These apple cider donuts are fluffy and delicious, packed with warm spices and sweet apple flavor. They’re perfect for a chilly day, making your kitchen smell like fall!
Making these donuts is a breeze! I love enjoying them fresh, maybe with a cup of hot cider. Honestly, who can resist a warm donut? It’s like a hug in pastry form! 🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: The star of the show! Look for pure apple cider, which adds a rich flavor. If you can’t find cider, apple juice works too, but the flavor won’t be as robust.
All-Purpose Flour: This flour gives the donuts their structure. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to swap it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Buttermilk: It adds tenderness and tanginess to the donuts. If you’re out, mix ½ cup of milk with 1 ½ teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices! If you like a little kick, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
How Do I Get My Donuts to Bake Evenly?
Baking evenly can be tricky with donuts, but here’s the secret! First, ensure your oven is fully preheated before putting the donuts in; this helps them rise properly. Secondly, fill each cavity about ¾ full with batter — this allows the donuts to puff up without spilling over.
- When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts!
- Rotate your donut pan halfway through baking for even cooking, especially if your oven has hot spots.
- Use a toothpick to check for doneness — it should come out clean! If it’s wet, give them a couple more minutes.
Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, plus 5 minutes to cool before coating. In total, you can whip up these delightful donuts in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Apple Cider:
Begin by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer until it’s reduced to about ¼ cup. This should take around 5 to 8 minutes. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well mixed so you have even flavors in your donuts.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and your reduced apple cider. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until everything is combined — be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
5. Prepare to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you have a donut pan, lightly grease each cavity. Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cavity about ¾ full with the batter to allow space for rising.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. They should be a light golden brown.
7. Prepare the Coating:
While the donuts bake, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a shallow bowl. This will be the delightful coating for your donuts!
8. Coat the Donuts:
Once the donuts are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. Then, brush them lightly with melted butter and dip them into the spice-sugar mixture, covering all sides.
9. Cool and Serve:
Transfer the coated donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly. For the best taste and texture, serve them warm, ideally with a hot drink on the side!
Enjoy your cozy, spiced apple cider donuts! They’re perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. 🍂🍩
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure it’s pure apple cider without added preservatives or sugars for the best flavor.
Can I Make These Donuts Without a Donut Pan?
Yes! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin. Simply fill the muffin cups about halfway and bake for slightly longer, around 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. To enjoy them warm again, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or toast them lightly.
Can I Freeze These Donuts?
Yes! You can freeze the donuts after baking. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw them at room temperature and reheat as desired.
