Spiced Apple Cider Donuts: A Taste of Autumn
Get ready for autumn! This apple cider donuts recipe is packed with flavour. Easy to follow, perfect for a cozy day. Give it a go, you'll love them!

Recipe Introduction: Spiced Apple Cider Donuts, Eh?
Ever walked past a bakery and just had to stop because of the smell? i bet you've got a soft spot for apple cider donuts recipe , haven’t you? honestly, these things scream autumn.
We're talking warm spices and a proper apple kick.
Autumn in a Donut: What's the Deal?
These aren't your standard, run-of-the-mill donuts, no way. this cider doughnut recipe brings in a bit of new england charm straight to your kitchen.
These donuts have been around for ages, becoming a staple at apple orchards and fall festivals. they’re a bit special, and are amazing southern fall desserts .
Making these is a medium-level challenge. the whole shebang takes around an hour, and you get about a dozen donuts.
Perfect for sharing... or not!
Benefits That'll Make You Blush
Beyond the obvious deliciousness, these donuts have a secret weapon: apple cider vinegar donuts recipe . now, don't freak out! it doesn't taste vinegary.
It just adds a slight tang and helps with the texture. i’ve found that baking with apple cider adds a natural sweetness that is just impossible to pass out.
Think fall weekday dinners followed by warm donuts. these are also killer fall dish to pass ideas .
Plus, they're absolutely perfect for a fall gathering food ideas , aren’t they? trust me, these will be the star of any bake sale or sunday dinner dessert ideas .
What makes this apple doughnut recipe stand out? real apple cider reduction. it’s the secret weapon for that intense apple flavour.
You could make a momtimeout recipes out of this one, easy! ready to grab the ingredients?
Spiced Apple Cider Donuts: A Taste of Autumn Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 3 cups (710ml) Apple Cider
- 2 ¼ cups (281g) All-Purpose Flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 ½ teaspoons Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Allspice
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup (113g) Unsalted Butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- ½ cup (120ml) Apple Cider Reduction, cooled
- ½ cup (120ml) Buttermilk
- Vegetable Oil, for frying (if frying)
- ½ cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
🥄 Instructions:
- Simmer cider in a pot until reduced to ½ cup. Cool completely.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the cooled apple cider reduction.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C) or Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Cut out donuts using a donut cutter.
- Carefully lower donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Or Place donuts in the prepared donut pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- While the donuts are still warm, dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating them evenly.
- Place donuts on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Perfect Spiced Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Right, let's talk shop! before we dive into this incredible apple cider donuts recipe , let's make sure we've got everything we need.
It's kinda like prepping for a fall weekday dinners bonanza, but way sweeter. trust me, you don’t want to be caught short halfway through.
I’ve been there, frantically searching for baking soda – not a vibe.
Main Ingredients - The Starry Lineup!
Okay, so for the apple cider reduction, you’ll need 3 cups (710ml) of the good stuff. ideally, find some proper farm-fresh cider.
You know, the kind that actually tastes of apples, not just sugary juice. this is a pillar for any good cider doughnut recipe .
For the donuts themselves, grab:
- 2 ¼ cups (281g) All-Purpose Flour, plus extra for dusting.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Allspice
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup (113g) Unsalted Butter, softened.
- ¾ cup (150g) Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- ½ cup (120ml) Apple Cider Reduction, cooled.
- ½ cup (120ml) Buttermilk
- Vegetable Oil, for frying (if frying).
Quality alert! if you're using butter, make sure it’s good quality proper dairy butter. none of that weird margarine-y stuff.
Also, fresh spices make a massive difference, so give those spice jars a sniff. they should smell vibrant.
Seasoning Notes - A Symphony of Spices!
Think cozy. cinnamon is key. nutmeg adds depth. allspice brings a little something extra. this is your base for southern fall desserts , feel free to experiment.
Honestly, that apple cider vinegar donuts recipe is an alternative for people that wants a twist.
Don’t have allspice? Just use a little more cinnamon and nutmeg. Easy peasy. I always keep a jar of mixed spice blend handy. A real time-saver for Fall Gathering Food Ideas .
Equipment Needed - Keep It Simple, Stupid!
- Large Pot.
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer.
- Donut Cutter
- Deep Fryer or Large, Heavy-Bottomed Pot.
- Candy Thermometer.
- Wire Rack
- Slotted Spoon or Spider
You really only need the basics! if you don’t have a fancy donut cutter, just use two different-sized round cookie cutters.
Or even a knife and some careful cutting. i've even seen people using a mug and a shot glass! whatever works, right? if you're going fancy, a kitchen aid mixer recipes baking desserts situation will make the dough a breeze, but a bowl and spoon work fine too.
If you're frying, that candy thermometer is essential . you need to keep that oil at 350° f ( 175° c) .
Otherwise, you'll end up with greasy, sad donuts. nobody wants that. baking is easier, so dont be ashamed if you pick this method.
Now, go forth and gather your ingredients! you're one step closer to fried donuts homemade deliciousness! and remember, momtimeout recipes are all about having fun, even if things get a little messy.
I love watching fall food videos while i bake, it helps me get in the autumnal mood. these could be easy fall themed snacks , or something more ambitious like these donuts.

Alright, let's get cracking! an apple cider donuts recipe , eh? smells like autumn in here already! these donuts are perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or a cheeky breakfast treat.
Let's dive in!
Cooking Method: Spiced Apple Cider Donuts – A Taste of Autumn
These aren't those supermarket donuts, love. we’re talking proper deep-fried (or baked!) perfection! they are infused with real apple cider and a warming spice blend.
It's like a fall weekday dinner dessert. think bonfire night, but in donut form.
