There’s something truly comforting about apple cider donuts that makes fall feel complete. When you make these apple cider donuts at home, you get that perfect balance of soft, cakey texture and warm cinnamon spice that fills your kitchen with the coziest aromas.
This recipe for apple cider donuts is easy to follow and yields a batch of tender, flavorful donuts that you’ll want to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider. Whether you’re baking for a family breakfast or a festive gathering, these donuts are sure to impress and satisfy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Uses real apple cider for natural sweetness and flavor
- Soft, cakey texture with a lightly crisp cinnamon sugar coating
- Easy steps with simple ingredients you likely have on hand
- Perfect for fall celebrations or anytime you want a cozy treat
- Great for making ahead and sharing with friends and family
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your apple cider donuts from scratch. The mix of warm spices and apple cider creates a truly irresistible flavor.
- 1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh or unsweetened)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Calories: Approximately 280 per donut
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts
- In a small saucepan, reduce the apple cider over medium heat until about 1/4 cup remains, approximately 15-20 minutes. Let it cool completely before using.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a donut pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and cooled apple cider reduction. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep donuts tender.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or use a spoon to fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the donuts spring back when gently pressed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While donuts bake, combine sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a shallow bowl. Melt the butter for dipping.
- Remove donuts from the pan and while still warm, dip each donut first in melted butter, then coat thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Be sure the apple cider reduction is fully cooled to avoid curdling the batter.
- Don’t overfill the donut cavities to prevent batter overflow during baking.
- Use a piping bag for even donut shapes and easier filling.
- For extra moist donuts, you can brush them with a little apple cider glaze after coating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for best texture.
Storage and Reheating
Store your apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag for up to one month.
To reheat, warm the donuts in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This will refresh their soft texture and bring back that delightful warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Apple juice is generally sweeter and clearer than apple cider, so it may change the flavor slightly. If using juice, consider reducing additional sugar in the recipe or using a spiced apple juice to mimic cider’s depth.
Do I need a special donut pan for this recipe?
A donut pan is recommended for the best shape and even baking, but if you don’t have one, you can use a muffin tin and adjust baking time accordingly, though the shape won’t be traditional.
Can I fry these donuts instead of baking?
This recipe is designed for baking to keep them lighter and less greasy. If you prefer frying, you’ll need a different dough recipe specifically formulated for frying to ensure the right texture and safety.
How do I make these vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter for a vegan margarine and use a plant-based milk mixed with vinegar instead of buttermilk. Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan-friendly version.
