These homemade apple cider donuts are a delightful treat, perfect for fall. Made with fresh apple cider and warm spices, they offer a soft, cake-like texture and a sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating.
This recipe is simple and requires basic baking techniques. Enjoy them fresh out of the fryer or baked for a lighter option.
Delicious Apple Cider Donuts
Apple cider donuts are a seasonal delight, capturing the essence of autumn with every bite.
These treats are infused with the warm flavors of apple and cinnamon, making them a favorite among many.
The combination of spices and the sweetness of fresh apple cider creates a unique taste that is hard to resist.
Making these donuts is a straightforward process, taking about an hour from start to finish.
With a yield of approximately 12 donuts, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends during cozy gatherings.
Ingredients for the Perfect Donuts
To create these delightful donuts, a few key ingredients are essential.
Fresh apple cider is the star of the show, providing moisture and flavor.
Basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs come together to form the dough, while spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth.
For the finishing touch, a coating of cinnamon sugar gives the donuts a sweet crunch that complements their soft texture.
This combination of ingredients results in a treat that is both comforting and satisfying.
Preparation Steps
Starting with the apple cider, it’s important to reduce it to concentrate the flavor.
This step involves simmering the cider until it thickens, which enhances the overall taste of the donuts.
Next, the dry ingredients are mixed separately, ensuring an even distribution of baking powder and spices.
Combining the wet and dry ingredients should be done gently to maintain a light texture, avoiding overmixing.
Frying to Perfection
Once the dough is prepared, it’s time to heat the oil for frying.
Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for achieving that golden brown exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
Carefully placing the donuts in hot oil allows them to cook evenly.
After frying, draining them on paper towels helps remove excess oil, ensuring a delightful texture.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
The final step involves rolling the warm donuts in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
This coating not only adds sweetness but also enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite a treat.
Serving these donuts warm is ideal, as they are at their best right after frying.
They can also be enjoyed at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
Pairing these apple cider donuts with a small bowl of apple cider and fresh apples creates a charming autumn setting.
The rustic wooden table adds to the cozy vibe, making it perfect for gatherings or quiet moments at home.
Whether enjoyed with friends or savored alone, these donuts evoke the warmth of fall and the joy of homemade treats.
They are sure to become a cherished recipe in any household.
Delicious Apple Cider Donuts
These apple cider donuts are infused with the flavors of apple and cinnamon, making them a seasonal favorite. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and yields about 12 donuts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Reduce the Cider: In a saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until it reduces to about 1 cup, approximately 15-20 minutes. Let it cool.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare for Frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out donut shapes from the dough.
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for coating. While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
- Serve: Enjoy the donuts warm or at room temperature. They are best served fresh.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Calories: 210kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
