Apple Cider Donuts recipe
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with these delightful Apple Cider Donuts. Infused with the essence of fresh apple cider and aromatic spices, each bite delivers a sweet reminder of crisp autumn days. These baked treats are tossed in cinnamon sugar, elevating them to pure bliss.
With their simple preparation, these donuts promise less mess and more joy. Say goodbye to frying and hello to an easy cleanup that lets you savor every moment with family and friends. Perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings, they are sure to please a crowd.
Transform your kitchen into a haven of delightful aromas as you whip up these irresistible treats. Whether you’re an avid baker or a curious novice, these Apple Cider Donuts will quickly become a cherished favorite, bringing the essence of fall right to your table.
Apple Cider Donuts: Ingredients
Crafting the perfect Apple Cider Donuts begins with fresh apple cider, which imparts a rich, autumnal sweetness that defines this delightful treat. All-purpose flour provides the essential structure, ensuring a tender, airy bite, while baking powder and baking soda create that light, fluffy texture.
A pinch of fine salt balances the flavors, allowing the warm spices—cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg—to shine through, enveloping each donut in cozy notes of fall. Sweetness comes from both white and brown sugars, enriching the flavor profile and contributing to the inviting golden crust.
Warm milk and melted butter bring moisture and richness, making each donut irresistibly soft and buttery. Finally, vanilla extract adds a hint of depth, enhancing the overall sweetness and aroma, while the egg binds everything together, resulting in a perfectly delicious baked delight.
Apple Cider Donuts: A Fall Treat
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of fall with these easy-to-make Apple Cider Donuts. Flavored with fresh apple cider and warm spices, these baked delights are perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings. To enhance your baking experience, here are some helpful tips, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Recipe Tips
1. Reduce the Cider Properly
To achieve the intense apple flavor in your donuts, be sure to reduce the apple cider correctly. Simmer the cider over medium heat until it thickens and reduces to half a cup. This concentrated flavor will elevate your donuts and make them truly special. If the cider reduces too much, simply add a little water to get the correct amount.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, while a light hand will ensure they remain fluffy and airy. You want the batter to be slightly thick but still smooth, so be gentle during this step.
3. Experiment with Spices
While the recipe calls for cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, feel free to get creative with the spices! A pinch of allspice or ginger can add a delightful twist. Adjusting the spice blend can personalize the flavor profile, making it your own.
What to Serve with Apple Cider Donuts
Coffee or Hot Cider
Pairing your Apple Cider Donuts with a warm beverage enhances the experience. A rich cup of coffee brings out the cinnamon notes, while a steaming mug of spiced apple cider complements the flavors perfectly. Both options create a cozy atmosphere, ideal for autumn mornings.
Vanilla Ice Cream
For a delightful dessert, serve these donuts alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced donuts, creating a heavenly treat. Drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent touch that elevates your dessert game.
Fresh Fruit Salad
Balance the sweetness of the donuts with a fresh fruit salad. Toss together seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries for a refreshing side. The natural acidity of the fruit will cut through the sweetness, providing a well-rounded plate that appeals to all palates.
FAQ
1. Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes! While fresh apple cider is ideal for the best flavor, store-bought cider works well too. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand without added sugars for the best results.
2. How should I store leftover donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
3. Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper structure. The flavor will still be delicious!
4. Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits can be added to the batter for extra texture and flavor. Just be mindful of the overall consistency and adjust as needed.
With these tips, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions, your journey into making Apple Cider Donuts will be a delightful one. Enjoy the process and savor every bite of this fall favorite!
Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground cardamom
- 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup warm milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, divided
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- Coating:
- 1 cup white sugar or as needed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon or as needed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and thoroughly butter two 6-cup donut pans.
- In a saucepan, pour in the apple cider and heat over medium. Allow it to simmer, watching closely, until the cider is reduced to half a cup. Should it reduce excessively, simply add enough water to return to the required volume. Set this aside for later use.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Whisk these ingredients until they are well blended and then set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the white sugar, brown sugar, warm milk, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, vanilla extract, and the egg until smooth. Incorporate the previously prepared apple cider reduction along with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the batter should be slightly thick.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, fill the prepared donut pans approximately three-quarters full with the batter.
- Place in the center of the preheated oven and bake until the tops are lightly browned and the donuts spring back when gently touched, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes. Allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat. Cut out any donut holes as necessary.
- If desired, while the donuts are still warm, lightly brush the remaining melted butter over them.
