Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Name: Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Published: July 25, 2025

by Clara Harper

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This delectable apple cider donut recipe is incredibly simple and doesn’t require any fancy equipment.
The flavors are so rich and comforting that they’ll make you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket.
These donuts look stunning with their golden-brown exterior and dusting of sugar.
You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as part of a brunch spread.

My friends couldn’t believe I made these delicious donuts from scratch—they vanished faster than my last slice of pizza!

Essential Ingredients

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

Apple Cider: Use fresh apple cider for maximum flavor; it’s the heart and soul of this recipe.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; make sure to sift it for fluffier donuts.
Baking Powder: This helps the donuts rise beautifully; check the expiration date for best results.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices provide warmth and comfort—don’t skimp on them!
Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances all those lovely flavors in every bite.
Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness; use large eggs for consistency.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds moisture and flavor; melt it before mixing into your batter.
Vanilla Extract: This elevates your donut’s taste profile; opt for pure extract when possible.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your donut pan, spray it with nonstick cooking spray, and set it aside.

Mixing Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm apple cider and melted butter. Stir well until they blend smoothly. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is combined.

Combining Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps—nobody likes a surprise clump of flour!

Bringing It All Together: Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense donuts!

Piping Into Pan: Transfer your batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity about halfway full; they will puff up while baking.

Baking Time!: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean!

Cooling & Dusting Off!: Let them cool for about 5 minutes before removing them from the pan. Toss each warm donut in granulated sugar or powdered sugar—because why not?

Now you have deliciously fragrant apple cider donuts ready to be devoured! Enjoy them warm with your favorite hot beverage or share them with family and friends—they may become your new signature treat!

You Must Know

Apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh but also freeze beautifully.
Adding spices like nutmeg enhances the flavor, bringing warmth to every bite.
Remember to let the donuts cool properly before glazing to avoid a sticky mess.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing dry ingredients, then fold in wet ones. Fry them golden brown for that irresistible texture.

Add Your Touch

Try swapping regular flour for gluten-free flour or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for freshness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Don’t overmix the batter; it can make your donuts tough instead of fluffy.
Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy donuts.
A simple glaze can elevate these treats significantly, so don’t skip it!

Sharing these apple cider donuts with friends brought us all together, sparking laughter and sweet memories that linger even after the last crumb has vanished.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Absolutely! Store-bought cider works just fine and saves time during preparation.

What’s the best way to fry these donuts?

Use a deep fryer or a heavy pot filled with oil at 350°F for optimal results.

How do I prevent them from sticking together?

Allow them to cool fully on a wire rack; this helps maintain their individual shape.

0 Shares