Apple Cider Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn, then these Apple Cider Donuts are just what you need! Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as the donuts bake, filling your home with warm memories of fall. This recipe is not only simple but also perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether served at a festive brunch or enjoyed as an after-school snack, these tasty delights are sure to please everyone.

What I love most about this Apple Cider Donut recipe is how it brings people together. There’s something special about sharing homemade treats with loved ones, and these donuts are a delightful way to do just that!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have fresh donuts in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love these sweet, fluffy bites.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home.
• Perfectly Spiced: The blend of apple pie spice and cinnamon gives each bite a warm hug of flavor.
• Make Ahead: These donuts are great for batch-making and storing for later enjoyment!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Apple Cider Donuts is straightforward with just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. You might even have most of them in your pantry already!

Wet Ingredients

• 3 T butter (unsalted)
• 1/3 cup apple cider
• 1 egg (large)

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to your donuts.
• Glaze Instead of Coating: Try drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider over the cooled donuts for an extra sweet touch.
• Spice it Up: Swap the apple pie spice for pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor twist.
• Stuffed Donuts: Fill the centers with your favorite jam or apple butter before baking for a surprise inside!

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat 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 butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the apple cider and set aside. This mixture will be the base for our wet ingredients, adding moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice. Setting this mixture aside allows you to focus on blending your wet ingredients without any distractions.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg into your cider and butter mixture until well combined. This step is essential because it helps incorporate air into the batter for fluffy donuts.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

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

Step 6: Prepare Your Pan

Spray your donut pan with cooking spray if it isn’t non-stick already. Then, transfer the batter into a piping bag (or use a spoon) to fill each donut cavity evenly.

Step 7: Bake Your Donuts

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them—test with a toothpick to ensure they’re fully cooked but not overdone!

Step 8: Make the Topping

While your donuts cool slightly on a rack, melt more butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix together cinnamon, brown sugar, and white sugar for coating.

Step 9: Coat Your Donuts

Dip each donut into the melted butter first, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This adds that delicious crunchy exterior that makes these Apple Cider Donuts irresistible!

Enjoy making these delightful treats!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donuts

Making apple cider donuts at home is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they are perfect every time!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh apple cider enhances the flavor of your donuts and provides that quintessential autumn taste. Look for local options or freshly pressed varieties for the best results.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently combining the wet and dry ingredients keeps your donuts tender and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts that don’t rise properly.

• Watch the baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your donuts as they bake. Start checking a minute or two early to prevent overbaking, which can make them dry.

• Experiment with spices: While apple pie spice is a great choice, feel free to experiment with nutmeg or additional cinnamon. These spices can add depth to the flavor profile of your donuts.

• Cool before serving: Allowing your donuts to cool slightly before serving helps set their shape and makes them easier to handle when dipping in the topping mixture.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts

Presenting your homemade apple cider donuts can be just as enjoyable as making them! Here are some creative ideas for serving them up.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and a beautiful finish to your donuts.
• Caramel drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce gives an indulgent touch that pairs perfectly with the apple flavors.

Side Dishes

• Apple slices: Freshly sliced apples, perhaps tossed in a little lemon juice, offer a crisp contrast to the soft donuts.
• Chai tea: The warm spices in chai tea complement the cinnamon in your donuts beautifully, making this a comforting pairing.
• Yogurt: A dollop of vanilla yogurt provides creaminess and balances out the sweetness of the donuts.
• Pumpkin spice latte: Enjoying these delicious treats alongside a pumpkin spice latte brings together two cozy fall favorites.

With these pro tips and serving suggestions, your apple cider donut experience will surely be memorable! Enjoy each bite as you embrace the flavors of autumn.

Make Ahead and Storage

This apple cider donut recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make these delicious treats ahead of time, ensuring that you always have a sweet snack on hand during the busy autumn season.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Consume within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Let the donuts cool entirely after baking.
• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Remove desired donuts from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the thawed donuts on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions regarding apple cider donuts:

Can I make Apple Cider Donuts without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water) or use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup). Both will help bind your ingredients together!

How do I store Apple Cider Donuts?

Store your apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you need to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.

What makes these Apple Cider Donuts special?

These apple cider donuts are special because they capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and rich apple flavor. They’re quick to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends!

Can I add other flavors to my Apple Cider Donuts?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to customize your apple cider donuts based on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful apple cider donuts as much as I do! They are not only quick and easy but also fill your kitchen with that warming aroma of autumn. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving them for later, these treats are sure to brighten your day. So grab those ingredients, and let’s get baking!