Apple cider donuts are a fall favorite that combines the rich, comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider into a delicious treat. These donuts are especially popular in autumn, when the crisp air and vibrant foliage make the perfect backdrop for enjoying a warm, sugary donut. Whether you’re enjoying them at a local orchard or making them at home, apple cider donuts offer a delightful taste of the season. In this article, we’ll break down the steps for making apple cider donuts from scratch, providing you with a thorough guide for creating these mouthwatering treats in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Donuts
To start, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make your apple cider donuts. The flavor of these donuts comes from a mix of sweet and spicy ingredients, along with the concentrated apple cider reduction. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
1 ½ cups apple cider
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
2 large eggs
4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup milk
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the cinnamon-sugar coating
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Once you have your ingredients ready, you’re all set to start making these delicious donuts!
Preparing the Apple Cider Reduction
One of the key components of apple cider donuts is the concentrated apple cider flavor, which comes from reducing the cider. This step is crucial because it intensifies the flavor, making it a key player in the donut’s taste. To prepare the apple cider reduction, pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Allow the cider to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced to about one-quarter of its original volume. This process should take approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on the amount of cider and heat level.
Once the cider has thickened and reduced, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool. The concentrated cider will have a deeper, more intense flavor, which will shine through in the final donuts.
Mixing the Dough
Now that we have our apple cider reduction ready, it’s time to mix the dough. First, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will help the donuts rise properly when fried.
In a separate bowl, beat together the wet ingredients: eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider reduction. Mix them together until fully combined.
Next, create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and slowly pour the wet ingredients into the well. Gently mix everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula, being careful not to overwork the dough. The dough will be thick, but it should be sticky enough to hold its shape when you cut it into donuts.
Shaping the Donuts
After the dough is mixed, it’s time to shape the donuts. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and use your hands to gently pat it out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. You want the dough to be thick enough to hold up to frying but not so thick that the donuts become too dense.
Using a donut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes (a larger one for the outer edge and a smaller one for the hole), cut out donut shapes. Carefully lift each donut from the dough, making sure to keep its shape intact. You can re-roll any leftover dough to cut out additional donuts.
If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a drinking glass to cut the outer edge of the donut and a bottle cap or small round cutter for the center. Just make sure to gently press down on the cutters to avoid pushing the dough down too much.
Frying the Donuts
Frying is a critical step in making apple cider donuts. To get them golden brown and perfectly cooked, you’ll need to heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Fill the pot with enough oil to submerge the donuts, but be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). You can check the temperature using a kitchen thermometer, or you can drop a small piece of dough into the oil to see if it sizzles immediately.
Carefully lower the shaped donuts into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs, one at a time. Fry them for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Be sure to monitor the oil temperature closely, as it can fluctuate. If the oil gets too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside without cooking through. If it’s too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Once the donuts are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Coating the Donuts
While the donuts are still warm, it’s time to coat them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for added sweetness and flavor. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Gently roll each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. For an extra indulgent treat, you can even coat the donuts twice for a thicker layer of cinnamon-sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Apple cider donuts are best enjoyed warm, so serve them fresh out of the fryer for maximum flavor. Pair them with a cup of hot apple cider or your favorite coffee to create the perfect fall treat. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.
For a more festive presentation, serve the donuts on a platter with some autumn-themed decorations, such as mini pumpkins, leaves, or cinnamon sticks. This can elevate the experience and make your homemade donuts feel like a special seasonal treat.
Storage Tips
If you have leftover apple cider donuts (though it’s unlikely!), you can store them to keep them fresh for a few days. Place the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them. To do this, place the donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen donuts can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds for a quick warm-up.
If you want to coat the donuts in cinnamon-sugar before freezing them, it’s best to do so after reheating to preserve the texture of the coating.
Conclusion
Making apple cider donuts at home is a rewarding and fun way to embrace the flavors of fall. From reducing the apple cider for a concentrated flavor to frying the donuts to golden perfection, each step helps create a delicious treat that will fill your kitchen with warmth and aroma. Whether you’re serving them with a hot drink or enjoying them on their own, apple cider donuts are a timeless fall favorite that will leave everyone craving more. Follow this simple guide, and you’ll be enjoying homemade apple cider donuts in no time!
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