Description
Apple cider donuts are a quintessential fall treat, combining the rich flavors of spiced apple cider with soft, cakey donut texture. These homemade donuts are baked, not fried, then rolled in a cinnamon sugar coating for a deliciously sweet and spicy finish. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or cider on a crisp autumn day.
Ingredients
Scale
Donut Batter
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Reduce Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
- Add Reduced Apple Cider: Fold the cooled, reduced apple cider into the batter, ensuring it is evenly incorporated.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
- Cool Donuts: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly but remain warm.
- Apply Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Dip each warm donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor and prevents the batter from being too wet.
- Using a donut pan ensures evenly shaped donuts and easier baking compared to frying.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and cakey rather than dense.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: apple cider donuts, fall recipes, cinnamon sugar donuts, baked donuts, spiced donuts, autumn treats
