Apple cider donuts are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. With their soft, fluffy texture and warm spices, these donuts are perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon snack. The combination of apple cider and fragrant spices makes them irresistible!
Why Make This Recipe
Making apple cider donuts at home allows you to enjoy fresh, warm treats straight from the oven. This recipe is simple, uses common ingredients, and fills your home with a wonderful aroma. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover apple cider while impressing family and friends with your baking skills.
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients:
- 2 cups apple cider (½ cup reduced cider)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (Plus more for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon clove
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cardamom
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded apple
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ packet apple cider drink mix
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 6 tablespoons milk
Directions:
- Start by reducing the apple cider. Bring 2 cups of apple cider to a boil in a small saucepan. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to ½ cup. Set aside to cool.
- While the cider reduces, shred your apple. Peel a large apple and shred it with a cheese grater. Make sure to squeeze out some excess juice.
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ and prepare your donut pan by spraying it with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, clove, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, whole milk, vanilla, and shredded apple.
- Pour the wet ingredients and the reduced apple cider into the dry ingredients. Mix everything until well combined, ensuring no clumps remain.
- Carefully pour the batter into the prepared donut pan. You can use a piping bag with the tip cut off to help fill each cavity halfway.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Check the donuts by tapping the top; if it bounces back, they are ready. Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes.
- Gently remove the donuts from the pan and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
For the Glaze
To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar, apple cider drink mix, vanilla, and milk in a bowl. Stir until smooth, then dip the cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle it on top.
How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts
Serve your apple cider donuts warm, with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top. These donuts are perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or cider for the full fall experience.
How to Store Apple Cider Donuts
Store your apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to a month. Just let them cool completely before freezing.
Tips to Make Apple Cider Donuts
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the steps of reducing the cider; it intensifies the flavor.
- You can experiment with different spices if you’d like to create your own twist.
Variations
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Try different fruit juices other than apple cider for a unique taste.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works just fine.
Q2: What if I don’t have a donut pan?
You can use a muffin tin instead, but the baking time may vary.
Q3: Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes! You can make them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Simply warm them up before serving.
Enjoy your homemade apple cider donuts! They are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
For the donuts
- 2 cups apple cider ½ cup reduced cider
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon Plus more for garnish
- 0.5 teaspoon clove
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon cardamom
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.5 cup whole milk at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded apple
For the glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 0.5 packet apple cider drink mix
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 6 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring 2 cups of apple cider to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat to simmer uncovered for about 30-50 minutes until reduced to ½ cup. Set aside to cool.
- Peel a large apple and shred it with a cheese grater, squeezing out some excess juice.
- Preheat oven to 350℉ and prepare your donut pan by spraying with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, clove, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, brown sugar, whole milk, vanilla, and shredded apple.
- Pour the wet ingredients and the reduced apple cider into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Baking
- Carefully pour the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity halfway.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Donuts are ready when the top bounces back when tapped.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes.
- Gently remove the donuts from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
Glazing
- Combine powdered sugar, apple cider drink mix, vanilla, and milk in a bowl and stir until smooth.
- Dip cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle it on top.
