Warm Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
These Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful treat combining the warm flavors of spiced apple cider with a tender, cakey texture. Perfectly golden and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, they offer a cozy bite that’s ideal for autumn mornings or festive gatherings.
- Author: Lara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it has reduced to about 1/4 cup. This concentrates the flavor and intensifies the apple taste. Allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled apple cider reduction, vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to ensure even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the donut batter light and tender.
- Fill Donut Pan: Lightly grease a donut pan. Spoon the batter into each mold, filling about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Coat the Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, gently brush them with melted butter, then dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Serve: Enjoy your apple cider donuts fresh for the best flavor and texture. They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or cider.
Notes
- Ensure the apple cider reduction is completely cool before mixing it with eggs to avoid cooking them.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin but the shape will be different.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of ginger or allspice to the dry spices.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent dense donuts.
- Donuts are best consumed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keywords: Apple Cider Donuts, Fall Dessert, Baked Donuts, Spiced Donuts, Cinnamon Sugar Donuts