Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Introduction

Apple cider donuts are a cozy fall treat bursting with warm spices and a rich apple flavor. These baked donuts are easy to make and coated in a delightful cinnamon sugar, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1 cup)
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted or melted coconut oil)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, add 2 cups of apple cider. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer until it reduces by half, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Stir until well mixed.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the reduced apple cider, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until fully combined and no flour remains.
6. Step 6: Spray a donut pan with nonstick spray. Using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off, pipe the batter into each donut mold, filling just over halfway to prevent the donut hole from closing while baking.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the donuts spring back when lightly touched. Remove from the pan and let cool for a few minutes.
8. Step 8: For the cinnamon sugar coating, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
9. Step 9: Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a separate bowl.
10. Step 10: Brush each warm donut with melted butter, making sure to coat the sides and inside the hole.
11. Step 11: Roll the buttered donuts in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. Repeat with all donuts.
12. Step 12: Enjoy your apple cider donuts fresh for the best flavor!

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute melted coconut oil for the butter in both the batter and coating.
• If you don’t have a piping bag, use a sturdy ziplock bag and cut a small hole in the corner to pipe the batter neatly into the donut pan.
• Try adding a pinch of cloves or ginger to the dry spices for an extra warming flavor.
• These donuts can also be fried if you prefer a traditional texture, but baking makes them lighter and easier to prepare.

Storage

Store apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but be aware they may lose some softness. Reheat gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to refresh their warmth and softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the texture.

Can I prepare the apple cider reduction ahead of time?

Absolutely. The reduced apple cider can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using it in the batter.

Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 114 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These homemade Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful fall treat, bursting with warm spices and a rich apple cider flavor. Baked to perfection, they offer a tender crumb with a crispy cinnamon sugar coating, perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon snacks.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Cider Reduction

• 2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1 cup)

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

Wet Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup reduced apple cider (from above)

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or melted coconut oil)

---

Instructions

1. Reduce Apple Cider: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, add 2 cups of apple cider and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the cider reduces by half to about 1 cup, approximately 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the donuts.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom. Stir well until all spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup reduced apple cider, 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently. Fold the batter until all the flour is absorbed and the mixture is uniform but do not overmix to avoid dense donuts.
6. Prepare Donut Pan: Spray a donut pan with non-stick spray. Using a piping bag or a makeshift bag made from a ziplock, pipe the batter into each donut mold, filling just a little more than halfway. Avoid overfilling to ensure the donut holes remain intact during baking. This recipe yields 12 donuts; if you have only one donut pan, bake in batches.
7. Bake Donuts: Place the filled pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The donuts are done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the donuts spring back lightly when touched. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan.
8. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter.
9. Coat Donuts: Brush each warm donut with the melted butter, covering all surfaces including the inside of the donut hole. Immediately roll or dip the donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Repeat for all donuts.
10. Enjoy Fresh: These apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh while the coating is crisp and the inside tender. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• To create a makeshift piping bag, fill a large ziplock bag with batter and cut a small hole in one corner.
• Be careful not to overfill the donut molds to keep the centers hollow and donut-shaped.
• If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan but monitor baking time closely and adjust as needed.
• Use unsalted butter to control the salt level precisely.
• Leftover donuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days but are best fresh.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute melted coconut oil for butter in both the batter and coating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Apple Cider Donuts, Baked Donuts, Fall Recipes, Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, Homemade Donuts