Homemade Apple Cider Donuts
Discover the ultimate **Apple Cider Donuts** recipe! Learn to make homemade, quick & easy delights that will impress. Find this and more at MagicInKitchen.com.
Homemade **Apple Cider Donuts**: Your Fall Favorite Awaits!
There’s a certain magic that happens when autumn leaves begin to fall, and the crisp air signals the season for all things cozy. For many, that magic tastes like a warm, spiced *
**. Forget those bland, store-bought versions; today, we’re diving into the delightful world of crafting your own perfect batch right in your kitchen. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, cakey donut, fragrant with cinnamon, nutmeg, and the unmistakable tangy sweetness of apple cider. These aren’t just any donuts; they’re a celebration of fall, a comforting treat that brings back childhood memories and creates new ones. If you’ve ever dreamt of recreating that quintessential orchard experience at home, then get ready because this recipe for **Apple Cider Donuts** is your golden ticket. It’s surprisingly simple, incredibly rewarding, and guaranteed to become a cherished tradition in your home.
Ingredients for Your Delicious **Apple Cider Donuts**
Crafting the perfect batch of homemade **Apple Cider Donuts** starts with gathering the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that irresistible flavor and texture. Pay special attention to the apple cider reduction; it’s the secret weapon that infuses these donuts with their signature autumnal essence. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these delightful treats to life:
- 2 cups (about 480ml) fresh apple cider
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect **Apple Cider Donuts**
Ready to bake? Follow these detailed instructions to create fluffy, flavorful **Apple Cider Donuts** that will have everyone asking for more. Precision in these steps ensures a delicious outcome, so take your time and enjoy the process of making these wonderful homemade treats.
- **Reduce the Apple Cider:** Pour the 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the cider has reduced to about ½ cup. This process concentrates the apple flavor, making your **Apple Cider Donuts** truly shine. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
- **Prepare Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to ensure even leavening and flavor distribution throughout your **Apple Cider Donuts**.
- **Cream Wet Ingredients:** In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which contributes to the tender texture of the **Apple Cider Donuts**.
- **Add Egg and Liquids:** Beat in the large egg until well combined. Gradually add the cooled apple cider reduction and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. The mixture might look a little curdled at this point, but don’t worry, it will smooth out once you add the dry ingredients.
- **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough donuts. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- **Chill the Dough:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. Chilling the dough makes it much easier to handle and prevents the donuts from absorbing too much oil during frying. This also helps develop the flavors of your **Apple Cider Donuts**.
- **Prepare for Frying:** Once the dough is chilled, lightly flour a clean work surface. Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Using a donut cutter (or two concentric round cutters), cut out your **Apple Cider Donuts**. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut more donuts until all dough is used.
- **Heat the Oil:** Pour vegetable or canola oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature; maintaining a consistent temperature is key to perfectly fried donuts.
- **Fry the Donuts:** Carefully lower 2-3 donuts (and holes) into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or spider. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- **Drain and Coat:** Using the slotted spoon, transfer the fried **Apple Cider Donuts** to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, immediately toss the donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated. Repeat with the remaining donuts and holes.
Serving Your Delicious **Apple Cider Donuts**
Once your kitchen is filled with the intoxicating aroma of freshly fried **Apple Cider Donuts**, it’s time to serve them! These delectable treats are best enjoyed warm, straight from the cinnamon-sugar coating. Arrange them artfully on a rustic wooden platter or a charming vintage cake stand to truly showcase this beautiful dish. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider serving them alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider or a robust cup of coffee – perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon treat. You could also offer a small bowl of melted salted caramel for dipping, adding another layer of autumnal flavor to this already irresistible meal component. Whether as a special breakfast or a delightful dessert, these homemade **Apple Cider Donuts** are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions About **Apple Cider Donuts**
Making **Apple Cider Donuts** at home might spark a few questions. Here are some common queries to help you master this delicious recipe:
Q1: Can I bake these **Apple Cider Donuts** instead of frying them?
A1: While frying gives these **Apple Cider Donuts** their classic texture, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a donut pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The texture will be denser, but they will still be delicious!
Q2: How do I store leftover **Apple Cider Donuts**?
A2: **Apple Cider Donuts** are best enjoyed the day they are made. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For a fresher taste, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can warm them up nicely.
Q3: What if I don’t have buttermilk for my **Apple Cider Donuts**?
A3: No buttermilk? No problem! You can easily make a substitute. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill the rest of the way to ½ cup with regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. This will work perfectly for your **Apple Cider Donuts**.
Q4: Can I use instant apple cider instead of fresh?
A4: For the best flavor in your **Apple Cider Donuts**, fresh apple cider is highly recommended for the reduction. Instant apple cider or apple juice won’t provide the same depth of flavor, which is crucial for the authentic taste of this recipe.
Embrace Fall with Homemade **Apple Cider Donuts**!
There you have it – your complete guide to creating the most incredible **Apple Cider Donuts** right in your own kitchen. This recipe isn’t just about making a treat; it’s about embracing the comforting warmth of autumn, filling your home with intoxicating aromas, and sharing moments of pure joy with loved ones. Imagine the smiles when you present these golden, cinnamon-sugar-coated beauties, each bite a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spiced. Don’t let the idea of frying intimidate you; with our clear, step-by-step instructions, you’ll be a donut-making pro in no time. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite fall playlist, and get ready to experience the true magic of homemade baking. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe for **Apple Cider Donuts** and share your experience with us. What are your favorite fall flavors? Leave a comment below and tell us how your donuts turned out! For more inspiring recipes and culinary adventures, make sure to visit us again at MagicInKitchen.com – your go-to source for bringing deliciousness into your home.
Apple Cider Donuts
Cook Time: N/A
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 12-18 donuts
Calories: 350 calories per donut (estimated)
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4-6 cups)
- For Cinnamon Sugar Coating (optional):
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- For Glaze (optional):
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons reduced apple cider (from above) or fresh apple cider
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- **Reduce Cider**: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the cider has reduced to 1/2 cup, about 15-20 minutes. Let cool completely. (You’ll use 1/4 cup for the donuts and the rest for the glaze, if using).
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. **Add Eggs and Sour Cream**: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and 1/4 cup of the reduced apple cider until just combined.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
6. **Chill Dough**: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight. This makes the dough easier to handle and prevents the donuts from absorbing too much oil.
7. **Prepare for Frying**: Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set aside. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
8. **Roll and Cut Dough**: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch donut cutter or two concentric cookie cutters (one larger, one smaller) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll scraps once or twice to cut out more donuts.
9. **Fry Donuts**: Carefully slide 2-3 donuts into the hot oil (do not overcrowd the pot). Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Using a slotted spoon or spider, transfer the fried donuts to the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
10. **Prepare Coating/Glaze**: For Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. While donuts are still warm, toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. For Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 3-4 tablespoons of the remaining reduced apple cider (or fresh cider), and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip warm donuts into the glaze, letting excess drip off, then place on a wire rack to set.
11. **Serve**: Serve warm or at room temperature.
Chef’s Notes: These homemade apple cider donuts capture the quintessential flavors of autumn. Reducing the cider intensifies the apple flavor in the donuts, making them wonderfully fragrant and moist. Perfect with a hot cup of coffee or cider!
