Apple Cider Donuts

If you’re looking for a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of autumn, you’ve come to the right place! These Apple Cider Donuts are not just any donuts; they’re a warm hug in dessert form. The delightful aroma of baking apples and spices will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy fall day, no matter what the weather is like outside. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family gathering or just treating yourself after a busy week, these donuts will surely bring smiles all around.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to prepare. With simple ingredients, you can create something truly spectacular that everyone will love. So, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s dive into this scrumptious adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe only takes about 17 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous treats!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone can enjoy these sweet delights! Kids love them for breakfast or as an after-school snack.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake these ahead of time and store them for a delightful snack throughout the week.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of apple cider and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that screams autumn.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with toppings or mix-ins based on your preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Cider Donuts are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we’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 (melted)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to make it your own! Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Glaze It Up: Instead of a sugar topping, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider over the donuts.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom alongside the apple pie spice for an exciting twist.
• Fill Them: Add a spoonful of apple butter in the center before baking for an ooey-gooey surprise inside!

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your donuts bake evenly and turn out perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine with Cider

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the apple cider and set it aside. This mixture adds moisture and enhances that lovely apple flavor in your donuts.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice. This step is crucial as it helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg into your cider-butter mixture until everything is nicely combined. This forms the base of your donut batter.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Gently fold together the wet and dry ingredients until just combined—make sure not to over-mix! Over-mixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.

Step 6: Prepare Your Donut Pan

Spray your donut pan with cooking spray if it’s not non-stick. Then transfer your batter into a piping bag (or spoon it carefully) and pipe it evenly into each donut cavity.

Step 7: Bake Those Donuts!

Pop them in the oven and bake for about 7 minutes! Keep an eye on them towards the end; they’re done when they spring back lightly when touched. Let them cool for about a minute before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Create Your Topping

While those lovely donuts are baking, melt some butter in one small bowl. In another bowl, mix together cinnamon with brown sugar and granulated sugar—this will be our delicious topping!

Step 9: Finish Off Your Donuts

Once cooled slightly, dip each donut into the melted butter then coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them back on the cooling rack.

And there you have it—your very own batch of delightful Apple Cider Donuts! Enjoy every bite with friends or family or simply savor each delicious moment all by yourself. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donuts

Making apple cider donuts is not only fun but also incredibly rewarding, and a few pro tips can take your baking to the next level!

• Use fresh apple cider – Fresh cider enhances the flavor of your donuts and provides that lovely autumn taste that makes these treats irresistible.

• Don’t over-mix the batter – Over-mixing can lead to dense donuts. Stir until just combined for a light, fluffy texture that keeps them soft and delicious.

• Temperature matters – Letting your donuts cool for a minute before transferring them helps maintain their structure without falling apart, ensuring they come out perfectly every time.

• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple pie spice to give your donuts an extra layer of warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall.

• Storage tips – Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them! Just pop them in the toaster oven for a quick reheat later.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts

Apple cider donuts are delightful on their own, but with a little creativity, you can elevate their presentation and enhance your serving experience!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance that looks beautiful on your plate.

• Caramel sauce drizzle – A drizzle of caramel sauce gives a rich, gooey contrast that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon flavors in the donuts.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple slices – Sautéed slices of apples with a hint of cinnamon make for a warm, comforting accompaniment that complements the flavors of the donuts beautifully.

• Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the spiced donuts and creates an indulgent dessert experience.

• Chai tea or spiced coffee – Serving these donuts alongside a cup of chai tea or spiced coffee will enhance their flavor profile and create a cozy atmosphere perfect for autumn gatherings.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’ll be able to enjoy your apple cider donuts in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful apple cider donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious creations:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each cooled donut in plastic wrap or aluminum foil tightly.
• Place the wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to label your containers!

Reheating

• To reheat, remove donuts from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.
• Warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for a freshly-baked taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you may have about making apple cider donuts.

Can I make Apple Cider Donuts without eggs?

Absolutely! You can use a flax egg as a substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, and then add it to your batter instead of an egg.

How do I get the best flavor in my Apple Cider Donuts?

To enhance the flavor of your apple cider donuts, consider using fresh apple cider if possible. Additionally, letting your batter rest for a few minutes before baking can help develop more flavors!

What’s the difference between baked and fried Apple Cider Donuts?

Baked apple cider donuts are typically lighter and less greasy than their fried counterparts. They are also easier to make since they require no frying equipment!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these scrumptious apple cider donuts! They bring the warm flavors of autumn right into your home and are bound to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy every bite, share them with loved ones, and don’t forget to try different toppings! Happy baking!