Easy-Peasy Apple Cider Doughnut Recipe

Nothing says fall like apple cider doughnuts! As the crisp fall breeze tickles our senses with the scent of apples and fallen leaves, ait’s time to cozy up with some heartwarming, delightful treats. What better way to celebrate autumn’s arrival than making homemade apple cider doughnuts? These delicious gems are the epitome of comfort, blending the sweetness of apple cider with a warm hug of spices. Whether you gobble them up as a cheerful breakfast on your way to the pumpkin patch or pair them with a cup of steaming hot apple cider, apple cider doughnuts are the ultimate fall treat  (though I am also partial to applesauce muffins) that will make everyone smile.

Why We Love Apple Cider Doughnuts

Apple cider doughnuts are like autumn magic on a plate. The cider’s natural sweetness dances perfectly with cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating an enchanting fall flavor that will sweep you off your feet. And guess what? We’re adding applesauce to make them even more divine! Once these cuties are dipped in a cinnamon-sugar glaze, you get a heavenly combo of textures that’s simply irresistible. Freshly baked or dipped in cider, these apple cider doughnuts are pure fall joy!

Whipping up your own apple cider doughnuts at home is a piece of cake, promise! You don’t need a zillion ingredients, just a bunch of simple stuff and a sprinkle of love. Here’s your shopping list to get this friendly baking party started:

Ingredients:

Apple Cider Doughnuts

• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk (whole or buttermilk)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Apple Cider Doughnut Recipe Instructions:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, gently simmer the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. This will intensify the cider’s flavor, giving your doughnuts a more pronounced apple taste. Let the reduced cider cool to room temperature.
2. Prep the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Set the bowl aside.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the doughnuts tough.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 1 hour. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and shape into doughnuts.
6. Shape the Doughnuts: Once the dough has chilled, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two different-sized round cookie cutters to cut out doughnut shapes. If you don’t have a cutter, you can use a glass for the larger circle and a bottle cap for the smaller center hole.
7. Fry the Doughnuts: In a large, deep saucepan or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few doughnuts at a time to the hot oil and fry them for about 1-2 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the doughnuts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar: While the doughnuts are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar coating. You can do this by placing the sugar mixture in a shallow bowl and gently rolling the doughnuts until they’re evenly coated.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Now comes the best part! Serve your freshly made apple cider doughnuts with a warm cup of apple cider or a favorite hot beverage. Share them with family and friends, and savor the delicious taste of autumn.

You’re all set to dive into this cozy baking adventure, spreading the apple cider and spice love in every corner of your kitchen. Your family will be lining up, ready to taste these dreamy autumn treats!

Get ready to embrace the cozy vibes of fall with some homemade apple cider doughnuts. Their soft, moist texture and the heartwarming blend of spices make them the perfect treat for any autumn gathering or delightful family breakfast. So, gather your ingredients, put on your baking playlist, and let the apple cider magic begin. With each bite, you’ll feel the warmth and happiness that goes into making these friendly, fall-inspired goodies. Happy baking, and enjoy the delightful moments this season has to offer!

Apple cider doughnuts are my favorite fall treat! If you make these, let me know how they turn out.

Follow me on Instagram for more snapshots of my life – @TiffanyDoesItAll