Easy Homemade Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
There's something magical about the cozy flavors of fall, and nothing captures it quite like homemade apple cider donuts. The warmth of cinnamon, the subtle sweetness of apples, and that irresistible sugary coating make these donuts a seasonal favorite. Whether you're enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving a batch for later, they always bring a touch of nostalgia.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate the taste of a classic fall treat at home. These apple cider donuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack with a warm cup of coffee. Best of all, they’re baked, not fried, which means they’re a bit lighter without sacrificing any flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring those autumn vibes right into your kitchen!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Baked, Not Fried: These donuts are baked, making them lighter and healthier without losing that classic flavor.
- Full of Fall Flavor: The combination of apple cider and cinnamon gives these donuts that cozy, autumnal taste everyone loves.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- No Special Equipment Needed: All you need is a donut pan, but you can even make them as muffins if you don’t have one.
- Perfect for Any Time of Day: Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or as a cozy snack with coffee or tea.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like cinnamon sugar, glaze, or even a caramel drizzle for an extra treat.
Key Ingredients
- Apple Cider: The star of the recipe, giving the donuts their rich, apple flavor.
- Flour: Provides structure and helps create the perfect donut texture.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents give the donuts their rise and light, fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon and Spices: Adds warmth and that signature fall spice flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Contributes sweetness and a hint of molasses richness.
- Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and gives the donuts moisture.
- Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: A blend of cinnamon and sugar that creates the perfect finishing touch on the outside of the donuts.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Reduce the Apple Cider: For a stronger apple flavor, simmer the apple cider on the stove until it reduces by half. This concentrates the flavor and makes your donuts extra flavorful.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough donuts.
- Grease the Donut Pan: To prevent sticking and ensure easy release, lightly grease your donut pan before adding the batter.
- Fill the Donut Molds Properly: Only fill the donut molds about two-thirds full to avoid overflow and keep the donuts light and airy.
- Let Them Cool Slightly Before Coating: Allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes before tossing them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This ensures the coating sticks but doesn’t melt off.
- Try a Muffin Alternative: If you don’t have a donut pan, you can make these as muffins. They’ll still taste delicious!
- Make Ahead: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be made ahead and frozen. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to get that fresh-baked texture back.
Recipes You Need To Try...
There's something magical about the cozy flavors of fall, and nothing captures it quite like homemade apple cider donuts. The warmth of cinnamon, the subtle sweetness of apples, and that irresistible sugary coating make these donuts a seasonal favorite. Whether you're enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving a batch for later, they always bring a touch of nostalgia.
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, for coating)
- Preheat the oven
to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
- Reduce the apple cider
In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of apple cider to a simmer. Let it reduce until you have about ½ cup left (around 10 minutes). Set it aside to cool.
- Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Combine the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fill the donut pan
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
- Bake the donuts
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. Brush each donut lightly with melted butter, then dip and roll the donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve and enjoy
Enjoy the donuts warm, or store them in an airtight container for later. They can be reheated in the oven for a fresh taste.
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 220kcal
- Calories from Fat 72kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Saturated Fat 4.5g23%
- Cholesterol 35mg12%
- Sodium 180mg8%
- Potassium 120mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 18g
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.