Apple cider donuts are a beloved fall treat that brings warmth and comfort to chilly autumn days. These sweet and spicy treats pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them ideal for cozy mornings or afternoon snacks.
You can easily make delicious apple cider donuts at home with the right recipe. Whether you prefer baked or fried versions, there are many tasty options to try.
The key ingredients typically include reduced apple cider, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a coating of cinnamon sugar for that classic finish.
These baked donuts are a healthier twist on the classic fried version. You’ll love their soft texture and rich apple flavor.
To make them, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and spices in a bowl. In another bowl, combine egg, brown sugar, buttermilk, and melted butter.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased donut pan and bake at 350°F for about 12 minutes.
While the donuts cool, whip up a simple maple glaze. Dip each donut in the glaze for a sweet finish. These treats are perfect for fall mornings or afternoon snacks.
You can still enjoy delicious apple cider donuts even if you’re following a gluten-free diet. These recipes use alternative flours like almond, coconut, or gluten-free blends.
Start by reducing apple cider to concentrate its flavor. Mix your chosen gluten-free flour with baking powder, spices, and sugar.
Add the cooled cider and other wet ingredients to form the batter. Pipe the batter into greased donut pans.
Bake at 325-350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Once cooled, coat the donuts in cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
These gluten-free apple cider donuts are just as tasty as traditional ones. They’re perfect for fall gatherings or as a special breakfast treat.
These vegan apple cider donuts are a tasty treat for those following a plant-based diet. You’ll need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, apple cider, plant milk, and applesauce.
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix the batter.
Spoon the mixture into a donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full. Bake at 350°F for 9-11 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
For extra flavor, coat the cooled donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they’re made.
Old-fashioned apple cider donuts bring back memories of cozy fall days. You’ll love their crispy outside and soft inside. To make them, you’ll need flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Mix butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Pour in cooled apple cider and buttermilk. Combine wet and dry ingredients to make your dough.
Heat oil to 350-370°F. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Let them cool on paper towels to remove extra oil.
For a finishing touch, roll the donuts in a mix of sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Enjoy your homemade treats with a cup of warm apple cider.
The History of Apple Cider Donuts
Apple cider donuts have a surprisingly modern history. They first appeared in the early 20th century, not during colonial times as some might think.
In 1916, Adolph Levitt bought a chain of New York bakeries. He noticed American soldiers loved fried dough treats. This inspired him to create the apple cider donut.
Levitt’s company, the Donut Corporation of America, started mass-producing these treats. They became popular at fall festivals and apple orchards.
The donuts gained fame for their distinct apple flavor and cinnamon-sugar coating. Their association with autumn activities helped cement their place in American culture.
Over time, apple cider donuts became a beloved fall tradition. You can now find them at farms, bakeries, and even grocery stores during the harvest season.
The recipe typically includes reduced apple cider for intense flavor. Bakers often coat the donuts in cinnamon sugar after frying or baking.
Today, you can enjoy both classic and creative versions of apple cider donuts. Some bakers add extra spices or glaze them for a modern twist on this relatively new autumn treat.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Apple Cider Donuts
Great apple cider donuts depend on a few essential ingredients. These elements work together to create that classic fall flavor and texture you love.
Choosing the Right Apple Cider
Apple cider is the star of these donuts. Pick a high-quality, fresh-pressed cider for the best taste.
Boil it down to concentrate the flavor. This step is crucial for getting that rich apple taste.
Reduce about 1 1/2 cups of cider to 1/3 cup. This process takes about 15-20 minutes. Let the reduced cider cool before adding it to your batter.
Some recipes use boiled cider, which is even more concentrated. This ingredient packs a stronger apple punch.
The Role of Spices
Spices give apple cider donuts their warm, comforting flavor. Common spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Some recipes use a pre-mixed apple pie spice blend for convenience.
Cinnamon is a must-have. It’s used in the batter and often in the sugar coating.
Nutmeg adds depth and warmth. Use freshly grated nutmeg if possible for the best flavor.
Don’t forget the sugar coating. Mix cinnamon with granulated sugar to roll your hot donuts in. This step creates that classic crunchy exterior.
Tips for Making Fluffy Donuts
Making fluffy donuts starts with choosing the right flour and getting the dough consistency just right. These two factors play a big role in creating light, airy donuts.
Best Flour for Donuts
All-purpose flour works well for most donut recipes. It has a good balance of protein content to create structure without making donuts too dense.
For extra fluffy donuts, try using cake flour. It has less protein, resulting in a more tender texture.
You can also mix flours. Try 2 parts all-purpose flour with 1 part cake flour. This blend gives you the best of both worlds – structure and tenderness.
Avoid high-protein bread flour. It can make donuts too chewy and tough.
Importance of Dough Consistency
The right dough consistency is key for fluffy donuts. Your dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not wet.
If it’s too dry, your donuts will be dense. Too wet, and they’ll absorb too much oil when frying.
Mix your wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough donuts.
Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes before shaping. This allows the flour to absorb moisture evenly.
When rolling out the dough, aim for about 1/2 inch thickness. Thinner dough won’t rise as much, while thicker dough may not cook through properly.
