Apple Cider Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to brighten up your autumn days, you’ve landed in the right spot! These Apple Cider Donuts are not only delightful but also fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of fall. Every bite is like a hug from the season, making them perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, these donuts will quickly become a cherished favorite.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you’ll find that making these scrumptious Apple Cider Donuts is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of autumn together with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy fresh donuts without hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping mix and dip these tasty treats—making memories while having fun!
• Versatile Flavors: Customize the taste to suit your family’s preferences; there are so many delicious options!
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe makes six donuts, ideal for sharing at brunch or with neighbors.
• Seasonal Delight: Capture the essence of fall in each bite with the warm flavors of apple cider and spices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delicious Apple Cider Donuts. You probably have most of these on hand already!

For the Donuts:

• 3 T butter (unsalted)
• 1/3 cup apple cider
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

For the Topping:

• 3 T butter (melted)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with some fun variations that suit your taste buds.

• Add Some Zest: Incorporate some grated lemon or orange zest for a bright citrus twist.
• Mix in Some Nuts: Chop up some walnuts or pecans and fold them into the batter for added crunch.
• Change Up the Spice: Experiment with different spice blends like pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for unique flavors.
• Make it Glazed: Drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and almond milk on top instead of the cinnamon sugar coating.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your donuts bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the apple cider and set this mixture aside. The warmth will help blend these flavors beautifully together.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice. This step is crucial as it helps distribute all those lovely flavors evenly throughout your batter.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar and egg into your cider-butter mixture. Whisk until everything is well blended—this creates a sweet base for our donuts!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gently stir together your wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this keeps our donuts light and airy!

Step 6: Prepare Your Pan

If you’re using a donut pan that isn’t non-stick, spray it lightly with cooking spray. Then fill a piping bag with your donut batter (or just use a spoon) and pipe it evenly into each cavity of the pan.

Step 7: Bake Those Donuts

Pop your pan in the oven and bake for about 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end; they should spring back when lightly touched. A toothpick inserted should come out clean!

Step 8: Make That Topping

While those beauties are baking, melt some more butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix together brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon. This will give our donuts an irresistible topping!

Step 9: Coat Your Donuts

Once baked and slightly cooled (just about one minute), dip each donut into the melted butter first then coat it in your cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place them back on a cooling rack to let them set—a perfect finish to these delightful treats!

Enjoy every bite of these homemade Apple Cider Donuts—they truly embody everything we love about fall!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donuts

Baking is all about having fun, and with a few simple tips, you can take your apple cider donuts to the next level!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh apple cider enhances the flavor of your donuts, giving them that quintessential autumn taste. Store-bought varieties might lack the richness and depth of flavor found in freshly pressed cider.

• Don’t over-mix the batter: Mixing just until combined ensures a tender donut. Over-mixing activates the gluten in the flour, resulting in a denser texture rather than the light and fluffy consistency we crave.

• Make sure your oven is preheated: Preheating your oven allows for even baking right from the start. This helps your donuts rise perfectly and get that delightful golden color.

• Experiment with spices: While apple pie spice is fantastic, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for added warmth and complexity. These spices complement the apple flavor beautifully!

• Let them cool before dipping: Allowing your donuts to cool slightly before dipping in butter and sugar prevents the toppings from melting off. This way, you get a lovely coating that sticks perfectly!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts

Serving your apple cider donuts can be just as delightful as making them! Here are some creative ways to present this tasty treat.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and balances sweetness without overpowering the delicious flavor.
• Caramel drizzle: For an indulgent twist, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over each donut. It adds richness and a bit of gooey goodness that pairs wonderfully with apple flavors.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: Serve these donuts alongside steaming cups of hot apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks for a warm, cozy experience.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the soft texture of the donuts. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm treats.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like pears and berries provides refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer some yogurt with granola and diced apples for a wholesome side dish that adds crunch and creaminess to your dessert spread.

With these serving ideas in mind, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious homemade apple cider donuts in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These apple cider donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever a craving strikes. Whether you plan to serve them fresh or save some for later, here’s how to store and reheat your delicious treats.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them warm, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before enjoying.

Freezing

• To freeze your apple cider donuts, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For frozen donuts, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making apple cider donuts that might help you out!

Can I make apple cider donuts without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) per egg. This works great in keeping the texture moist.

What makes these apple cider donuts special?

These apple cider donuts are not only easy to make but also capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and sweet apple flavor. They’re baked instead of fried, making them a lighter option that’s still full of delicious taste!

How do I know when my apple cider donuts are done baking?

You can test if your donuts are ready by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Baking typically takes around 7 minutes at 350°F (175°C), but keep an eye on them!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative, but it may change the texture slightly, making the donuts denser. You might want to combine it with some all-purpose flour for best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful apple cider donuts as much as I do! They’re not just tasty but also evoke those cozy autumn vibes we all love. Remember, whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying them solo, each bite is sure to bring warmth and happiness. So grab your ingredients and get ready to create something special—happy baking!