There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked apple cider donuts wafting through the air, isn’t there? These delightful treats are soft and fluffy, with a hint of spice that dances on your taste buds, making them an irresistible autumn pleasure. Imagine biting into one, the sugary coating glistening like morning dew, revealing a warm center infused with apple cider goodness. Ah, pure bliss!

Every fall, I find myself reminiscing about those crisp days spent at the local orchard, surrounded by colorful leaves and the sweet laughter of friends and family. We would indulge in these donuts while sipping hot cider, creating memories that linger as long as that delightful cinnamon flavor on our lips. Now that you’re drooling just thinking about it, let’s dive right into this fantastic apple cider donuts recipe that promises to bring those cherished moments back to life.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This apple cider donuts recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your treats
- The warm spices create a flavor explosion that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or solo indulgence
- Visually appealing with their golden-brown hue and sugar dusting, these donuts are a feast for both the eyes and stomach
- Versatile enough for breakfast or dessert, they’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite
I still remember the first time I made these apple cider donuts; my friends were so impressed they thought I had secretly enrolled in a pastry school.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Apple Cider: Use fresh apple cider for a rich flavor; avoid any overly sweetened versions.
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All-Purpose Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly for creating fluffy donuts; no fancy flours needed here.
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Granulated Sugar: This will sweeten your batter and provide a lovely coating later; don’t skimp!
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Baking Powder: Essential for giving your donuts that delightful rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
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Cinnamon: A must-have spice that adds warmth and depth; feel free to sprinkle some extra on top!
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Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the overall spice profile; use freshly grated if you can.
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Eggs: They bind everything together beautifully; make sure they’re at room temperature.
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Milk: Whole milk or buttermilk adds richness to the batter; either choice makes a difference.
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Butter: Melted butter brings moisture and flavor; don’t forget to let it cool slightly before adding.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your donut pan generously with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This will create a flavorful base for your delicious donuts.
Add Wet Ingredients into the Dry Mixture: In another bowl, mix together apple cider, eggs, milk, and melted butter. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—don’t overdo it!
Fill Your Donut Pan with Batter: Using a piping bag or spoon (no judgment here), fill each cavity of your donut pan about two-thirds full. You want them fluffy but not overflowing like an overzealous frosted cake.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place your filled donut pan in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. The tops should spring back when lightly touched—trust me on this!
Cool and Coat in Sugar**: Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled slightly but still warm, roll them in cinnamon-sugar for that extra scrumptious touch.
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful apple cider donuts! Serve them warm with a side of hot coffee or tea—the perfect autumn snack!
You Must Know
- This delightful apple cider donuts recipe combines the sweetness of apples and the warmth of spices, making it a perfect fall treat
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds
- Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the dry ingredients, then combine them with wet ingredients for a smooth batter. Fry until golden brown for the best texture.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding cinnamon sugar on top or drizzling with caramel sauce for extra indulgence. You can even swap in pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore their delightful crispness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your apple cider donuts are light and fluffy, avoid over-mixing the batter; just stir until combined
- Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature, ensuring even cooking
- A candy thermometer helps achieve perfect frying temperatures around 350°F
Sharing this apple cider donuts recipe takes me back to cozy fall afternoons with my family, sipping warm cider while enjoying these sweet treats fresh from the fryer.
FAQ
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 350°F for about 15 minutes as an alternative.
How long do these donuts stay fresh?
These apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can last up to three days if stored properly.
Delightful Apple Cider Donuts
Savor the essence of autumn with these irresistibly soft and fluffy apple cider donuts. Infused with warm spices and a sugary coating, each bite delivers the nostalgic taste of fresh apple cider, reminiscent of cozy orchard visits. Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, these delightful treats are sure to impress everyone at your gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or buttermilk)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (cooled slightly)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix apple cider, eggs, milk, and melted butter until combined.
- Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fill each donut cavity two-thirds full and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for a few minutes before rolling in cinnamon-sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg