Apple cider donuts are warm, sweet treats that make fall feel extra special! They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with delicious apple flavor—perfect for chilly days.
Every bite reminds me of crisp autumn air and pumpkin spice lattes. I love enjoying these fresh donuts with a cup of hot cider or coffee. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider is key here for optimum flavor. If it’s unavailable, try using store-bought apple juice, but reduce it like the cider for a concentrated taste.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your go-to for donuts. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour instead. It should work well with the recipe!
Buttermilk: It adds a nice tang and moisture. If you don’t have any, mix ½ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for that warm, cozy flavor. If you want a twist, add a hint of ground ginger for extra warmth.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, vegetable oil is great, but you could also use canola or peanut oil. They have high smoke points and are perfect for frying donuts.
How Do I Get My Donuts Light and Fluffy?
The key to achieving light and fluffy donuts lies in how you mix your ingredients and handle the dough. Here are some detailed tips to help you succeed:
- When whisking together the sugar and eggs, beat them until they’re light and fluffy. This incorporates air, which helps the donuts rise.
- Be careful not to overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can make the donuts dense. Stir gently just until combined.
- Chilling the dough for at least an hour is crucial. It helps firm the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
- Ensure your oil is the right temperature (350°F or 175°C). Too hot can burn the outside while the inside remains raw, and too cool may make them greasy.
Following these tips will give you light, airy donuts that are sure to impress!
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
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Total Time Needed
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes of active preparation time and an additional 1 hour for chilling the dough. After that, you’ll need about 10 minutes for frying the donuts. So, in total, you can expect around 1 hour and 40 minutes to enjoy these scrumptious treats from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Cider:
First, pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a medium boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the cider reduces down to about ¼ cup, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once it’s reduced, set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This is your dry mix, packed with flavors that will make your donuts delicious!
3. Mix Sugars and Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy. It’s a good idea to take your time here for the best texture! Then, gently stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider reduction.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft, yet not sticky.
5. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This step is important because it makes the dough easier to handle when shaping your donuts.
6. Heat the Oil:
While the dough chills, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Make sure there’s enough oil to let the donuts float as they fry.
7. Shape the Donuts:
Once chilled, lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about ½ inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out the donuts and their holes.
8. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully place a few donuts in the hot oil at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each donut for about 1 to 1 ½ minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. Make sure to keep an eye on them!
9. Drain and Coat:
Remove the donuts using a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels. While they’re still warm, toss them in a mixture of ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until they’re well coated.
10. Serve Warm:
Your apple cider donuts are ready! Enjoy them fresh and warm for the best flavor and texture. Perfect for a cozy fall day or any time you want a delicious treat!
These donuts have a tender, cakey texture with a delightful apple cider flavor and a classic cinnamon-sugar coating that’s sure to bring a smile to your face!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s not too diluted—look for a good quality cider for the best flavor payoff.
Can I Make These Donuts Baked Instead of Fried?
Yes, you can! To bake these donuts, pour the batter into a greased donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. They won’t have the same texture as fried donuts, but they’ll still be delicious!
How Should I 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, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Flavors or Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add mix-ins like chopped apples, raisins, or nuts. You can also experiment by adding a splash of caramel sauce to the batter for a richer flavor or substituting half the cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
