Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts: Fall’s Best Recipe

Name: Apple Cider Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup fresh apple cider; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); Water (as needed for glaze)

Recipe By:

Emily Harrison

Posted:

August 18, 2025

Updated:

August 18, 2025

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Apple cider donuts are like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day. Imagine biting into one, where the sweet and spicy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg dance with the tangy essence of fresh-pressed apple cider, creating a delightful explosion in your mouth. The soft, fluffy texture paired with that perfect sugary glaze makes each bite an irresistible treat that beckons to be enjoyed while cozying up with a good book or sharing laughter with friends around a bonfire.

Nothing brings back memories quite like the scent of apple cider donuts wafting through the air. I vividly remember my grandmother’s kitchen filled with warmth and laughter as we whipped up these delightful treats together during fall harvests. The excitement was palpable, especially when she’d sneak me an extra donut before they were even fully cooled. Trust me, these donuts are perfect for cozy gatherings, crisp autumn mornings, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth craving!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These apple cider donuts are incredibly easy to make at home, allowing you to impress friends and family effortlessly
The combination of spices creates an irresistible flavor profile that captures the essence of fall
Their golden-brown appearance is perfectly inviting, making them hard to resist on any dessert table
Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve at brunches or as a delightful afternoon snack

I still smile when I think about how my kids’ faces lit up after their first bite of these donuts; pure joy!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

All-Purpose Flour: A staple for baking; it provides the perfect structure for these fluffy donuts.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter beautifully; I often use a bit less for a balanced flavor.
Baking Powder: Essential for creating that light and airy texture; fresh powder guarantees optimal rising.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices are key players in the flavor game, bringing warmth and comfort to every bite.
Apple Cider: Use fresh-pressed cider for that authentic autumn flavor; it’s what makes these donuts sing!
Eggs: They bind everything together while adding moisture and richness to the donuts.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness; I recommend using unsalted for better control over seasoning.
Powdered Sugar: For that sweet glaze finish; it’s what takes these beauties over the top!

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). Grease your donut pan generously with nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy release later.

Prepare your dry ingredients by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl until well combined. The aroma will already start getting you excited!

In another bowl, combine wet ingredients: mix the eggs, melted butter, and apple cider until smooth. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients gently until just combined; don’t overmix! You want those fluffy textures intact.

Spoon or pipe the batter into your greased donut pan about two-thirds full—this way they’ll rise nicely without overflowing. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and springy to touch.

Once baked, let them cool slightly before removing them from the pan. While they cool completely on a wire rack, prepare your powdered sugar glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and water until smooth.

Once cooled completely but still warm, dip each donut into your glaze generously; allow excess to drip off before placing them back on the rack. Enjoy immediately or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence!

You Must Know

Apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh
They have a delightful crunch on the outside, while remaining fluffy and flavorful on the inside
The sweet aroma of cinnamon and apple will fill your kitchen, making this treat irresistible to family and friends

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfect apple cider donuts, start by reducing the apple cider to concentrate flavors. Then, mix dry ingredients before gradually adding wet ingredients for a smooth batter.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your apple cider donuts by adding nuts or spices like nutmeg. You can also glaze them with maple syrup for an extra sweet twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds for a fresh taste.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly fluffy donuts, avoid overmixing the batter; mix just until combined
Use fresh apple cider for maximum flavor, and ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to prevent greasy results
Lastly, don’t skip the cinnamon sugar coating – it’s heavenly!

One fall, I brought these apple cider donuts to a friend’s gathering, and they vanished within minutes. Everyone begged for the recipe; it felt like being a rock star in my own kitchen!

FAQs

FAQ

How do I know when my oil is hot enough?

Drop a small piece of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Can I bake instead of fry these donuts?

Yes! Bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

What can I use instead of apple cider?

You can substitute apple juice if needed, but flavor may vary slightly.

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