Apple Cider Donuts Recipe: A Sinful Fall Treat

Oh, friends, let’s talk fall! And what screams fall more than a warm, perfectly spiced apple cider donut? I’m Riley, and trust me, I’ve tried *a lot* of donut recipes. But this one? This apple cider donuts recipe is special. It’s ridiculously easy – even easier than convincing my Irish granny to try sushi! – and the taste? Wow. Just… wow.

I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years, channeling all those cozy autumn vibes I grew up with in Galway. Remember those crisp October mornings? This apple cider donuts recipe captures that magic, right down to the last crumb. And the best part? You don’t need to be a master baker to pull these off. Seriously, if I can do it after a day wrangling sheep, you definitely can. So, let’s get baking, shall we? Your kitchen is about to smell incredible!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Okay, so why should you even bother making these apple cider donuts? Let me tell you – you’ll be obsessed because they’re:

Quick and Easy Fall Treat

Seriously, from craving to donut in your hand in under an hour? Yes, please!

Bursting with Apple Cider Flavor

That real apple cider punch? It’s like autumn exploded in the best way possible.

Perfect for Homemade Donut Cravings

Nothing beats the satisfaction of biting into a warm, homemade donut, am I right?

Apple Cider Donuts Recipe Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Don’t worry, you probably have most of this stuff already. But trust me, using good quality ingredients makes all the difference with these apple cider donuts. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients

That’s 4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves.

Wet Ingredients

We’re talking 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup packed brown sugar (that’s important!), ½ cup unsalted butter (softened, please!), 2 large eggs, 1 cup apple cider reduced down to a ¼ cup (more on that later!), ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.

Frying and Coating

Finally, you’ll need vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill your pot a couple of inches) and cinnamon sugar for coating those beauties. I usually just mix about ½ cup granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon – adjust to your taste!

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here comes the fun part! Don’t be intimidated – this apple cider donuts recipe is totally doable, even if you’re a bit of a klutz in the kitchen (like yours truly, sometimes!). Just follow along, and you’ll be munching on warm, spiced donuts in no time. Ready? Let’s bake!

Preparing the Dough

First, grab a big bowl and whisk together all those dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Get it all nice and combined! In a separate bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. This is where a mixer comes in handy, but you can totally do it by hand if you’re feeling strong! Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in that reduced apple cider (more on that in a sec!), applesauce, and vanilla extract. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until *just* combined. Don’t overmix – we want tender donuts, not hockey pucks! Cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Trust me, this chill time is crucial – it helps the donuts hold their shape when frying.

Frying the Donuts

Alright, heat up 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). A candy thermometer is your best friend here! While the oil is heating, roll out the chilled dough to about ½ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a donut cutter to cut out those beautiful donuts (and donut holes, yay!). Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pot! Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and gorgeous. Keep an eye on the oil temperature – adjust the heat as needed to keep it consistent.

Coating and Serving

Remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to drain off any excess oil. While they’re still warm (this is important!), toss them in that yummy cinnamon sugar mixture to coat them completely. Serve immediately and enjoy every single bite! These apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh, so gather your friends and family and dig in!

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Want to take your apple cider donuts from good to *amazing*? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over countless batches. Seriously, these tips are gold!

Maintaining Oil Temperature

Okay, this is HUGE. Get yourself a candy thermometer! Keeping that oil at 350°F (175°C) is key for even cooking. Too hot, and they’ll burn on the outside. Too cool, and they’ll be greasy. Trust me, it’s worth the investment.

Avoiding Overcrowding

Don’t be tempted to cram a bunch of donuts into the pot at once! Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, and you’ll end up with soggy, sad donuts. A few at a time is the way to go. Patience, my friend!

Chilling the Dough

Seriously, don’t skip the chilling time! It’s not just a suggestion; it’s essential. Chilling the dough firms up the butter, which prevents the donuts from spreading out too much when frying. Plus, it makes the dough easier to handle. Win-win!

