Apple Cider Donuts are a fall favorite for a reason! There’s just something so comforting about the warm spices and sweet apple cider flavor in a freshly baked donut. This recipe brings that classic taste right to your kitchen, and trust me, it’s easier than you think to make these delicious treats at home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe for Apple Cider Donuts is special because it captures the authentic taste of autumn in every bite. Unlike some recipes that rely on artificial flavors, this one uses real apple cider, reduced to concentrate its delicious flavor. Baking the donuts instead of frying makes them a healthier and less messy alternative, without sacrificing any of the taste. These homemade Apple Cider Donuts are incredibly moist, perfectly spiced, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar that adds the perfect touch of sweetness. They’re sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup (see instructions)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until reduced to 1/4 cup. This concentrates the apple flavor. Let it cool completely. This step is super important for getting that true apple cider taste!
2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan very well with cooking spray. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies so the donuts don’t stick.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Whisk it all together really well to make sure the spices are evenly distributed.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
6. Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the reduced apple cider and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – you want a tender donut!
7. Fill the Donut Pan:
Transfer the batter to a large zip-top bag or piping bag. Snip off the corner of the bag and pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This is the easiest way to get the batter evenly into the pan.
8. Bake the Donuts:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden brown.
9. Cool and Unmold:
Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. In another bowl, melt the butter.
11. Coat the Donuts:
Dip each donut in the melted butter, then immediately dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Cider Donuts are perfect served warm with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For an extra touch of indulgence, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
To make them look extra special, arrange the donuts on a pretty platter and dust them with a little extra cinnamon. These are ideal for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert, or a cozy weekend breakfast. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift!
Storage and Reheating
Store your Apple Cider Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them as fresh as possible, you can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds each. You can also reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to bring back some of their fresh-baked texture.
Key Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Equipment: Donut pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer, saucepan, wire rack
Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider reduced to 1/4 cup
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for coating
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for coating
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (for coating)
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until reduced to 1/4 cup. This concentrates the apple flavor. Let it cool completely.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan very well with cooking spray.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the reduced apple cider and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a large zip-top bag or piping bag. Snip off the corner of the bag and pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Unmold: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. In another bowl, melt the butter.
- Coat the Donuts: Dip each donut in the melted butter, then immediately dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating evenly.
