Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts Recipe – 5 Secret Tips Inside

Name: Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts Recipe - 5 Secret Tips Inside
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup apple cider; 1/4 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon for coating

Author: lia

Published: August 19, 2025

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There’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh apple cider donut on a crisp fall morning. That perfect crunch on the outside giving way to a tender, spiced interior – it’s pure magic. I’ve been making these for years, ever since my aunt taught me her secret: using reduced apple cider for maximum flavor. Now, they’re a must-have at our family’s autumn gatherings. The kids hover around the kitchen, begging for the first piping hot donuts straight from the oil. And who can blame them? That warm cinnamon sugar coating and rich apple aroma are irresistible. These homemade apple cider donuts capture everything wonderful about the season in one delicious bite.

Apple Cider Donuts - detail 1

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Donuts

Trust me, these apple cider donuts will become your new fall obsession. Here’s why:

That perfect texture – crisp golden crust with a melt-in-your-mouth center that’s just sweet enough
Real apple flavor – not just cinnamon! The reduced cider gives them an authentic orchard taste
So fun to make – rolling and cutting the dough feels like playing with edible playdough
Instant crowd-pleaser – watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds please!”

Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for them to cool enough to eat – but who am I kidding? We never wait!

Apple Cider Donuts Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients – you probably have most in your pantry already! The magic happens when they all come together:

Dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt
Wet ingredients: 1/2 cup apple cider (reduced from 1 cup), 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
For frying & coating: Vegetable oil for frying, 1/2 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon for coating

Pro tip: Use the best quality apple cider you can find – it makes all the difference in flavor!

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts

Alright, let’s get to the fun part! Making these apple cider donuts is easier than you think – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfect donuts every time. I’ve learned through trial and error (and a few messy batches!) exactly how to nail this recipe.

Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

First, grab two bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet. Whisk together all your dry stuff (flour, spices, baking powder/soda) until everything’s evenly distributed. In the other bowl, whisk the egg first, then mix in all the wet ingredients including that wonderful reduced apple cider. Pro tip: Don’t overmix once you combine them – a few lumps are totally fine!

Chill and Shape the Dough

Here’s where patience comes in – pop that dough in the fridge for 30 minutes. I know, waiting is hard, but this makes the dough SO much easier to handle. After chilling, roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into donut shapes – I use a 3-inch cutter with a 1-inch hole cutter for the center.

Fry the Apple Cider Donuts

Heat your oil to 350°F – this temperature is crucial! Too hot and they’ll burn, too cool and they’ll get greasy. Gently lower a few donuts at a time into the oil (don’t crowd them) and fry for 1-2 minutes per side until they’re that perfect golden brown. Drain them on paper towels – this helps absorb any extra oil while keeping that crisp exterior we love.

Apple Cider Donuts - detail 2

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts are still warm (but not too hot to handle), roll them in your cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the coating stick beautifully. Now try to resist eating them all at once – I dare you!

Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donuts

After making countless batches of these apple cider donuts (some better than others – we won’t talk about the hockey puck incident!), I’ve learned a few secrets for guaranteed success:

Fresh cider is non-negotiable – that bottled stuff just doesn’t give the same depth of flavor
Less is more when mixing – stir just until combined to keep the texture tender
Oil temp is everything – use a thermometer and let it recover between batches
Test one donut first – fry a single donut to check oil temp and cooking time before committing to the whole batch

Follow these tips and you’ll be crowned donut royalty at your next gathering!

Apple Cider Donuts Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these fun twists on classic apple cider donuts! For a lighter version, bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes instead of frying. I love adding tiny diced apples to the batter for extra texture, or swapping the cinnamon sugar for a simple powdered sugar glaze when I’m feeling fancy. The possibilities are endless!

Storing and Reheating Apple Cider Donuts

These apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you miraculously have leftovers (it happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer – they’ll keep beautifully for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back that irresistible crispness. Trust me, they’ll taste like you just fried them!

Apple Cider Donuts Nutrition Information

Just between us, these aren’t health food – but everything in moderation, right? Each delicious apple cider donut clocks in at about 220 calories, with 15g sugar and 8g fat. Remember, these numbers are estimates and can change based on your specific ingredients or how much cinnamon sugar coating you pile on (no judgment here!). They’re treats meant to be savored, not counted – though I won’t tell if you sneak an extra one!

FAQs About Apple Cider Donuts

Can I bake these apple cider donuts instead of frying? Absolutely! I do this when I want a slightly lighter version. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes in a greased donut pan. They won’t get quite as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.

What’s the best way to make gluten-free apple cider donuts? I’ve had great results using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. The texture is slightly different, but still wonderful. Just be extra careful not to overmix the batter.

Why do I need to reduce the apple cider? Reducing concentrates that amazing apple flavor! Simmer 1 cup cider down to 1/2 cup – it makes all the difference. My aunt would say “This step is what separates the donuts from the doughnuts!”

Can I make the dough ahead of time? You bet! The dough keeps well in the fridge overnight. Just wrap it tightly – I’ve even frozen it for up to a month with great results. Thaw in the fridge before rolling and cutting.

What’s your secret for extra crispy apple cider donuts? Two things: keep that oil at exactly 350°F, and don’t skip the paper towel draining step. Also, eat them fresh – they’re best within a few hours of frying (not that they ever last that long in my house!).

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