There’s something magical about the aroma of apple cider donuts wafting through the kitchen. The combination of warm spices, sweet apple cider, and tender cake-like texture makes them an irresistible autumn treat. This apple cider donuts recipe captures the coziness of fall in every bite, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice.
Whether you enjoy them with a mug of hot cider, serve them for a weekend brunch, or pack them into a festive holiday spread, these donuts are the ultimate comfort food. The best part is that you can make them at home without the need for fancy equipment, and they taste even better than the ones you find at fall fairs and orchards.
fyi! Apple cider donuts date back to colonial times, and their rise to nationwide popularity began when the Doughnut Corporation of America introduced a ‘sweet cider doughnut’ in the 1950s. TastingTable.
Table of contents
Apple Cider Donuts Recipe Card
Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
12
servings20
minutes15
minutes250
kcalWarm, spiced, and full of autumn charm, this apple cider donuts recipe is a cozy homemade treat you’ll crave year-round.
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Ingredients
1.5 cups apple cider (reduced to 0.5 cup)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
0.25 tsp nutmeg
0.25 tsp allspice
0.25 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
0.5 cup brown sugar
0.25 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
0.5 cup buttermilk
Cinnamon sugar mix for coating (0.5 cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon)
Directions
- Start by reducing your apple cider. Pour it into a small saucepan and simmer until you have about half a cup left. This concentrated cider will infuse the donuts with strong apple flavor.
- While it cools, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. In another bowl, combine melted butter, both sugars, the egg, buttermilk, and reduced cider.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should stay light and fluffy.
- If baking, spoon the batter into a greased donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 14 minutes until golden. If frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry donuts for 2 to 3 minutes per side until crisp.
- Once cooked, coat the donuts in cinnamon sugar while still warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reduce cider the day before to save time.
- For richer donuts, swap buttermilk with sour cream.
- These donuts freeze beautifully, reheat in the oven for 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 3g
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The Secret to the Best Apple Cider Donuts
This recipe is all about capturing the essence of fall with simple, wholesome ingredients. By reducing apple cider, we intensify its flavor, creating a rich base for the batter. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives the donuts that unmistakable autumn warmth.
What makes this version shine is the perfect balance between moistness and fluffiness. Unlike store-bought versions that can be greasy, these donuts have a tender crumb without being too heavy. They can be baked for a lighter option or fried for that irresistible crispiness.
Another bonus is versatility. You can swap in whole wheat flour for extra nutrition, or make them gluten-free with a simple flour blend. Prefer less sugar? Adjust the sweetness or add a dusting of cinnamon sugar instead of glazing.
What to Prep Ahead (So You’re Not Rushing Later)
A little preparation makes this recipe much smoother. Here’s what to do before you start:
- Reduce the cider: Boil down your apple cider until it’s concentrated. This step adds depth and richness.
- Measure ingredients in advance: Have your flour, spices, sugar, and butter ready to go.
- Prepare your pans or fryer: Grease your donut pans if baking, or heat your oil if frying.
- Set up toppings: Mix cinnamon sugar or prepare glaze before donuts come out, so you can coat them while warm.
My Best Tips for Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Here are some practical tips I’ve learned after testing this recipe many times:
- Don’t skip reducing the cider: it makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Mix gently: overmixing the batter leads to dense donuts.
- Use fresh spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice lose strength over time. Fresh spices = better flavor.
- Fry in small batches: if frying, don’t overcrowd the oil. It keeps the temperature steady.
- Coat while warm: cinnamon sugar sticks best when the donuts are still hot.
- Store properly: keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer.
Not Your Average Apple Cider Donuts
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
If you prefer a lighter version, use a donut pan and bake the batter instead of frying. They come out moist, tender, and easier to handle. The cinnamon sugar topping still adds that traditional touch without extra oil.
Glazed Apple Cider Donuts
Instead of rolling in sugar, dip your donuts in a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, apple cider, and a hint of vanilla. This gives them a glossy finish and a sweeter bite.
Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
Add ground cloves, cardamom, or ginger to the spice mix for an extra kick. Each spice changes the flavor profile slightly, making them unique and perfect for experimenting.
Apple Cider Donut Holes
Use a mini muffin tin or fry small rounds of dough for donut holes. They’re bite-sized, fun for kids, and make serving easier at parties.
Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts
Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The result is surprisingly similar in texture and still packed with flavor.
FAQs or Troubleshooting
Yes, you can use a muffin tin to make “donut muffins” or shape and fry them traditionally.
No, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them.
You can, but cider has a stronger flavor. If using juice, add extra spices for balance.
Reducing intensifies the flavor and prevents the batter from becoming too runny.
Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F. Overcrowding lowers the temp, causing greasy results.
Final Thoughts on Fall’s Sweetest Treat
These apple cider donuts are more than just a recipe, they’re a celebration of fall. The spiced aroma fills your kitchen, the warm sugar crunch delights your taste buds, and each bite carries the cozy sweetness of apple cider.
They’re perfect for crisp mornings, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want to bring the magic of fall into your home. Best of all, the recipe is flexible, allowing you to bake, fry, or customize them to your taste.
So grab a cup of hot cider, dust your donuts with cinnamon sugar, and enjoy a little moment of homemade happiness. Once you make them, you’ll find yourself craving these donuts year after year.
For a guilt-free morning, I suggest to try this Protein Donut Recipe as well.
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