Apple Cider Donuts Recipe Variations

Okay, so the basic apple cider donuts recipe is fantastic, right? But what if you wanna get a little wild? I’m all about experimenting, so here are a few fun twists you can try. Don’t be afraid to get creative – that’s where the magic happens!

Spice Variations

Feeling adventurous? Swap out the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a pre-made apple pie spice blend! It’s a super easy way to get that warm, cozy flavor. Or, add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a little extra zing!

Glaze Options

While cinnamon sugar is classic, a glaze can take these apple cider donuts to a whole new level. A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze is always a winner, but have you tried a maple glaze? Oh. My. Goodness. Just whisk together some maple syrup, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk until it’s smooth and dreamy.

Topping Ideas

Want to add some crunch? Sprinkle those warm, glazed donuts with chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are amazing!). Or, go crazy with sprinkles! Seriously, who doesn’t love sprinkles? A little sea salt is also a great addition to help balance the sweetness.

Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Cider Donuts

Okay, so you’ve got a batch of warm, glorious apple cider donuts… what now? Well, you could just devour them straight up (and I wouldn’t blame you!), but here are a few ideas to make the experience even more amazing. Trust me, these pairings are *chef’s kiss*!

Warm Beverages

Nothing beats dunking a warm donut into a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. It’s like a hug in a mug!

Apple Cider

Okay, this is a no-brainer, right? A cold glass of apple cider is the *perfect* complement to these spiced donuts. It’s apple-y goodness overload!

Vanilla Ice Cream

Want to get a little fancy? Serve those warm apple cider donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold is seriously divine!

Storing and Reheating Your Apple Cider Donuts

Alright, so you’ve somehow managed to not eat all the apple cider donuts in one sitting? Wow, I’m impressed! Here’s how to keep those little beauties as fresh as possible, though honestly, they’re best devoured ASAP!

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover donuts into an airtight container. A zip-top bag works in a pinch, but a container is better. They’ll stay good for a day or two at room temperature, but let’s be real, they probably won’t last that long!

Reheating Options

Want to warm them up? A quick zap in the microwave (like 10-15 seconds) will do the trick, but they can get a little *too* soft. I prefer popping them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out!

Best Enjoyed Fresh

Seriously, these apple cider donuts are at their absolute best when they’re fresh out of the fryer (or oven!). So, if you can, make ’em and eat ’em right away. You won’t regret it!

Apple Cider Donuts Recipe FAQs

Got questions about making these amazing apple cider donuts? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked – hope they help!

Can I bake these apple cider donuts instead of frying?

Okay, so you *can* bake them, but honestly, they won’t be quite the same. Baked apple cider donuts will be more like little cakes, and they won’t have that crispy exterior. If you do bake them, try 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on ’em!

Can I use regular apple juice instead of reduced apple cider?

I wouldn’t recommend it! Reducing the apple cider concentrates the flavor, which is what gives these donuts that amazing apple-y punch. Regular apple juice will make the dough too wet, and you won’t get the same depth of flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

How do I make these apple cider donuts healthier?

Alright, so donuts aren’t exactly health food, but you *can* make a few tweaks! Try using whole wheat flour (just be careful not to overmix!), or reduce the amount of sugar slightly. You could also use unsweetened applesauce to cut down on added sugar.

Can I freeze apple cider donuts?

You can, but they’re best enjoyed fresh! If you do freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature, and then warm them up in the oven for a few minutes to refresh them.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Apple Cider Donuts

Alright, so here’s the lowdown on what you’re getting into with these apple cider donuts… just remember, it’s an estimate!

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate only.

Yep, that’s right! Because ingredients and brands vary, this is just a ballpark figure. Don’t come at me if your donut has a few more (or less!) calories!

Enjoyed This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe?

So, did you love these apple cider donuts as much as I do? I’d love to hear what you think!

Leave a Comment and Rate the Recipe

Tell me all about your donut adventures! What did you think? Any fun variations you tried? Rating the recipe helps others find it, too!

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