Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

If you’re searching for that perfect fall treat, look no further! This Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is seriously one of my all-time favorites. They’re tender, packed with warm spices, and have just the right touch of apple cider sweetness that’ll make you feel like you’re biting into autumn itself. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast or a sweet gathering, you’re gonna love how simple and delicious these donuts turn out.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together to capture the classic fall flavors you expect from apple cider donuts, while keeping the texture moist and tender. Make sure to pick a good-quality apple cider and fresh spices for maximum flavor impact.

• Apple Cider: I like to reduce it first to concentrate all that cozy apple flavor.
• Cinnamon Stick: For the cider reduction—adds subtle warmth.
• All Purpose Flour or Gluten Free Flour: Use whichever suits your dietary needs; both work great here.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Both help your donuts rise nicely and get fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: The spice trio that makes these donuts sing with fall vibes.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and creates a good base.
• Large Egg: Helps bind everything together.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor beautifully.
• Melted Coconut or Vegetable Oil: Keeps the donuts moist without weighing them down.
• Almond or Regular Milk: For just the right batter consistency.
• Unsweetened Apple Sauce: Adds moisture and enhances apple flavor.
• Unsalted Butter (or Vegan Butter): For melting and tossing the donuts—classic finish.
• Extra Granulated Sugar and Cinnamon: For coating the finished donuts to get that iconic sweet-spicy crust.

Variations

I love how flexible this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is—you can tweak it to suit your tastes and dietary needs without losing any of the magic. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up.

• Gluten-Free: I swapped the flour with my go-to gluten-free blend once, and honestly, no one could tell the difference!
• Dairy-Free: Using coconut oil and vegan butter keeps these completely dairy free but just as rich and tasty.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cloves or swap out ginger for cardamom to give the flavor a little twist.
• Baked or Fried: While I usually bake mine for ease, you can fry these for an ultra-crispy exterior if you’re up for it.
• Apple Variations: Stir in diced fresh apples into the batter for extra bursts of apple goodness.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

First things first, pour your apple cider and a cinnamon stick into a small saucepan and simmer it gently until it reduces down to about one-third of the original volume—this usually takes around 20-25 minutes. Reducing the cider intensifies the apple flavor without thinning the batter, which is a game-changer in my experience. Be patient and stir occasionally so it doesn’t scorch.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

While the cider is doing its thing, whisk together your flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a large bowl. This blend of warm spices is where the donuts get their soul, so if you love spice, feel free to add a little extra cinnamon. Mixing these well upfront ensures everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat your egg then add the brown and granulated sugars, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil, milk, and unsweetened applesauce. Once your cider reduction has cooled slightly, mix it in here. This wet mixture forms the moist base of your donuts, so blending it smoothly is key. I like to whisk it for a good minute to avoid any lumps.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. The batter will be thick but soft—overmixing can make the donuts tough, so be gentle here. I’ve learned the hard way that a light touch makes all the difference.

Step 5: Bake and Coat Your Donuts

Spoon the batter into a greased or well-floured donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until the tops spring back when touched. While still warm, toss each donut in a mixture of melted butter and cinnamon sugar for that classic, irresistible coating. This finishing step is where the magic really happens—trust me, don’t skip it!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with a generous cinnamon sugar coating because it’s such a comforting, nostalgic combo. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon on top for an added kick. If I’m feeling fancy, a light drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar really elevates these donuts for serving.

Side Dishes

Apple cider donuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even cider itself! I like serving them alongside warm spiced pumpkin soup or a fresh fruit salad for a cozy brunch or snack spread that’s bursting with fall flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love arranging these donuts on a rustic wooden board lined with a linen napkin and placing small bowls of apple butter, caramel dip, and whipped cream around. Another fun idea is stacking them into a donut tower for a festive centerpiece—guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long! To keep them fresh, I recommend layering them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts successfully by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, I like popping the donuts in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh that warm, just-baked texture. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds, but the oven really brings back the original softness and cinnamon sugar crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Apple Cider Donuts Recipe brings a warm slice of fall right into my kitchen. Every batch I make instantly fills the house with those cozy cinnamon and apple scents that make you just want to curl up and enjoy. I hope you’ll find as much joy in baking and sharing these as I do—trust me, once you try this recipe, your family is going to ask for it over and over. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the comforting flavors of autumn any time you want!

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