Apple Cider Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn, look no further than these Apple Cider Donuts! There’s something magical about the aroma of warm spices and sweet apple cider wafting through your kitchen. This recipe is not only easy to whip up but also perfect for family gatherings or cozy weekend mornings. Each bite is soft, flavorful, and reminds you of crisp fall days spent enjoying the harvest.

These donuts are a favorite in my house because they bring everyone together. Whether you’re sharing them with friends over coffee or enjoying them on a busy weeknight, they never fail to bring smiles. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, so you can indulge without the guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep and 7 minutes of baking—perfect for when you need a sweet fix fast.
• Family-friendly fun: Get the kids involved! They’ll love piping the batter into the donut pan and dipping their donuts in sugar.
• Deliciously fragrant: The combination of apple cider and warm spices fills your home with an irresistible scent that makes everyone feel cozy.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these donuts are versatile enough to enjoy anytime!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can easily double the batch and keep some in an airtight container for later. They stay fresh and delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these apple cider donuts is a breeze with simple, wholesome ingredients. You likely have most of them in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Donuts

• 3 T unsalted butter
• 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
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with flavors and toppings. Here are some fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with pumpkin pie spice instead of apple pie spice for a different twist.
• Glaze it up: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and water over your donuts for an extra sweet touch.
• Try different shapes: Use mini donut pans or muffin tins to make bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating 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 over low heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the apple cider and set this mixture aside. Combining these ingredients creates a rich base that will infuse your donuts with delicious flavor!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly so your donuts rise beautifully while baking.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg until well blended. Then add in your cider-butter mixture. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures that every bite is sweet and moist.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently stir together the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this keeps your donuts light and airy!

Step 6: Prepare Your Pan

Spray your donut pan with cooking spray if it’s not non-stick. Now it’s time to fill those donut molds! You can use a piping bag for neatness or just spoon in carefully.

Step 7: Bake Your Donuts

Pop those beauties into the oven for about 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them; when you insert a toothpick and it comes out clean, they’re ready! Let them cool for about one minute before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Make the Topping

While your donuts bake, prepare the topping by melting some butter in one bowl and mixing cinnamon with both sugars in another bowl. This will give your finished donuts that perfect sugary coating!

Step 9: Coat Your Donuts

Once cooled, dip each donut in melted butter followed by rolling it in the sugar-cinnamon mixture. This final touch adds sweetness and just the right amount of crunch.

And there you have it—delicious homemade Apple Cider Donuts that are sure to warm hearts as much as stomachs! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donuts

Making apple cider donuts can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh cider will provide the best flavor for your donuts. It captures the essence of fall and enhances the overall taste.

• Don’t over-mix the batter: Gently combining the wet and dry ingredients is key. Over-mixing can lead to tough donuts, so mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.

• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary, so it’s wise to use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking. This helps prevent overcooked or underbaked donuts.

• Let them cool slightly before coating: Allowing the donuts to cool for about a minute before dipping in butter helps the coating stick better, resulting in a deliciously sweet exterior.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices like nutmeg or ginger alongside the apple pie spice for a unique twist that complements the apple flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts

Presenting your apple cider donuts can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

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

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: The warm, chocolatey drink pairs wonderfully with these sweet treats, making for a cozy dessert option.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the richness of the donuts with its bright flavors and textures.
• Vanilla yogurt: Creamy vanilla yogurt provides a nice dip or side that complements the cinnamon flavors beautifully.
• Spiced chai tea: The warm spices of chai tea enhance the fall vibe and make for a comforting beverage alongside your donuts.

Enjoy making and sharing these delightful apple cider donuts! They’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

This apple cider donut recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh, delicious treats throughout the week without all the fuss on busy mornings. Here’s how to store and keep these delightful donuts.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cool the donuts completely and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your container!

Reheating

• To reheat, simply remove a donut from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature.
• For a warm treat, microwave it for about 10-15 seconds or reheat in an oven at 350°F for 5 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Do you have questions about making these scrumptious apple cider donuts? Here are some common inquiries:

How can I make healthier apple cider donuts?

Consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the amount of sugar by using applesauce as a sweetener.

Can I use homemade apple cider for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade apple cider will add a wonderful depth of flavor to your apple cider donuts. Just ensure it’s well-strained for best results.

How do I make apple cider donut muffins instead?

You can use the same batter but pour it into muffin tins instead of a donut pan. Bake at the same temperature for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

What makes these apple cider donuts special?

The combination of spices and fresh apple cider creates a unique flavor profile that captures the essence of fall, making them an irresistible treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful apple cider donuts! They not only fill your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas but also remind us of cozy autumn days. Enjoy every bite and share them with loved ones—you’ll surely spread smiles all around. Happy baking!