There’s something truly magical about the aroma of apple cider donuts wafting through your kitchen. This apple cider donuts recipe is a warm, comforting treat that you’ll want to make again and again, especially when the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up these fluffy, tender donuts packed with the perfect blend of spices and apple cider flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them with friends, these apple cider donuts never disappoint.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Made with real apple cider for authentic seasonal flavor.
- Light, fluffy texture with a tender crumb.
- Coated in a simple cinnamon sugar mixture for the perfect sweet finish.
- Easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for fall celebrations, breakfast, or dessert.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious apple cider donuts.
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the coating: 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Calories: Approximately 220 per donut
How to Make Apple cider donuts – Recipe You'll Love – That Never Disappoints
- Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to about 1/4 cup, roughly 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cooled apple cider reduction. Stir to combine.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick but smooth.
- Preheat your donut pan to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray.
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool until warm but not hot.
- While still warm, dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating evenly on all sides. Serve immediately or store as desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Be sure to reduce the apple cider properly to concentrate its flavor without making the batter too wet.
- Use a donut pan for perfectly shaped baked donuts; alternatively, a muffin pan can work but the shape will differ.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep your donuts light and tender.
- For extra moistness, lightly brush the donuts with melted butter before dipping in cinnamon sugar.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.
Storage and Reheating
Store your apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. If you want to keep them longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm the donuts in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for about 15 seconds. Refresh the cinnamon sugar coating if needed for that perfect finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fry these apple cider donuts instead of baking?
This recipe is designed for baked donuts for ease and a lighter texture. However, if you want to fry, you’d need a different dough recipe that holds up to frying oil.
What can I use instead of apple cider?
If apple cider isn’t available, you can reduce apple juice or mix apple juice with a splash of lemon juice. The flavor won’t be as concentrated but will still be delicious.
Are these donuts gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. You can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary.
How do I make the donuts extra flavorful?
Adding a bit more cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger can enhance the spice profile. You can also brush the donuts with a warm glaze made from powdered sugar and a little apple cider for extra sweetness.