Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of apple cider with these delightful donuts. Perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon treat, these apple cider donuts bring a taste of autumn to your kitchen. The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg creates a fragrant, spiced aroma that pairs beautifully with the sweet, tangy apple cider.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you may need to pick up apple cider if you don't already have it on hand. This is a key ingredient that gives the donuts their distinctive flavor. Additionally, make sure you have ground nutmeg and ground cinnamon, as these spices are essential for achieving the perfect autumnal taste.
Ingredients For Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Apple cider: A sweet and tangy beverage made from apples, reduced to concentrate its flavor.
All-purpose flour: The base for the donut batter, providing structure and texture.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
Baking soda: Another leavening agent that works with the baking powder to create a light texture.
Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that adds depth and flavor to the donuts.
Ground nutmeg: A spice that complements the cinnamon, adding a subtle, earthy flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the donuts and helps create a tender crumb.
Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the batter.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the donuts.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
Technique Tip for Perfect Donuts
To enhance the flavor of your apple cider donuts, make sure to properly reduce the apple cider by simmering it over medium heat until it reaches about half a cup. This concentrates the flavors, giving your donuts a more intense apple taste. Additionally, when combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the gluten in the flour, which can result in a denser texture.
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Alternative Ingredients
apple cider - Substitute with apple juice: Apple juice can provide a similar apple flavor, though it is less concentrated. Reduce it slightly to intensify the flavor.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the donuts denser.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 times the amount of baking powder, but be aware it may affect the taste slightly.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon along with other spices, adding a more complex flavor.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground allspice: Allspice has a similar warm, spicy flavor that can replace nutmeg.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Use slightly more kosher salt to achieve the same level of saltiness.
granulated sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor and more moisture.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and can add a slight coconut flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor to the donuts.
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How To Store / Freeze Your Donuts
Allow the apple cider donuts to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the donuts soggy.
To store at room temperature, place the donuts in an airtight container. Line the bottom of the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Add another layer of paper towel on top of the donuts before sealing the container. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate the apple cider donuts. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. They will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator. Before serving, you can warm them slightly in the microwave or oven to restore their fresh-baked texture.
To freeze the donuts, first ensure they are completely cooled. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the apple cider donuts at room temperature for about an hour. For a warm treat, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can reheat the thawed donuts in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
For an extra touch, consider dusting the reheated apple cider donuts with a bit of cinnamon sugar or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider. This will enhance their flavor and give them a freshly baked appearance.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the apple cider donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the donuts loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat for about 5-10 minutes or until they are warmed through.
- For an extra touch, brush the tops with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before serving.
Microwave Method:
- Place a donut on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
- Microwave on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check if it’s warm enough; if not, continue in 5-second intervals.
- Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the donut rubbery.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the donuts directly on the rack or on a small baking sheet.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don’t overcook.
- For added flavor, you can lightly brush them with apple cider before reheating.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Place the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.
- Optionally, you can spritz them with a bit of apple cider or butter spray for extra moisture.
Stovetop Skillet Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
- Place the donuts in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.
- For a crispy exterior, you can add a small amount of butter to the skillet before placing the donuts in.
Essential Tools for Making Donuts
Oven: Used to bake the donuts at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Donut pan: A specialized pan with donut-shaped molds to shape and bake the donuts.
Saucepan: Used to simmer and reduce the apple cider to concentrate its flavor.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine and mix the dry ingredients together.
Mixing bowl: Another bowl used to beat together the sugar and eggs and mix the wet ingredients.
Whisk: Used to beat the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract.
Cooling rack: Used to let the baked donuts cool down evenly after baking.
Toothpick: Used to check if the donuts are baked through by inserting it into the donut and seeing if it comes out clean.
Spatula: Used to combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
Cooking spray: Used to grease the donut pan to prevent the batter from sticking.
How to Save Time on Making Donuts
Reduce apple cider in advance: Simmer and reduce the apple cider ahead of time. Store it in the fridge to save time on baking day.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly beat together the sugar and eggs, saving you from manual mixing.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting. This makes the process smoother and faster.
Use a piping bag: Fill a piping bag with the batter to easily and quickly fill the donut pan.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra donuts for a quick treat later.
Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a saucepan, reduce the apple cider to about ½ cup by simmering over medium heat. Let it cool.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add melted butter, vanilla, and reduced apple cider.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Fill donut pan about ¾ full with batter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool on a rack.
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