Apple Cider Donuts are fluffy, sweet treats filled with the cozy flavors of fall. They’re made with fresh apple cider, warm spices, and a sugary coating that makes each bite delightful.
These donuts are perfect for sharing with friends or savoring with a hot cup of coffee. I love making a batch and enjoying them warm—who can resist that sweet scent filling the kitchen? 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider gives the donuts their distinct flavor. If it’s not available, you can use apple juice, but the cider’s richer flavor is hard to beat.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but for a healthier option, you can replace half with whole wheat flour. This will add a nutty flavor and more nutrients.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and helps the donuts rise. If you don’t have any, mix equal parts milk and plain yogurt or add a teaspoon of vinegar to regular milk to create a buttermilk substitute.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives warm flavors. Feel free to adjust these spices to your liking. You might even try adding a pinch of ginger for a little zing!
Sugar for Coating: Instead of regular granulated sugar for the coating, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option.
How Do You Create the Perfect Donut Dough?
Making great donut dough is all about combining your wet and dry ingredients properly. Here are some tips:
- Always whisk dry ingredients well to evenly distribute baking powder and spices.
- Mix wet ingredients separately to ensure eggs and buttermilk are fully blended before adding to the dry mix.
- Mix until just combined—overmixing can make your donuts tough!
Also, remember that dough should be sticky but manageable. If it’s too wet, you can add small amounts of flour until it feels right. Shaping and frying the donuts well is essential for that perfect texture!
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 45 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and mixing the dough, followed by about 30 minutes for frying and coating the donuts. Perfect for a cozy afternoon activity!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens, reducing to about ½ cup, which should take around 20–30 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, salt, and ½ cup of granulated sugar until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider. Make sure everything is blended nicely.
4. Make the Dough:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t worry if the dough is a little sticky—that’s how it should be!
5. Prepare for Frying:
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure precise temperature—this is important for frying!
6. Shape Donuts:
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about ½ inch. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to cut out your donut shapes. Don’t forget to keep the cutouts to fry as donut holes!
7. Fry Donuts:
Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 1–2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once cooked, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the donuts are still warm, toss them in a bowl filled with a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until fully coated. The warm donuts will help the sugar stick beautifully!
9. Serve:
Enjoy your apple cider donuts warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or cider. Perfect for sharing with friends or indulging by yourself!
This recipe yields soft, fluffy donuts with a delicious apple cider flavor and a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating. They’re perfect for fall or any cozy occasion!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a good quality cider for the best flavor in your donuts!
What if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing ½ cup of regular milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and it’ll work great in your recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Bake the Donuts Instead of Frying?
Yes! To bake instead of frying, spoon the dough into a greased donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden. You can still coat them in cinnamon sugar after baking!
