When the leaves start to change, and the air gets crisp, it’s time to indulge in the ultimate autumn dessert: Apple Cider Donuts. These soft, spiced donuts are infused with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, coated in a delectable cinnamon sugar mix, and offer a cozy burst of fall flavor in every bite.
Below is a step-by-step guide to create these irresistible treats, ensuring your kitchen smells like a fall festival.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup
- Baking Powder: 1½ teaspoons
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
Wet Ingredients
- Apple Cider: 1 cup (reduced to ¼ cup)
- Egg: 1 large
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted
- Milk: ½ cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
For Coating
- Cinnamon Sugar Mix: ½ cup
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Reduce the Apple Cider
Begin by simmering 1 cup of apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the cider reduces to ¼ cup, concentrating its sweet, tangy flavor. Allow it to cool completely before using.
2. Prepare Your Baking Tools
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter. This ensures your donuts release smoothly after baking.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Ensure the mixture is evenly combined to avoid lumps.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix:
- The cooled reduced apple cider
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the donuts dense.
6. Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into the greased donut molds, filling each about ¾ full. Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the tip cut off can make this process neater.
7. Bake the Donuts
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 2 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack.
8. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the donuts are still warm, toss them in a cinnamon sugar mix (½ cup). Ensure each donut is thoroughly coated for a sweet and spiced crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your apple cider donuts warm for the best taste. Pair them with:
- A glass of spiced apple cider
- Fresh apple slices
- A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce
These accompaniments will elevate your dessert into a festive autumn feast.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donuts
- Simmer Slowly: Reducing the apple cider properly intensifies the flavor. Avoid rushing this step.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined for fluffy, tender donuts.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Experiment with Shapes: If you don’t have a donut pan, use a muffin tin to create apple cider muffin bites.
- Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly before serving to restore their warmth and softness.
FAQs About Apple Cider Donuts
1. Can I Make These Donuts Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Ensure the mix contains xanthan gum for structure.
2. What If I Don’t Have a Donut Pan?
You can bake the batter in a muffin tin to create mini donut muffins. The taste will be just as delicious.
3. Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly, but opt for unsweetened cider for a balanced flavor.
4. How Do I Prevent the Donuts from Sticking?
Grease the pan generously or use a non-stick baking spray to avoid sticking issues.
5. Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
For best results, bake the batter fresh. However, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours and bake when ready.
6. Can I Fry These Donuts Instead of Baking?
This recipe is designed for baking. For frying, the batter may need slight adjustments in consistency.
7. What Can I Substitute for Milk?
You can use almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk as a substitute without altering the flavor too much.
8. How Do I Achieve a Crunchy Sugar Coating?
Toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar immediately after baking while they’re still warm. The heat helps the sugar stick.
9. Can I Add Apple Chunks to the Batter?
Small diced apple pieces can be added, but be sure they’re finely chopped to avoid altering the baking time significantly.
10. How Do I Reheat Leftover Donuts?
Reheat donuts in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
11. Can I Freeze These Donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the baked donuts (without the sugar coating) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and coat them in sugar before serving.
12. What’s the Best Type of Butter to Use?
Unsalted butter is recommended, as it allows you to control the salt content in the recipe.
13. Can I Make a Vegan Version?
To make this recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed substitute, use a plant-based milk, and opt for vegan butter.
14. Why Are My Donuts Dense?
Overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder can lead to dense donuts. Mix until just combined for the fluffiest results.
15. How Can I Add a Glaze?
For an extra indulgence, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with milk or apple cider) over the cooled donuts.
Conclusion
Apple Cider Donuts are the epitome of cozy, fall-inspired baking. With their soft texture, rich apple cider flavor, and warming spices, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat during a festive gathering, these donuts are guaranteed to please. So grab your ingredients and create this autumn masterpiece in your own kitchen! 🍂
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Apple Cider Donuts Recipe: A Perfect Treat for Fall
Ingredients
apple cider (1 cup)
all-purpose flour (2 cups)
granulated sugar (3/4 cup)
baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons)
baking soda (1/2 teaspoon)
ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)
salt (1/2 teaspoon)
egg (1 large)
unsalted butter, melted (4 tablespoons)
milk (1/2 cup)
vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
cinnamon sugar mix (1/2 cup, for coating)
Instructions
1. In a saucepan, simmer apple cider until reduced to about ¼ cup. Let cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. In another bowl, mix the reduced cider, egg, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Spoon batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until donuts spring back when lightly touched. Let cool for 2 minutes before removing from the pan.
7. While warm, toss donuts in a cinnamon sugar mix until fully coated.