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Warm Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

5 from 65 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Fill Donut Pan: Lightly grease a donut pan. Spoon the batter into each mold, filling about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
  6. 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.
  7. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  8. 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.
  9. 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