Apple Cider Donuts

Make this easy apple cider donut recipe and enjoy the delicious smells of the season in your kitchen this autumn! These Apple Cider Donuts are perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or a delightful treat with your morning coffee. With their warm spices and sweet apple flavor, they stand out as a favorite dessert for all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 17 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of apple cider and spices creates a mouthwatering treat that celebrates the flavors of fall.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these donuts fresh out of the oven or serve them at parties, brunches, or as an afternoon snack.
• Healthier Option: Baked rather than fried, these donuts provide a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like powdered sugar or a glaze for added flair.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your delicious Apple Cider Donuts, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process and make it more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag (or spoon)
• Small saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pan: Ensures your donuts hold their shape while baking, giving them that classic look.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping your ingredients organized during preparation.
• Piping bag: Helps you fill the donut pan evenly with batter, ensuring consistent sizes.

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Ingredients

To make these delightful Apple Cider Donuts, you’ll need:

For the Donuts

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

For the Topping

• 3 T butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your donuts bake evenly.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine with Cider

In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the apple cider and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg into the cider and butter mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

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

Step 6: Prepare Your Donut Pan

Spray the donut pan with cooking spray if it’s not already non-stick. Transfer the batter into a piping bag or use a spoon to carefully fill each mold evenly.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Bake for approximately 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary. Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

Step 8: Make the Topping

While the donuts are baking, melt additional butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix together cinnamon, brown sugar, and white sugar.

Step 9: Coat Your Donuts

Once baked and cooled for about one minute on a rack, dip each donut into melted butter first, then coat lightly in the sugar mixture before placing back on the cooling rack.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these scrumptious Apple Cider Donuts! Perfect for any occasion or simply as a cozy treat at home.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts

Apple cider donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve them at a cozy gathering or enjoy them on a crisp autumn morning, these donuts will surely impress.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: Pairing apple cider donuts with freshly brewed coffee creates a comforting combination that enhances the flavors of both.
• Hot Chocolate: The rich sweetness of hot chocolate complements the spiced flavor of the donuts beautifully.
• Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea harmonize well with the apple pie spice in the donuts.

Topped with Glaze

• Simple Sugar Glaze: Drizzle a light sugar glaze over the warm donuts for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar for a classic fall treat that adds a delightful crunch.

Served with Dips

• Caramel Sauce: A side of warm caramel sauce for dipping brings a rich sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon flavors.
• Apple Butter: Spread some apple butter on each donut for an added layer of fruity goodness.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donuts

To make your apple cider donuts truly exceptional, consider these tips. They will help elevate your baking and ensure delicious results every time.

• Use Fresh Apple Cider: Opt for fresh, unfiltered apple cider for richer flavor and aroma in your donuts.
• Avoid Over-Mixing: Mix your wet and dry ingredients until just combined to keep the texture light and airy.
• Proper Baking Time: Keep an eye on your donuts while baking; they should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
• Cooling Before Coating: Allow your donuts to cool slightly before coating them in butter or sugar to prevent melting.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donuts

Apple cider donuts are delightful on their own but can be enhanced by some tasty side dishes. Here are some great options to serve alongside them.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the donuts.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy side that contrasts nicely with the texture of the donuts.
3. Cheese Platter: Serve mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese to create a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of apple cider donuts.
4. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup provides a comforting, seasonal pairing that complements the spices in your donuts.
5. Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option offers a creamy texture and nutty flavor that works well with the sweetness of the donuts.
6. Nut Mix: A simple mix of nuts can provide crunch and protein, making it a satisfying side alongside your desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Cider Donuts, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some tips to ensure your donuts turn out perfectly.

• Boldly measuring dry ingredients: Not measuring flour accurately can lead to dense donuts. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for precision.
• Over-mixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the donuts tough. Stir until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Skipping preheating the oven: Failing to preheat can result in uneven baking. Always ensure your oven is at the right temperature before baking.
• Not watching bake time: Donuts can overbake quickly. Set a timer and check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid dryness.
• Neglecting cooling time: Removing donuts from the pan too soon can cause them to break. Allow them to cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a cooling rack.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Apple Cider Donuts in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Cider Donuts

• Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Apple Cider Donuts

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds per donut, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Apple Cider Donuts.

Can I use other types of cider?

You can use different fruit juices like pear or berry cider as substitutes for apple cider to create unique flavors.

Are Apple Cider Donuts gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Apple Cider Donuts, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How do I make my donuts more flavorful?

Consider adding nuts, dried fruits, or using flavored sugars for coating after baking for an extra flavor boost.

Can I bake these donuts ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake them a day in advance. Store them properly and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cider Donuts are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different spices or toppings based on your preferences. Enjoy this seasonal treat fresh out of the oven or share them with friends and family!