure the oil is at the right temperature—350°F is ideal. If too hot, donuts burn outside but stay raw inside; if too cool, they’ll fry up greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot while frying to keep oil temperature stable.
Once fried, coat them promptly in cinnamon sugar for the best adherence. Enjoy these warm for a delicious treat! Happy baking!
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes for prep, plus 1 hour to chill the dough, and around 15-20 minutes to fry the donuts. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 45 minutes to enjoy these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Begin by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer until it reduces down to about 1/2 cup, which will take around 20-25 minutes. Once it’s reduced, set it aside to cool completely.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined. This ensures an even distribution of the rising agents and spices.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and the cooled reduced apple cider until fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to combine everything! Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined, making sure not to overmix to keep the donuts tender.
6. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This will help it firm up, making it easier to cut out donut shapes later.
7. Roll and Cut the Donuts:
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two different-sized round cutters) to cut out donut shapes. Gather any scraps of dough, re-roll, and cut out more donuts until all dough is used.
8. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the donuts, about 3 inches deep.
9. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and allow them to drain on paper towels.
10. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
While the donuts are warm, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar until well coated.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your apple cider donuts fresh and warm for the best flavor and texture! They are perfect for a cozy fall treat!
These donuts are sure to be a hit with their tender crumb and delightful autumn flavors. Enjoy making them!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly. Just make sure it’s unfiltered for the best flavor. If you can’t find apple cider, apple juice can be a good substitute; just remember to reduce it the same way for concentrated flavor.
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and use a greased donut pan. Fill each cavity about halfway and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. They won’t be quite the same as fried donuts but will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them, but they may lose some tenderness. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying!
Can I Freeze the Donuts?
Yes, you can freeze them! Allow the donuts to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating and coating in sugar!
