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Welcome to our delightful journey into the world of homemade Apple Cider Donuts! These delectable treats are the epitome of autumn, capturing the flavors of fresh apple cider combined with warm spices. From their golden brown exterior to their soft and tender interior, these donuts are a must-have during the fall season. Join us as we dive into the recipe, sharing tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions to help you create these irresistible Apple Cider Donuts in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Apple Cider Donuts are a beloved autumn treat that perfectly encapsulate the flavors and warmth of the fall season. These delectable donuts are thought to have originated in the United States, particularly in the northeastern region where apple orchards abound. The recipe was likely developed as a creative and delicious way to utilize freshly pressed apple cider, a plentiful resource during the apple harvest season.
Traditionally, apple cider donuts are made by combining apple cider with a blend of spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, to infuse them with a delightful apple pie-like flavor. The dough is mixed, rolled, and cut into rings or rounds, which are then fried to a golden brown perfection. The final touch is a dusting of cinnamon sugar that adds a sweet and slightly spicy finish to these delightful treats.
Apple picking has long been a cherished autumn activity in the United States, and apple cider donuts have become an integral part of the experience. Families and friends often visit apple orchards, picking their own apples, and indulging in these delicious donuts as they celebrate the season.
Whether enjoyed at a local orchard, a fall festival, or made from scratch at home, Apple Cider Donuts continue to be a cherished fall tradition for many.
Apple Cider Donuts
Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful twist on traditional donuts, infusing them with the distinct flavors of apple cider. The donuts are lightly spiced, moist, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, resulting in a delectable treat that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or as a sweet snack. Made with a combination of apple cider, warm spices, flour, and other pantry staples, these donuts are easy to prepare and will fill your home with a comforting aroma as they bake.
Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls: Buy On Amazon
- Whisk or electric mixer: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Donut pan or donut cutter: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Piping bag or plastic bag: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Cooling rack: Buy On Amazon
- Baking sheet: Buy On Amazon
- Parchment paper: Buy On Amazon
Ingredients
For the donuts:
For the cinnamon-sugar coating:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your donut pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
If using a donut pan, spoon the batter into a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
If using a donut cutter, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean.
Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Dip each warm donut into the melted butter, making sure to coat all sides, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Place the coated donuts on a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 178.69kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6.73g11%
- Saturated Fat 3.85g20%
- Cholesterol 46.3mg16%
- Sodium 178.53mg8%
- Potassium 55.05mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 26.08g9%
- Dietary Fiber 0.71g3%
- Sugars 9.66g
- Protein 3.44g7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.
Note
Tips and Variations:
- For an extra burst of flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of apple pie spice to the donut batter.
- Feel free to experiment with different coatings for the donuts, such as powdered sugar, glaze, or even a caramel drizzle.
- If you don't have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan instead and create "donut muffins" by scooping the batter into the muffin cups and following the same baking instructions.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Add a touch of tartness by incorporating finely chopped apples into the batter.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy the Apple Cider Donuts as a delightful breakfast or brunch treat.
- Serve them alongside a cup of hot apple cider or a warm latte for the perfect pairing.
- These donuts are also great for parties, potlucks, or seasonal gatherings.
Allergen Information:
Here's the allergen information for Apple Cider Donuts:
Wheat (Gluten): Donuts are typically made with all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. Individuals with gluten allergies or sensitivities should avoid these donuts or seek out gluten-free alternatives.
Dairy: Some recipes for apple cider donuts may include butter, milk, or yogurt. Those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance should choose dairy-free recipes or substitutes.
Eggs: Donut recipes often call for eggs as a binding agent. If you have an egg allergy, look for egg replacers or vegan donut recipes.
Spices: While not common allergens, the spices used in these donuts, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, may trigger allergies in some individuals. Be cautious if you have known spice allergies.
Wine or Drink Pairing:
Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful treat on their own but can be enhanced by pairing them with various beverages:
Apple Cider: For a classic pairing, enjoy your apple cider donuts with a glass of fresh, cold apple cider. The shared apple flavor enhances the experience.
Coffee: A warm cup of coffee, whether black or with cream and sugar, complements the sweetness of the donuts and provides a pleasant contrast.
Hot Chocolate: The rich and creamy nature of hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with the spiced flavors of apple cider donuts.
Tea: Try pairing your donuts with a cup of chai tea, black tea, or herbal teas like cinnamon or apple spice for a cozy fall experience.
Cider Beer: If you prefer an alcoholic option, consider a cider beer, which carries the essence of apples and complements the donuts nicely.
Storage and Leftovers:
Here's how to store and enjoy Apple Cider Donuts, especially if you have leftovers:
Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To refresh leftover donuts, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes or microwave them briefly to restore their warmth and freshness.
Freezing: If you plan to freeze the donuts, place a layer of parchment paper between each donut to prevent sticking. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat as needed.
Enjoyment: Apple Cider Donuts are best enjoyed fresh. While they may lose some of their initial crispness over time, they remain flavorful and delicious.
