Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts Recipe to Delight You

Recipe By:
James Walker
Updated:

There’s something magical about the aroma of apple cider donuts wafting through the air. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy donut, coated with cinnamon sugar that dances on your taste buds. The sweet and tangy notes from fresh apple cider blend perfectly, creating a treat that feels like a hug in pastry form.

Every autumn, I reminisce about the crisp air and golden leaves while indulging in these delightful pastries. Making apple cider donuts is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of the season and an invitation to gather with friends and family. Whether at a cozy brunch or a festive fall gathering, these donuts never fail to steal the show.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These apple cider donuts are incredibly easy to make, perfect for any skill level
  • Their flavor is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy, making them irresistible
  • Visually appealing with their golden-brown hue, they are sure to impress your guests
  • Versatile enough for breakfast or dessert, they can be enjoyed any time of day

My friends couldn’t stop raving about these donuts during our last fall get-together; we almost had to fight over the last one!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Fresh Apple Cider: Go for unfiltered cider if possible; it adds depth and real apple flavor.

  • All-Purpose Flour: A staple for baking; it gives structure to your donuts.

  • Baking Powder: This helps the donuts rise beautifully for that perfect fluffy texture.

  • Cinnamon: Essential for that warm spice note; adjust according to your preference.

  • Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds an aromatic touch that elevates the overall flavor profile.

  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! You can use brown sugar for added moisture and flavor if you prefer.

  • Eggs: They bind everything together while adding richness.

  • Milk: A splash helps create a moist batter, ensuring your donuts are tender.

  • Butter: Melted butter gives these treats their irresistible richness; don’t skimp on quality here!

  • Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Combine sugar and cinnamon for rolling the donuts once they’re out of the fryer.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Doughnut Batter: Start by whisking together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar in a large bowl until well combined.

Add the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the fresh apple cider, melted butter, eggs, and milk until smooth and combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined—be careful not to overmix! The batter should be thick but pourable.

Heat Up Your Oil: In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Test with a small amount of batter; it should sizzle upon contact.

Fry Those Donuts!: Using a piping bag or spoon, carefully drop rounds of batter into hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides—about 3-4 minutes total.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating Time!: Remove donuts from oil and let them cool slightly on paper towels before rolling them in cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.

Now you have perfectly fluffy apple cider donuts ready to wow your taste buds! Enjoy them fresh out of the fryer or store them in an airtight container (if you can resist eating them all at once).

You Must Know

  • The apple cider donuts are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, capturing autumn in every bite
  • Their fluffy texture paired with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating will have your taste buds dancing
  • You’ll want to make these year-round, not just for fall!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

The best approach is to mix dry ingredients first, then add wet ingredients for a smooth batter. Let it sit while preheating the oil for efficient frying.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping regular flour with gluten-free flour or adding chopped nuts for an exciting crunch. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice.

Storing & Reheating

Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a microwave for 10 seconds or briefly in an oven.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh apple cider for maximum flavor; it truly makes a difference in taste
  • Always fry donuts at the right temperature (around 350°F) for perfect crispiness
  • Dust them immediately after frying while still warm for better sugar adherence

Sharing my first experience making these donuts was hilarious. My friends thought I’d conjured magic when they took their first bite, and I’ll never forget those happy faces!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Absolutely! Store-bought cider works well, but homemade adds extra charm.

How can I make these donuts vegan?

Replace eggs with applesauce and use plant-based milk to maintain texture.

What’s the best way to serve apple cider donuts?

Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or alongside a hot cup of apple cider!

Print
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Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts

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Experience the warmth of autumn with these fluffy apple cider donuts, dusted in cinnamon sugar. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, making them an ideal treat for cozy gatherings or a delightful breakfast. Easy to make and sure to impress, these donuts will have everyone coming back for seconds!

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh apple cider
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • Cinnamon sugar mixture (1/2 cup sugar mixed with 2 tsp cinnamon for coating)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar until combined.
  2. In another bowl, mix fresh apple cider, melted butter, eggs, and milk until smooth.
  3. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown on both sides.
  6. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels before rolling in cinnamon sugar while still warm.
  • Author: James
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 donut (50g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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