Spiced Apple Cider Donuts: Easy Fall Recipe
Introduction
Spiced Apple Cider Donuts are a cozy, flavorful treat perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting snack. These easy-to-make baked donuts capture the warm spices and sweetness of apple cider in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the coating:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until reduced to about 1/2 cup, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the reduced apple cider until combined. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Step 4: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool donuts in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. While donuts are still warm, dip each in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
- Step 6: Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor, or substitute with apple juice if necessary.
- To make the donuts even more autumnal, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, bake the batter in a muffin tin and adjust baking time accordingly.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave or oven to restore their soft texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned apple cider or juice instead of fresh?
Yes, canned apple cider or apple juice works fine, but fresh apple cider will give the best authentic flavor.
Can these donuts be made vegan?
To make vegan donuts, replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based butter alternative. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Print
Spiced Apple Cider Donuts: Easy Fall Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Description
These Spiced Apple Cider Donuts are a perfect fall treat featuring a moist, flavorful batter infused with reduced apple cider and warming spices. Baked to perfection and coated with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, these donuts deliver a delightful combination of sweet and spiced flavors. Ideal for cozy autumn mornings or afternoon snacks.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Coating:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure the donuts release easily after baking.
- Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until reduced to about 1/2 cup, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before using.
- Make the Donut Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the reduced apple cider until combined evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Bake the Donuts: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Coat the Donuts: Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. While the donuts are still warm, dip each donut into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the spiced apple cider donuts warm or at room temperature for a cozy seasonal treat.
Notes
- For a stronger apple flavor, do not reduce the cider too much; about half reduction is optimal.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor profile.
- Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, use a muffin pan and adjust baking time slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cider donuts, fall recipes, spiced donuts, baked donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts
