Celebrate the season with the delightful flavors of autumn in these baked Apple Cider Donuts! They’re generously coated with a scrumptious buttery cinnamon sugar topping, making them an irresistible treat to savor.

Love fall baking? Be sure to try these Pumpkin Pancakes and Apple Muffins. Or start your day with a batch of these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls instead!

Apple Cider Donuts: A Delectable Autumn Treat

Apple Cider Donuts are a quintessential autumn delight that encapsulates the essence of the season in every bite. These mouthwatering treats blend the cozy warmth of apple cider with the irresistible comfort of freshly baked donuts, creating a sensory experience that is truly unforgettable.

How to Enjoy Apple Cider Donuts:

• Freshly Baked: The best way to enjoy an Apple Cider Donut is when it’s freshly baked and still warm. The combination of the crisp exterior and the soft, fragrant interior is an experience like no other.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Many Apple Cider Donuts are rolled in a cinnamon sugar mixture after baking or frying. This extra layer of sweetness and spice enhances the overall experience.
• Pair with a Hot Beverage: Apple Cider Donuts are a perfect companion for a hot cup of apple cider, coffee, or tea. The contrast between the warmth of the drink and the slightly crisp donut is divine.
• Fall Scenery: Enjoy your Apple Cider Donut in an outdoor setting, like a picturesque park or orchard. The beauty of autumn’s changing colors and the crisp air enhance the overall experience.
• Share with Friends and Family: These donuts are best enjoyed in the company of loved ones. Sharing the joy of biting into an Apple Cider Donut is a cherished tradition for many during the fall season.
• Warm or Cold: While they’re best when warm, Apple Cider Donuts can still be delightful when enjoyed at room temperature or even slightly chilled.
• Dip or Spread: For an extra layer of indulgence, consider dipping your donut into caramel sauce, cream cheese frosting, or apple butter.
• In conclusion, Apple Cider Donuts are a delectable autumn treat that captures the essence of the season through their warm, spiced flavors and comforting textures. Whether you savor them on a crisp fall morning or share them with loved ones, these donuts are a delicious way to embrace the beauty and flavors of autumn.

Ingredients Note:

• Apple Cider: Ensure you use real, fresh apple cider for the best flavor. Avoid apple juice or instant cider from a packet. Reducing the cider through simmering enhances its rich taste.
• Fresh Apples: For unbeatable flavor, shred fresh apples into the batter. Granny Smith apples are a great choice due to their tartness, which complements the sweetness of the donuts.
• Spices: You can use your preferred apple pie spice blend, or create your own by combining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon each of nutmeg and allspice. This DIY spice blend works wonderfully.
• Greek Yogurt: Including Greek yogurt in the recipe helps keep the donuts moist and adds a creamy texture. If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, sour cream or buttermilk can be used as substitutes without compromising the quality.

Tips and Tricks:

• You can make these as apple cider muffins by using a mini muffin tin and reducing the baking time.
• Make the apple cider reduction ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
• To check if the donuts are done baking, lightly touch one with your fingertips; if it springs back, they’re ready to come out of the oven.
• Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Questions:

Can I freeze Apple Cider Donuts?
Yes, after coating them in cinnamon sugar, freeze them in a ziplock freezer-safe bag or an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for 2 hours.

How long do Apple Cider Donuts last?
For the best flavor, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of apple juice instead of reducing apple cider. While it may not have as deep apple flavor, it will still be delicious.

Be sure to check out these other great fall recipes!

• Apple Pie

• Pumpkin Pie

• Pumpkin Bread

Apple Cider Donuts

Celebrate the season with the delightful flavors of autumn in these baked Apple Cider Donuts! They’re generously coated with a scrumptious buttery cinnamon sugar topping, making them an irresistible treat to savor.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts

Ingredients

For the Doughnuts

• 1 ½ cups apple cider – 360 ml

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – 42 g

• 1 large egg – 50 g

• ½ cup granulated sugar – 100 g

• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed – 110 g

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt – 60 g

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 5 ml

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – 250 g

• 1 teaspoon baking soda – 5 g

• 1 teaspoon baking powder – 4 g

• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice – 2 g

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – 3 g

• 1 apple, peeled and shredded (about 3/4 cup) – 90 g

For the Topping

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – 113 g

• 1 cup granulated sugar – 200 g

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – 8 g

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, gently heat the apple cider on low until it reduces to 1/2 cup. This usually takes around 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and start checking it at the 20-minute mark. Set it aside to cool.
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 6-cavity donut pan with non-stick baking spray and set it aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat together the melted butter, egg, sugars, yogurt, and vanilla extract until it becomes creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt. Slowly pour in the 1/2 cup of reduced apple cider and continue to beat until the batter becomes smooth. Fold in the shredded apples.
5. Transfer the donut batter into a large ziplock bag. Cut off one corner and use it to pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway (this recipe makes 12 donuts).
6. Bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly browned and spring back when touched.
7. Remove the donuts from the oven, let them cool in the pan for a minute, and then flip them onto a wire cooling rack.
8. For the topping, mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl (or a pie plate).
9. Dip the slightly cooled donuts in melted butter, coating both sides and then dip them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place them back on the wire rack and repeat for the remaining donuts. Enjoy them while they’re warm!

Additional Notes:

• You can prepare the apple cider reduction in advance. Using reduced apple cider enhances the flavor, but you can also use regular apple cider.
• Greek yogurt can be substituted with sour cream or 1/4 cup of buttermilk.
• You can also make mini muffins by greasing a mini muffin pan, filling each cavity halfway with batter, and baking for 8-10 minutes. Coat with the topping as directed.
• Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them in ziplock freezer bags for up to 3 months.

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