The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Crispy on the outside, wonderfully soft on the inside, these Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts capture the very essence of autumn. Imagine biting into a warm, spiced treat, infused with concentrated apple cider and a hint of cinnamon sugar. These delightful donuts offer a perfect balance of comforting sweetness and tangy apple notes, making them an irresistible snack or dessert for any occasion. Prepare to fall in love with these homemade Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts, a true seasonal joy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts
- Irresistible Autumnal Flavors: Each bite of these Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts delivers a burst of warm spices and concentrated apple, making them the ultimate fall comfort food.
- Simple & Rewarding Baking: Donut making might sound complex, but this recipe is straightforward, yielding impressive results even for novice bakers.
- Perfect for Sharing: These delectable Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts are ideal for family gatherings, brunches, or a cozy evening with a cup of tea.
- Naturally Wholesome Goodness: Crafted with real apple cider and simple pantry staples, you create a treat you can feel good about sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting exceptional Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts begins with selecting quality ingredients. Opt for organic where possible to truly elevate the natural apple and spice flavors.
- For the Donuts:
- 2 cups (about 480ml) fresh apple cider, preferably unfiltered
- 2 ½ cups (about 300g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting (consider a blend with whole wheat for added fiber)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but highly recommended for depth)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened (or a plant-based butter alternative)
- ½ cup (about 100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (about 50g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg (or a flax egg for a vegan option)
- ½ cup (about 120ml) buttermilk (or plant-based milk + 1 tsp lemon juice/vinegar)
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying (about 4-6 cups, depending on your pot)
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup (about 100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Substitutions & Variations
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.
As Hana, I always encourage mindful choices and vibrant variations! To make these Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts even more wholesome, consider swapping half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour. For a vegan twist, use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 mins), and a plant-based buttermilk substitute (e.g., almond milk with lemon juice).
Enhance the apple flavor further by grating in a little fresh apple zest into the batter. For an anti-waste tip, if you have leftover apple cores, boil them with a cinnamon stick and a little sugar to make a quick apple tea to enjoy alongside your donuts!
For those looking to explore more delightful variations of donuts, check out this recipe for Homemade Sugar Donuts, which offers a sweet twist that complements the flavors of your Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large saucepan or pot (for reducing cider and frying)
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls (at least 2 large)
- Electric mixer (stand or hand-held, optional but helpful)
- Rolling pin
- Donut cutter (or two round cutters, one larger for the donut, one smaller for the hole)
- Slotted spoon or spider
- Wire cooling rack
- Paper towels
- Baking sheet
- Deep-fry thermometer (highly recommended for best results)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear steps to create your perfect batch of Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts.
- Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently. Allow the cider to reduce by about half, until it measures approximately 1 cup (240ml). This intensifies the apple flavor significantly. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the cooled reduced apple cider and the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients (e.g., 1/3 dry, 1/2 cider, 1/3 dry, 1/2 buttermilk, 1/3 dry). Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and prevents the donuts from absorbing too much oil.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface and your rolling pin. Roll out the chilled dough to about ½-inch thickness. Using a donut cutter, cut out the donut shapes. Gather and re-roll scraps once or twice to cut more donuts.
- Prepare Frying Station: Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, ensuring the oil is at least 3 inches deep. Attach a deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place a wire rack over it.
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully lower 2-3 donuts (do not overcrowd the pot) into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Adjust heat as necessary to maintain 350°F (175°C).
- Drain and Coat: Using a slotted spoon or spider, carefully remove the Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts from the oil and transfer them to the prepared wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the donuts are still warm, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a shallow dish. Gently toss each Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts!
To ensure your donuts come out perfectly every time, you might want to look at our guide on Perfect Homemade Baked Donuts for detailed steps that can enhance your baking skills.
Pro Tips for Success
- Reduce Your Cider Properly: Do not skip the cider reduction step! This is where the intense apple flavor for your Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts comes from. Reduce it until it’s noticeably thicker and much darker.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough donuts. Mix until just combined; a few lumps are fine. This ensures your Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts remain tender.
- Chill Your Dough Thoroughly: Cold dough is less sticky and easier to handle, preventing the donuts from spreading too much and absorbing excess oil during frying.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer and keep the oil as close to 350°F (175°C) as possible. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will be greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn outside before cooking inside.
- Coat While Warm: For the best cinnamon sugar adherence, coat your Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts as soon as they are cool enough to handle, but still warm.
Storage & Reheating Tips
These Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, ideally within a few hours of making them. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, place the donuts on a baking sheet and warm them in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back some of their original warmth and softness, making your Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts delicious once more.
If you’re trying to keep your treats fresh, read about the Gelatin Trick Diet, which can help prolong the life of your baked goods while maintaining their delicious taste.
What to Serve With This Recipe
While Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts are a treat in themselves, pairing them mindfully enhances the experience! For a complete autumnal breakfast or brunch, serve them alongside a vibrant fruit salad featuring seasonal berries, sliced apples, and grapes. A warm cup of spiced tea or a creamy oat milk latte makes a delightful beverage companion.
For something savory to balance the sweetness, consider a small bowl of plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based alternative) with a sprinkle of granola, or even a light frittata with seasonal vegetables. These pairings keep the meal fresh and wholesome, perfectly complementing your delicious Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bake these Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts instead of frying them?
While traditionally fried for that classic texture, you can bake these donuts as well. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t have the same crispy exterior, but they will still be delicious and full of apple cider flavor.
What if I don’t have a donut cutter for these Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts?
No problem! You can use two round cookie cutters – one larger for the donut shape (about 3-inch diameter) and a smaller one (about 1-inch diameter) for the center hole. If you don’t have those, get creative with the rim of a glass and a bottle cap for the hole! The key is uniform size for even frying.
How can I make sure my Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts are not greasy?
The trick to non-greasy Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts lies in maintaining the correct oil temperature, ideally 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer and adjust your stove’s heat as needed. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Also, ensure you don’t overcrowd the pot, which can drop the oil temperature significantly.
Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts are traditional treats that resonate with the nostalgic flavors of fall, often made with fresh apple cider. These donuts are a delightful way to celebrate the season, bringing warmth and comfort to any gathering, as seen in this doughnut overview.
Final Thoughts
These Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts are more than just a recipe; they are a delightful journey back to cozy autumn days. Each bite is a warm hug, a sweet reminder of nature’s bounty and the simple joys of homemade treats. I truly hope you savor every moment of making and enjoying these wonderful Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
(Estimates based on 1 of 12 servings, without frying oil absorption)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 3g |
Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts
Crispy on the outside, wonderfully soft on the inside, these Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts capture the very essence of autumn. They deliver a burst of warm spices and concentrated apple, making them the ultimate fall comfort food.
Ingredients
Method
- Reduce the apple cider by simmering it until it measures approximately 1 cup.
- In a bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugars, then add the egg until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients with cider and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough and cut out donut shapes.
- Prepare the frying station and heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully fry the donuts until golden brown.
- Drain and coat in cinnamon sugar mixture while warm.
Notes
Make sure to properly reduce the cider for the best flavor. Maintain the oil temperature to avoid greasy donuts. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
