Apple Cider Donuts are the epitome of cozy autumn baking, with their warm spices, tangy apple cider flavor, and a delightful sugar coating. These donuts are soft, moist, and bursting with fall flavors, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a seasonal gathering. Whether baked or fried, they offer a nostalgic taste of crisp autumn days and are an irresistible companion to a hot cup of coffee or cider. Let’s create these deliciously elevated donuts that bring the best of fall to your kitchen.
Total Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings and Macros
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fats: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
Health Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Apple Cider: High in antioxidants and natural sugars, apple cider brings a tangy, fruity flavor.
- Cinnamon: Contains antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Eggs: Provide structure and add richness to the donuts.
- Whole Wheat Flour (optional): Adds fiber and enhances the donuts’ nutritional value.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 cup all-purpose + 1/2 cup whole wheat flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider (reduced to 1/4 cup, instructions below)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider:
- In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup. This concentrates the flavor. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, Greek yogurt, egg, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The batter should be thick but smooth.
- Pipe the Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake the Donuts:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Coat the Donuts:
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush each donut with melted butter, then dip in the cinnamon sugar to coat.
- Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pairing Recommendations
Wine: Pair with a semi-dry Riesling or a chilled Moscato for a sweet complement.
Beer: A spiced pumpkin ale or a hard cider enhances the fall flavors.
Cocktail: An Apple Cider Old Fashioned or a Spiced Rum Hot Toddy makes an excellent pairing.
Non-Alcoholic Options:
- Sparkling water with a splash of apple cider and a cinnamon stick.
- Warm apple cider with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Chai tea latte for a cozy pairing.
Tips for Success
- Concentrate the Flavor: Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the donuts tender.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Apple Cider Donuts are a quintessential fall treat, offering warm flavors and a soft texture that everyone will love. Whether served with coffee, cider, or your favorite cocktail, these donuts are a cozy addition to any autumn day. Happy baking!