Homemade Apple Cider Donuts
Classic Fall Treat – Can be Fried or Baked
KEY INFO
- Prep Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Cook Time: 4 mins (fried) or 11 mins (baked)
- Total Time: 2-3 hours
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be made vegan)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring tools
- Dutch oven OR donut pan
- Cooling rack
- Thermometer
- Tongs/spider (for fried version)
Note: A deep frying pan can replace Dutch oven; muffin tin can substitute donut pan
INGREDIENTS
For the Donuts:
- 2½ cups (590ml) apple cider, reduced to ½ cup
- 3¾ cups (548g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) dark brown sugar
- 6 Tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup (80ml) whole milk
- 2 large eggs + 1 yolk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
For Frying:
- 2 quarts canola oil
For Coating:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
METHOD
- Reduce Cider: Simmer apple cider in saucepan over medium heat until reduced to ½ cup (30-45 minutes).
- Let reduced cider cool completely.
- Mix dry ingredients in large bowl:
- Flour
- Brown sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Spices
- Whisk wet ingredients in separate bowl:
- Melted butter
- Milk
- Eggs
- Cooled reduced cider
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Don’t overmix!
- Chill dough 1 hour minimum.
For frying:
- Heat oil to 330°F (165°C).
- Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
For baking:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Pipe batter into greased donut pan.
- Bake 10-11 minutes until springy.
While still warm, coat in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
CRUCIAL TIPS
- Reducing cider concentrates flavor – don’t skip!
- Keep oil at a steady temperature.
- Test one donut first.
- Don’t overmix dough.
- Cool slightly before coating.
STORAGE & VARIATIONS
Storage:
- Best fresh.
- Room temp: 2 days.
- Refrigerated: 5 days.
Common Mistakes:
- Unreduced cider = weak flavor.
- Overworked dough = tough donuts.
- Oil too hot/cold = greasy/raw centers.
Variations:
- Add apple chunks.
- Use maple glaze.
- Mix up spices.
- Make donut holes.
This recipe produces tender, flavorful donuts with real apple cider taste – perfect for fall! Let me know if you need any clarification on the steps.
