These Apple Cider Donuts are soft, sweet, and bursting with fall flavor! Made with real apple cider, they are perfect for enjoying on a cozy morning or for a sweet treat anytime.
I love how they make my kitchen smell like autumn while baking. They’re like a hug in donut form! Dip them in cinnamon sugar for extra yumminess—who can resist? 🍏🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: This is the star of the show, providing that delicious autumn flavor. If you want to be creative, you can use spiced apple juice in a pinch, but the cider gives a richer taste.
All-Purpose Flour: It’s the base of your donuts. For gluten-free options, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works just as great in this recipe.
Buttermilk: This makes the donuts tender. You can substitute it with regular milk plus a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes to sour.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: Both add sweetness and moisture. You can use coconut sugar for a healthier twist, or even maple sugar for a unique flavor.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Essential spices for that fall vibe. If you’re out of nutmeg, just leave it out—cinnamon alone will still make these donuts delightful!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Donuts?
The key to perfect texture lies in mixing! When combining wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Follow these tips:
- Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated—lumps are okay!
- If using a donut pan, fill each cavity about ¾ full to ensure they rise properly without overflowing.
- After mixing, let the batter rest for a few minutes before baking; this can help create a fluffier donut!
And remember, whether you bake or fry, the cooling and coating in cinnamon sugar right after cooking help lock in that flavor while adding a lovely sweetness!
How to Make 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
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- Additional sugar and cinnamon (about ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 12-15 minutes for baking. You’ll want to set aside an additional 5-10 minutes for cooling and coating. In total, you can expect around 40-45 minutes to enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the cider reduces to about ¼ cup (this enhances the flavor). This should take around 15-20 minutes. After it reduces, set it aside to cool.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
While the cider cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or, if you’re shaping donuts by hand, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This helps ensure your leavening agents are evenly distributed.
4. Mix Sugars and Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider. Make sure everything is fully combined for a smooth batter.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, being gentle as you stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough donuts.
6. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each one about ¾ full for nice, fluffy donuts.
7. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the donut comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool:
Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
9. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the donuts are cooling, mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This coating adds a sweet, crunchy finish.
10. Coat the Donuts:
Once the donuts are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter. Then roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your warm Apple Cider Donuts with a cozy cup of spiced tea or cider. Perfect for an autumn treat or any time you’re craving something sweet!
Optionally, you can fry these donuts instead: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and coat with cinnamon sugar.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade Apple Cider Donuts! 🍏✨
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s not flavored or spiced unless you want an extra kick in your donuts!
Can I Make These Donuts Without a Donut Pan?
Yes! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can shape the dough by hand and bake them as donut holes or mini cakes. Alternatively, you can use a muffin tin, but keep an eye on the baking time as they may take a few extra minutes.
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, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat briefly in the oven!
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to sour, and then use it as directed in the recipe.
