Apple Cider Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn, these Apple Cider Donuts are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen! There’s something so comforting about the warm spices and the sweet aroma of apple cider wafting through your home. Whether you’re enjoying them on a busy weeknight or serving them at a family gathering, these donuts are perfect for any occasion. Plus, they are baked instead of fried, making them a lighter option that still packs all the flavor!

These Apple Cider Donuts are not just delicious; they are easy to make and fun to share with loved ones. Imagine biting into one of these soft, fluffy donuts while sipping on a warm cup of cider. It’s pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen—and devouring their creations!
• Perfectly Spiced: The combination of apple pie spice and cinnamon brings cozy flavors that everyone adores.
• Make Ahead: These donuts can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week.
• No Frying Required: Baked instead of fried, these donuts are a healthier treat without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Apple Cider Donuts requires simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Donuts

• 3 T butter (unsalted)
• 1/3 cup apple cider
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

For the Topping

• 3 T butter (melted)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to get creative with flavors or ingredients. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Some Zest: Mix in some grated orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
• Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Glazed Goodness: Drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled donuts for extra sweetness.
• Fruit Fusion: Try adding small pieces of diced apples or pears into the batter for an extra fruity touch.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your donuts bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the apple cider and set this mixture aside. This step is crucial as it combines those wonderful flavors right from the start!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice. Mixing these dry ingredients well helps ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout your donuts.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg into the cider and butter mixture until it’s nicely combined. This creates a sweet base for your donuts that adds moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gently stir together the wet and dry mixtures until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this will keep your donuts light and fluffy.

Step 6: Prepare Your Pan

Spray your donut pan with cooking spray if it’s not non-stick already. Then transfer your batter into a piping bag (or use a spoon) to fill each donut mold evenly.

Step 7: Bake Away!

Place your filled donut pan in the oven and bake for about 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them; when they spring back lightly when touched, they’re ready! Allow them to cool for one minute before transferring them onto a cooling rack.

Step 8: Make Your Topping

While those delicious donuts bake away, prepare your topping! Melt more butter in a small bowl and mix together cinnamon with brown sugar and white sugar in another bowl.

Step 9: Coat Your Donuts

Once cooled slightly, dip each donut into the melted butter first then coat it gently with the cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing it back on the cooling rack.

And there you have it—delightful Apple Cider Donuts ready to enjoy! Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself (I won’t tell!).

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donuts

Making apple cider donuts can be a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate your baking game!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh apple cider gives the donuts a robust flavor that store-bought varieties can’t match. Look for local sources or freshly pressed options if possible.

• Don’t over-mix the batter: Mixing just until combined ensures your donuts are soft and tender instead of tough. Over-mixing activates the gluten in the flour, leading to denser donuts.

• Cool the donuts properly: Allowing them to cool on a rack helps maintain their texture and prevents sogginess. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect bite!

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend to your taste! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or even some ground ginger can create an exciting flavor profile that complements the apple cider.

• Double the recipe for gatherings: If you’re planning to share these delicious treats with friends or family, consider making a double batch. They’re sure to disappear quickly!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts

These apple cider donuts make for a fantastic treat any time of day! From breakfast to dessert, there are so many ways to enjoy them.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and an elegant touch.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs beautifully with these sweet treats, balancing their sweetness perfectly.
• Spiced chai tea: The warm spices in chai tea enhance the flavors of the apple cider donuts and make for a cozy pairing.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and contrasts nicely with the rich flavor of the donuts.
• Vanilla yogurt: Serve with a side of vanilla yogurt for creaminess that complements the sweet flavors while adding protein.

Enjoy your homemade apple cider donuts in any way you like! They’re perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself on those crisp fall days.

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful apple cider donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance, making them a fantastic treat for busy days or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled donuts in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them, but be aware they may lose some of their texture.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen donuts, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Got questions? No worries! Here are some common queries about making apple cider donuts:

Can I use different types of flour for apple cider donuts?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour. Just keep an eye on the consistency of the batter!

How do I make apple cider donuts?

Making apple cider donuts is easy! Follow this recipe step-by-step, and you’ll have delicious homemade treats ready in no time.

What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?

You can use coconut oil or vegan butter as a substitute for butter if you prefer a dairy-free alternative.

Can I add other flavors to my apple cider donuts?

Absolutely! Consider adding vanilla extract or even a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavor of your apple cider donuts.

Final Thoughts

I hope this apple cider donut recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen this autumn! They’re not just tasty; they also fill your home with that cozy fall aroma that makes everything feel special. Enjoy making these delightful treats, and don’t hesitate to share them with friends and family. Happy baking!