This apple cider donuts recipe is medium difficulty. It requires a little patience. The steps are straightforward. Don't worry, we're not splitting the atom!
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place? Crikey, yes! Measure out all your ingredients before you start. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver.
Time-saving organization tips? Absolutely! Reduce that apple cider first . It needs to cool. Do that while you gather the rest. That way, it's ready to go when you need it.
Step-by-Step Process: Let's Get Baking!
- Reduce 3 cups of apple cider to ½ cup . Simmer, then cool!
- Whisk 2 ¼ cups flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon allspice, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Cream ½ cup softened butter with ¾ cup sugar. Until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 2 large eggs , then ½ cup cooled cider reduction.
- Alternate dry and wet ingredients, ending with dry. Add ½ cup buttermilk too!
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes .
- Heat oil to 350° F ( 175° C) for frying. Or preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) for baking.
- Fry for 2- 3 minutes per side . Bake for 10- 12 minutes .
Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen
Don't overmix! Honestly, it's the worst for tough donuts.
Fry them a few at a time. Crowding the pan lowers the oil temp. Avoid that!
Make these ahead? absolutely! fry or bake them, cool them. then freeze them, without the cinnamon-sugar coating. when ready, defrost.
Coat in cinnamon-sugar and warm them up slightly. perfect for fall gathering food ideas !
There you have it! now go forth and bake some seriously delicious apple doughnut recipes ! these are great as easy fall themed snacks .
Don't forget to share on momtimeout recipes if you want, or even post a fall food video ! you're all set for a sunday dinner dessert idea , or even some southern fall desserts .
Enjoy!
Alright, so you've got your apple cider donuts ready. Now what? Don't just chuck 'em on a plate, darlings! Let's talk about making these Apple Cider Donuts Recipe shine .
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!
Honestly, presentation makes all the difference. plating and presentation ideas could be as simple as a dusting of icing sugar or as fancy as stacking them high on a cake stand.
Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. it's a total crowd-pleaser.
Complementary sides or beverages ? A hot cup of coffee, tea or even a nice glass of cold milk will do the trick. Looking for something extra special? Try a caramel latte.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh
Refrigeration guidelines: these babies are best enjoyed fresh, you know? if you have leftovers (unlikely, but you never know!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing options (if applicable): while i wouldn't recommend freezing them after they're fried, you can freeze the un-fried dough! just wrap it tightly in cling film and pop it in the freezer for up to a month.
Thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling and frying.
Reheating instructions: A quick zap in the microwave (like, 10-15 seconds) or a few minutes in a warm oven will revive them nicely.
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Fancy shaking things up? Southern Fall Desserts are always a hit.
Dietary adaptations: trying to be a bit healthier? bake these instead of frying! they won't be quite the same, but still delicious.
Alternatively, you could look into a gluten-free version by swapping regular flour for a gluten-free blend.
Seasonal ingredient swaps: Instead of cinnamon sugar coating, try a maple glaze. Or, for Fall Weekday Dinners , experiment with pumpkin spice instead of apple.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Knowledge
Let's be real, Cider Doughnut Recipe are a treat.
Think of this as Easy Fall Themed Snacks .
Simplified nutrition information: Okay, so they aren't exactly a health food. But everything in moderation, right? One donut is roughly 250-300 calories. So treat yourself.
Key health benefits: Alright, this is a stretch. But, a little bit of spice can boost your mood! Consider it a mini-therapy session.
Honestly, give this apple cider donuts recipe a whirl. don't be afraid to make mistakes. just have fun, and most importantly, enjoy every single bite.
This cider doughnut recipe is perfect. trust me, you've got this!
Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my apple cider donuts recipe dough so sticky?
A sticky dough is often due to too much liquid or not enough flour. Make sure you've accurately measured your ingredients, especially the apple cider reduction and buttermilk. Chilling the dough for the recommended 30 minutes is crucial as it allows the flour to fully absorb the liquid and firms up the butter, making it easier to handle. A little extra flour on your work surface when rolling can also help – but don't overdo it, or you'll end up with tough donuts!
Can I bake these instead of frying? Do baked apple cider donuts taste the same?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier alternative to frying. While they won't have the exact same texture (fried donuts are a bit crispier), baked apple cider donuts are still delicious and a great way to enjoy that apple cider flavour without all the oil. Bake them in a greased donut pan at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Think of it as the difference between fish and chips and baked cod - both delicious, just different experiences!
How do I store leftover apple cider donuts recipe so they stay fresh?
The best way to store leftover donuts is in an airtight container at room temperature. They're usually best enjoyed within 1-2 days, as they can start to dry out after that. To revive slightly stale donuts, you can microwave them for a few seconds or briefly warm them in a low oven. For longer storage, you can freeze them (without the cinnamon sugar coating!). Wrap them individually in cling film, then place in a freezer bag, and they'll keep for about 2-3 months. Just thaw them completely and give them a fresh dusting of cinnamon sugar before serving!
My apple cider donuts are greasy after frying – what went wrong?
Greasy donuts usually indicate that the oil temperature wasn't hot enough. If the oil isn't hot enough, the donuts will absorb the oil instead of cooking properly. Aim for a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) using a candy thermometer. Also, don't overcrowd the fryer – frying too many donuts at once will lower the oil temperature. Ensuring the dough is properly chilled before frying also helps!
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes and no. The dough itself can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. However, fried or baked donuts are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to prep in advance, make the dough, chill it overnight, and then fry or bake them just before serving. That way, you can enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven (or fryer!) goodness! Think of it like a Sunday roast – you could cook it all on Saturday, but it's always better on the day!
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