Homemade donuts are a delightful treat! And these, made with apple cider and cinnamon sugar, are perfect for fall. So get all the details below for my apple cider donuts.
They are moist, flavorful, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture that enhances their deliciousness.
The recipe is simple and can be made at home using fresh apple cider and basic baking ingredients. Enjoy them warm for the best experience.
Don’t want the fat from deep frying? Don’t worry! I include a baked version below the main recipe!
Creating the Perfect Atmosphere
Picture a cozy fall day, where the air is crisp and the leaves are turning vibrant shades of orange and red. This is the ideal setting for enjoying a plate of freshly made apple cider donuts. The warmth of the kitchen, combined with the sweet aroma of baking, creates an inviting atmosphere that beckons you to indulge.
As you set the table, the rustic wooden surface adds charm, enhancing the visual appeal of the golden brown donuts. Scattered apple slices not only serve as a garnish but also evoke the essence of autumn, making the scene even more delightful.
Ingredients for Success
To achieve that perfect donut, quality ingredients are essential. Fresh apple cider is the star of the show, bringing moisture and flavor to the batter. Pair it with all-purpose flour, sugar, and a blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to create a rich taste profile.
Don’t forget the eggs and melted butter, which add to the fluffy texture. The cinnamon sugar coating is the finishing touch, providing a sweet crunch that complements the soft interior of the donuts.
The Art of Preparation
Making apple cider donuts is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in just 30 minutes. Start by reducing the apple cider in a saucepan until it thickens, concentrating its flavor. This step is crucial, as it enhances the overall taste of the donuts.
Next, combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, whisking them together to ensure an even distribution. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients, including the reduced cider, before combining them with the dry mixture. The key is to stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain that fluffy texture.
Frying to Perfection
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to heat the oil. Achieving the right temperature is vital; too hot and the donuts will burn, too cool and they will absorb excess oil. A deep fryer or large pot works well for frying these treats.
Using a donut cutter, shape the batter and fry the donuts in batches. Watch them closely as they turn a beautiful golden brown, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes per side. After frying, let them drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Coating and Serving
The final step is the cinnamon sugar coating. While the donuts are still warm, toss them in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This step not only adds flavor but also creates a delightful texture that makes each bite irresistible.
Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature, and watch as friends and family gather around to enjoy this seasonal treat. They make for a perfect dessert or a sweet snack alongside a warm beverage.
Nutrition and Enjoyment
Each donut contains approximately 210 calories, making them a delightful indulgence without going overboard. With 12 servings in a batch, they are perfect for sharing during gatherings or cozy family moments.
These apple cider donuts are not just a treat; they are a celebration of fall flavors, bringing warmth and joy to any occasion. Enjoy them fresh, and they will surely become a favorite in your autumn recipe collection.
Homemade Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
These donuts are made by combining apple cider, flour, and spices to create a rich batter that is fried to golden perfection. The cinnamon sugar coating adds a sweet crunch, making them irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Oil for deep frying (canola, vegetable oil, lard, shortening)
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider: In a saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil and reduce it to about 1 cup. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider. Mix well.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry Donuts: Use a donut cutter to cut out shapes from the batter. Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: In a bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. While the donuts are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve: Enjoy the donuts warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Calories: 210kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
Homemade Baked Apple Cider Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These cozy, oven-baked donuts pack big apple-cider flavor with a tender cake-donut crumb and a classic cinnamon-sugar finish—no deep frying needed.
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (cooled slightly)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (to help the coating stick)
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider: In a saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil and simmer until reduced to about 1 cup. Let cool to lukewarm.
- Preheat & Prep Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 6-cavity donut pans (or line with nonstick baking spray).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then whisk in 1/4 cup melted butter, vanilla, and the cooled reduced cider.
- Make the Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined (a few small lumps are fine; do not overmix).
- Fill the Pans: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Stir together the coating sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Let donuts cool in the pan 5 minutes, then remove. Brush each warm donut lightly with the additional 3 tbsp melted butter and toss/roll in the cinnamon sugar until coated.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes cider reduction cooling)
- Bake Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Calories: ~210kcal
- Fat: ~8g
- Protein: ~2g
- Carbohydrates: ~32g
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