There’s something about sinking your teeth into a warm, cinnamon-dusted apple cider donut that feels like a hug from autumn itself. The sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen as they bake is enough to make you forget all your worries, if only for a moment. Each bite presents a delightful combination of fluffy texture and rich apple flavor, making it hard to stop at just one.
Picture this: it’s a brisk fall morning, leaves crunching beneath your feet as you stroll through an orchard. You can practically taste the cider in the air, and just beyond the trees, a small market displays baskets filled with freshly made donuts—your mouth waters in anticipation. This recipe brings that experience home, perfect for cozy gatherings or simply indulging yourself on a lazy weekend.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These apple cider donuts are incredibly easy to whip up, allowing you to savor homemade goodness without a hassle
- The flavor is an irresistible blend of sweet and spicy, capturing the essence of fall in every bite
- Their golden-brown appearance will impress guests at any gathering or brunch
- Perfectly versatile, enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or snack anytime!
I remember the first time I made these donuts for my family; their faces lit up with joy as they took their first bites. It became our go-to treat for family gatherings.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious treats:
-
Apple Cider: Use fresh apple cider for a robust flavor; avoid concentrate for best results.
-
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it to ensure light and fluffy donuts.
-
Baking Powder: This helps the donuts rise; check its freshness for effective leavening.
-
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice; feel free to adjust to your taste.
-
Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar gives a deeper flavor than white sugar.
-
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
-
Butter: Melted unsalted butter enriches the batter; it adds moisture and flavor.
-
Granulated Sugar (for coating): This gives an extra sweetness and delightful crunch to finish off each donut.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan well so those beautiful creations don’t stick!
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider, melted butter, and eggs until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and inviting.
Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Gradually combine this dry mix with the wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into each cavity of your greased donut pan about 3/4 full. A piping bag works wonders here if you’re feeling fancy!
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back lightly when touched.
Cool & Coat: Let them cool slightly before removing them from the pan—if you can resist that long! Roll each warm donut in granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon for that extra touch of sweetness.
These apple cider donuts are not just simple—they are filled with love and nostalgia. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container to keep that autumn magic alive for days!
They say the best things come from shared experiences in the kitchen—and these delightful treats are no exception! Happy baking!
You Must Know
- Making apple cider donuts is not just about the flavor; it’s a delightful experience
- The warm, spicy aroma fills your kitchen, and each bite is a cozy hug of sweetness
- Don’t let these treats slip away—enjoy them fresh for that perfect fluffy texture!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing dry ingredients before adding wet ones to achieve a smooth batter. Preheat your oil to 350°F for perfect frying results, ensuring crispy outsides and fluffy insides.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding nutmeg or cinnamon for extra spice. You can also swap regular flour for gluten-free flour to cater to dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds or enjoy them cold for a delightful treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Using fresh apple cider enhances flavor significantly; avoid the concentrate if possible
- Always measure your flour precisely to prevent dense donuts
- Frying in small batches ensures even cooking and prevents temperature drops in the oil
Sharing my first experience making apple cider donuts was chaotic yet rewarding. Friends devoured them within minutes, begging for the recipe while I stood there with flour on my nose!
FAQ
What type of apple cider should I use?
Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; avoid any concentrates or artificial options.
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes for a healthier option.
How do I know when my oil is hot enough?
Use a thermometer to check if oil reaches 350°F; drop a small batter piece to test.
Apple Cider Donuts
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Apple cider donuts are the perfect autumn treat, offering a delightful blend of warm spices and fresh apple flavor in every fluffy bite. These easy-to-make donuts fill your kitchen with a cozy aroma that invites everyone to indulge. Ideal for brunch gatherings or a sweet snack anytime, these cinnamon-dusted delights are sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the apple cider, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full with batter and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and springy to touch.
- Cool slightly before removing from the pan; roll warm donuts in granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (45g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
