Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts Recipe for Fall

Name: Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts Recipe for Fall
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 tsp vanilla extract; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Recipe By:

Lily Hartwell

Posted:

July 25, 2025

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The aroma of warm spices fills the air as you sink your teeth into a soft, fluffy apple cider donut. Each bite bursts with sweet apples and a hint of cinnamon, sending your taste buds dancing like they just won the lottery. Perfect for those crisp autumn mornings or cozy family gatherings, these treats are like a hug from Grandma—sweet, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying.

I remember the first time I attempted to make these delightful little rings of joy. My kitchen turned into a floury battlefield, but the laughter and chatter of my loved ones made every flour cloud worth it. Now, I whip up this apple cider donuts recipe whenever I want to impress friends or indulge in some good old-fashioned comfort food.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These donuts are incredibly easy to prepare and come together quickly for anyone.
The flavor is a delightful blend of apples and warm spices that transports you to fall.
Their golden-brown exterior makes them irresistibly beautiful and perfect for sharing.
They can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later snacking adventures.

I still recall my niece’s face lighting up when she took her first bite of these fluffy treats; pure bliss captured in an adorable smile.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Apple Cider: Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; it adds a rich sweetness that elevates the donuts.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour works well here; it gives structure without making the donuts too dense.
Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh; this is your secret weapon for achieving that perfect rise.
Cinnamon: Opt for ground cinnamon; it infuses warmth into each bite and creates a cozy aroma while baking.
Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg enhances the flavor profile beautifully; just a pinch transforms these donuts into something special.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together and create a fluffy texture that’s hard to resist.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness; I prefer using unsalted so I can control the saltiness better.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile; don’t skimp on this one!
Powdered Sugar (for dusting): A light dusting gives these donuts an elegant finish that looks fantastic on any dessert table.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Gather Your Tools: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your mixing bowls, whisk, donut pan, and measuring cups—let’s get ready for some fun!

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar until well combined. The fragrant spices should already make you smile.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and apple cider until smooth. You want it creamy like a dreamy autumn day.

Bring It All Together: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want those light and fluffy donuts!

Fill Your Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into your greased donut pan about halfway full. This allows room for rising without overflowing like an excited party guest.

Bake Away: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. They should spring back when lightly touched—just like that moment of joy when you realize it’s Friday!

Let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar—because who doesn’t love a little extra sweet magic?

And voilà! You’ve just whipped up an irresistible batch of apple cider donuts that will have everyone begging for more! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature; either way is equally delightful!

You Must Know

Use freshly grated nutmeg for an aromatic boost to your donuts.
Let the batter rest for 30 minutes; it helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Fry at the right temperature, around 365°F, for that perfect golden brown.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your dry ingredients first, then gradually add the wet ingredients to form a smooth batter. Fry them in small batches to maintain oil temperature for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding cinnamon sugar on top or a maple glaze for extra sweetness. You can also try using pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist that will wow everyone around.

Storing & Reheating

Store your apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Try using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar for enhanced flavor.
Avoid overcrowding the fryer; it leads to soggy donuts.
Always check the oil temperature with a thermometer before frying.

I remember the first time I made these donuts; they disappeared faster than I could say “apple cider.” Friends couldn’t get enough, and I felt like a culinary superstar!

FAQ

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe without compromising flavor.

How do I know when my donuts are done frying?

Donuts should be golden brown and float to the surface when cooked through.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through and golden.

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