Name: Apple Cider Donuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 3 T unsalted butter (for topping); 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for topping); 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

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If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn, these Apple Cider Donuts are just what you need! The delightful aroma of warm spices and sweet apple cider wafting from your kitchen is simply irresistible. This recipe brings back fond memories of family gatherings and fall festivities, making it a favorite among friends and loved ones. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, these donuts are perfect for any time you want to indulge in something sweet.

Each bite is soft and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, so you can enjoy them with a little less guilt! Let’s dive into why you’ll love making these delicious Apple Cider Donuts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time!
Family-friendly: Kids will adore the fun shape and yummy flavors—perfect for a family treat.
Make-ahead option: Bake a batch and enjoy them throughout the week; they taste great fresh or warmed up.
Deliciously spiced: The blend of cinnamon and apple pie spice warms your soul with every bite.
Perfect for sharing: Bring them to gatherings or enjoy them at home; everyone will ask for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Apple Cider Donuts is easy and requires simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely 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
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 in the kitchen! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

Add some zest: Incorporate a bit of lemon or orange zest into the batter for a citrusy twist!
Mix in fruits: Toss in some diced apples or raisins to add extra flavor and texture.
Change up the spice: Swap out apple pie spice for pumpkin pie spice if you’re feeling festive.
Glaze it up: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk on top for an extra sweet touch.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures your donuts bake evenly and gives them that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the apple cider once melted and set aside. This combination adds moisture and flavor to our donuts.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps ensure everything is evenly distributed throughout your batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg into the cider-butter mixture until well combined. This step helps incorporate air into your mixture, making those donuts light and fluffy!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gently stir together your wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix—this will keep your donuts tender.

Step 6: Prepare Your Donut Pan

Spray your donut pan with cooking spray if it isn’t non-stick already. Transfer your batter into a piping bag (or use a spoon) to fill each donut cavity evenly.

Step 7: Bake!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake! A toothpick should come out clean when they’re done. Allow them to cool for about one minute before transferring them onto a cooling rack.

Step 8: Make the Topping

While those scrumptious donuts are baking away, melt some butter again for dipping. In another small bowl, stir together cinnamon, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.

Step 9: Coat Your Donuts

Once cooled slightly, dip each donut in melted butter then roll it in the sugar mixture. Place back on the cooling rack to let any excess drip off.

Now you have delicious homemade Apple Cider Donuts ready to be enjoyed! Share them with friends or savor them all yourself—you won’t regret it!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donuts

Making perfect apple cider donuts is all about the little details! Here are some pro tips to ensure your donuts come out delicious every time.

Use fresh apple cider: Fresh cider will give your donuts a robust apple flavor that enhances their sweetness and aroma. Avoid using store-bought juice, as it may lack the depth of flavor.
Don’t over-mix the batter: Gently combine your wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Over-mixing can lead to dense, tough donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.
Check for doneness: Since baking times can vary, always test your donuts with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they’re ready to be taken out of the oven!
Let them cool slightly: Allowing the donuts to cool for a minute before removing them from the pan will help them maintain their shape and make them easier to handle.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or clove can elevate the flavor profile and make these donuts even more special!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts

These delightful apple cider donuts are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying on your own. Here’s how you can present them beautifully!

Garnishes

Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a hint of sweetness that complements the flavors perfectly.
Caramel drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the top creates a decadent treat that’s hard to resist!

Side Dishes

Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs wonderfully with these sweet treats, balancing their flavors while providing a comforting start to your day.
Apple slices: Fresh apple slices served on the side not only enhance the apple flavor but also add a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft donuts.
Pumpkin spice latte: This seasonal favorite complements the autumn flavors of your donuts while adding an extra layer of coziness.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress everyone with your homemade apple cider donuts! Enjoy each bite as you savor this delightful fall treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful apple cider donuts are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness throughout the week. Here’s how to store them properly so they stay fresh and tasty!

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature.
For optimal freshness, consume within 2-3 days.
If you live in a humid environment, consider refrigerating them to prevent spoilage.

Freezing

Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour.
Once frozen, transfer the donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Label and date your container; they’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place the frozen or refrigerated donuts on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Alternatively, microwave each donut for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Apple Cider Donuts.

Can I make Apple Cider Donuts without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with applesauce (1/4 cup) or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This keeps the texture moist while being egg-free!

How do I make my Apple Cider Donuts taste even better?

For an extra flavor boost, try adding chopped nuts or raisins into the batter. You could also sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top after coating them in butter for that added crunch!

What is the best way to serve Apple Cider Donuts?

Apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Pair them with your favorite hot beverage like coffee or tea for a cozy treat that’s perfect for autumn!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these scrumptious apple cider donuts as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they’re a warm embrace of autumn flavors that bring joy to any gathering. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or savoring them yourself, these donuts are sure to brighten your day. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with delightful scents and warmth!

Apple Cider Donuts

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the cozy flavors of autumn with homemade Apple Cider Donuts! These delightful baked treats are soft, fluffy, and packed with the warm essence of apple cider and spices. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting snack, each bite brings a nostalgic taste of fall festivities. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can bring the aroma of spiced apple goodness into your kitchen without any guilt. Top them off with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating for an irresistible finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

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
3 T unsalted butter (for topping)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter and mix in 1/3 cup of apple cider; set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice.
In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 egg with the cider-butter mixture until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed.
Spray your donut pan and fill each cavity with batter using a piping bag or spoon.
Bake for about 7 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean; let cool slightly.
For topping, melt another 3 tablespoons of butter; mix 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 1½ teaspoons cinnamon in a bowl.
Dip each donut in melted butter then roll in the sugar mixture.