5 Steps to Perfect Apple Cider Donuts at Home

There's something about the crispness in the air when fall arrives that makes everyone crave the warm, sweet, and tangy aroma of apple cider donuts. These treats, traditionally enjoyed at farmers' markets or seasonal fairs, are not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make at home. Let’s dive into how you can perfect your very own batch of apple cider donuts, turning your kitchen into a little piece of autumnal bliss.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you get started, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients:

• 1 cup of apple cider (reduce it to 1/4 cup)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Cinnamon sugar (1/2 cup sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon) for coating

🍎 Note: Reducing apple cider concentrates the flavor, giving your donuts a punch of apple taste that can't be beaten!

Step 2: Reducing the Apple Cider

This step is crucial for infusing your donuts with deep apple flavor:

1. Bring 1 cup of apple cider to a simmer in a small saucepan.
2. Reduce heat to low and let it cook until it’s reduced to 1/4 cup.

🔍 Note: Keep an eye on the cider; it can quickly go from reducing to burning.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

Now for the fun part – mixing the ingredients:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine eggs and sugar until well mixed.
3. Add the reduced apple cider, buttermilk, and melted butter to the egg mixture.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Shaping and Frying

Here’s how to turn your dough into delicious, golden donuts:

1. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
3. Use a donut cutter or two different sized round cookie cutters to form the donuts.
4. Fry the donuts in batches, about 1 minute per side or until they’re a deep golden brown.
5. Let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

💡 Note: Be cautious while frying; the oil is very hot!

Step 5: Coating the Donuts

Once your donuts have cooled slightly, but are still warm:

1. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
2. Toss each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.

As you go through these steps, remember that the heart of making apple cider donuts at home lies not just in the recipe but in the joy of creating something sweet and comforting. Whether you’re making these for a family breakfast, a fall gathering, or just because you deserve a treat, the process itself is part of the autumn experience.

Can I bake apple cider donuts instead of frying them?

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Yes, you can bake apple cider donuts if you prefer less oil. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a donut pan, fill the molds about ³⁄₄ full with batter, and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden. Remember to coat them in cinnamon sugar right after baking for the same delicious effect.

What can I do with leftover cider?

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If you have extra apple cider, you can use it to make a glaze for the donuts by reducing it further and mixing it with powdered sugar, or you can save it for another batch of donuts, apple cider cake, or for a delicious hot toddy.

Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?

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Reducing the apple cider concentrates its flavors, making your donuts taste more intensely of apple. This ensures that every bite packs a punch of that autumnal apple taste.