Name: Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Ingredients

1 cup apple cider

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Fold the cooled, reduced apple cider into the batter, ensuring it is evenly incorporated.

Step 7: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.

Step 9: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly but remain warm.

Step 10: In a shallow bowl, mix the 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Dip each warm donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating thoroughly.

Step 11: Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper apple flavor, use fresh homemade apple cider or concentrate your cider for longer before adding to the batter.

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake the batter in muffin tins and then coat them with cinnamon sugar.

Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dry spices for an extra warm note.

To make a glaze instead of cinnamon sugar coating, mix powdered sugar with a bit of reduced apple cider and drizzle over cooled donuts.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

Do I have to bake these donuts, or can I fry them?

This recipe is designed for baking in a donut pan for a lighter texture, but you can adapt it for frying if you prefer classic fried apple cider donuts. Just make sure the batter isn’t too thin and fry at 350°F until golden brown.