Amazing Apple Cider Donuts: 1 Fall Favorite

Oh, that crisp autumn air! You know what it smells like? It smells like cozy sweaters, crunchy leaves, and most importantly, warm, freshly baked apple cider donuts. There’s nothing quite like that first bite, right? It’s that quintessential fall festival treat that just transports you straight to an apple orchard. I remember my grandma, bless her heart, she always had something baking, and when fall rolled around, it was always her apple cider donuts that made our whole house smell like a cozy dream. After years of being super busy with my marketing career, I rediscovered that pure joy in my own kitchen, and trust me, this foolproof homemade apple cider donut recipe is my absolute go-to for capturing that perfect orchard magic right at home. Forget those fancy meal delivery services, this is where the real comfort food is!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Recipe

Seriously, who can resist these little bits of fall heaven? Making them at home is so much more rewarding than you might think! Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

• Super Easy to Make: No crazy techniques here! Most of the work is just mixing, and you can totally do it even if life’s a bit hectic.
• That Amazing Fall Flavor: It’s like a hug in donut form. The apple cider and cinnamon just scream autumn.
• Perfectly Cozy Treat: These are pure comfort. They’re ideal for a chilly morning with coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Tastes Like the Orchard: You get that authentic, from-the-farm taste right from your own oven!

Gather Your Ingredients for the Best Apple Cider Donuts

Alright, let’s get our kitchen ready! To make these amazing homemade cider donuts, you’ll want to have everything on hand. It’s pretty straightforward, using things you probably already have or can grab easily at the grocery store. Trust me, the quality of these few ingredients is what makes all the difference.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, just softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup apple cider (the good stuff!)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (for coating)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Cider Donuts

Alright, bakers, it’s time to get down to business! Making these delicious homemade apple cider donuts is a joy, and I’m going to walk you through every single step. It’s really not complicated, and the results are so worth it. You’ll be smelling that amazing fall aroma filling your kitchen in no time! Remember, the key is to have fun with it and not stress if things aren’t perfect on the first try. My grandma always said baking is an act of love, so let’s spread some love with these amazing donuts!

Preparing the Donut Batter

First things first, let’s get our oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your donut pan and give it a good grease and flour, or if you’re using a baking sheet, just line it with some parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and all those lovely spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This is like the flavor foundation for our donuts! Now, in a bigger bowl, cream together the softened butter and half of the granulated sugar. Beat it until it’s nice and fluffy, like little clouds. Then, add your eggs, one at a time, and stir in that pure vanilla extract. Don’t forget the star of the show! Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with the apple cider. Start and end with the dry stuff. Mix it all up until it’s *just* combined. Seriously, don’t go overboard here; overmixing is the enemy of tender donuts!

Baking Your Apple Cider Donuts to Perfection

Now for the fun part! Gently fill your donut cavities about two-thirds full. If you’re making donut holes, just spoon little mounds onto your baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 9 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. That’s your signal that these gorgeous apple cider donuts are done! While they’re baking, you can get your coatings ready. It’s always a good idea to have them waiting so you can coat the donuts while they’re still warm and welcoming.

SAVE IT

Coating Your Warm Apple Cider Donuts

Okay, this is where these donuts go from “yum” to “OH MY GOODNESS!” While your donuts are baking, let’s get the coatings ready. In one small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. This makes our yummy cinnamon-sugar coating. In another bowl, put your powdered sugar for the second coating option. Once those donuts are out of the oven, let them hang out in the pan for just a minute or two—patience, my friend! Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack. While they’re still warm, grab a donut, dip it into that glorious melted butter mixture, and then give it a good roll in the cinnamon sugar. If you prefer a powdered sugar finish, let the donuts cool completely first, and then give them a good toss!

SAVE IT

SAVE IT

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Donuts

Okay, let’s really kick these homemade apple cider donuts up a notch and make them totally unforgettable! I’ve learned a few tricks along the way (mostly from my grandma and a few happy kitchen accidents!), and I’m happy to share them so yours turn out absolutely perfect every single time. It’s all about those little details, you know?

Enhancing the Apple Flavor

Want that apple flavor to really sing? Here’s my secret! Take 2 cups of regular apple cider and simmer it down in a saucepan on the stove until it reduces to about 1 cup. It concentrates all that lovely apple goodness. You can even use some homemade apple cider if you have it! Make sure to let it cool before you add it to your batter. It makes a HUGE difference!

Frying vs. Baking Your Apple Cider Donuts

Now, you can totally fry these donuts too if you’re feeling adventurous! Just heat up some vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry them for about 1-2 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden brown. Drain them on paper towels, and then go right into those delicious coatings. It gives them a slightly different, but equally amazing, texture!

Spice Variations for Your Apple Cider Donuts

Feeling fancy with your spices? My grandma sometimes threw in a little extra zing! Try adding ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger to your dry ingredients. It gives these apple donuts a nice little warm kick that’s just delightful, especially on a really cool day.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Donuts

Got questions about whipping up these awesome homemade apple cider donuts? I get it! It’s always good to have a little extra info. Here are some things folks often ask me:

Can I make apple cider donuts without a donut pan?

Absolutely! You don’t need a fancy donut pan to make these tasty treats. Just spoon mounds of batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, like you would for donut holes. They’ll come out just as delicious!

How do I store leftover apple cider donuts?

These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Honestly, they disappear super fast around here!

What kind of apple cider is best for donuts?

For the ultimate flavor, use unfiltered or fresh apple cider! It’s got that richer, more authentic apple taste that truly makes these homemade apple cider donuts shine. Store-bought is fine too, but the fresher the better!

Nutritional Information for Homemade Apple Cider Donuts

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for these delicious homemade apple cider donuts is an estimate and can change a bit depending on exactly what you use. But, generally, one donut is around 250 calories, with about 12g of fat (7g saturated) and 35g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 25g of sugar in there. They’re a delightful treat, for sure!

Share Your Apple Cider Donut Creations!

I’d absolutely love to hear how your homemade apple cider donuts turned out! Did you try the cinnamon sugar or the powdered sugar coating? Let me know in the comments below, or even better, share a picture with me! You can tag me on social media or send me a note through my contact page. Happy baking!

Homemade Apple Cider Donuts

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Enjoy the taste of fall with these easy-to-make homemade apple cider donuts, perfect for a cozy autumn treat.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 12 min
• Total Time: 27 min
• Yield: 12 donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (for coating)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a donut pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Fill the donut cavities about two-thirds full, or spoon mounds onto the prepared baking sheet if making donut holes.
7. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the donuts are baking, prepare the coating. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar. In another small bowl, place the powdered sugar.
9. Once the donuts are baked, let them cool in the pan for a minute or two before transferring them to a wire rack.
10. While still warm, dip each donut into the melted butter mixture, then roll in the granulated sugar. For a powdered sugar coating, let the donuts cool completely, then toss them in the powdered sugar.

Notes

• For a stronger apple flavor, use a reduced apple cider. Simmer 2 cups of apple cider in a saucepan until it reduces to about 1 cup. Let it cool before using.
• You can also fry these donuts. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C) and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and then coat.
• Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger to the dry ingredients for an extra spice kick.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg