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To make the spiced apple cider donuts, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 cups apple cider - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp baking powder - 1/2 tsp baking soda - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg - 1/4 tsp ground ginger - 1/4 tsp salt - 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating) - 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for coating) Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a warm and cozy flavor. The apple cider adds sweetness and depth. The melted butter gives a rich taste and moist texture. Eggs help bind everything together, while the flour gives structure. The baking powder and baking soda help the donuts rise, making them fluffy. The spices are what really make these donuts special. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring a classic fall taste that is hard to resist. When you coat the warm donuts in powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar, it creates a sweet, crunchy layer. This is the final touch that makes these treats even more delightful. Gather these ingredients, and you are on your way to making a delicious fall treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make great spiced apple cider donuts, start by reducing the apple cider. Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan. Heat it over medium-high heat until it boils. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. This will concentrate the sweet apple flavor. You want it reduced to about 1 cup. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. Cooling is key to avoid cooking the eggs later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important because it helps the donuts rise and bake evenly. While your oven heats, grab your donut pan. Lightly grease each cavity with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the donuts from sticking and helps them pop out easily after baking. Now it’s time to combine your ingredients. In a large bowl, add the melted butter, granulated sugar, and the reduced apple cider. Whisk these together until smooth. Next, crack in 2 large eggs and mix well. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and other spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix, stirring gently. Avoid over-mixing. Some lumps in the batter are okay; they help keep the donuts fluffy. Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan. Fill each cavity about 3/4 of the way full. This gives them room to rise. Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, they are done. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. While the donuts cool, prepare for the sweet finish. In a shallow bowl, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar. While the donuts are still warm, roll each donut in the sugar mixture. Coat them well for a delightful crunch. Serve these treats warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with apple cider or a cup of coffee. Enjoy each bite of this fall-inspired delight! To make your donuts fluffy and moist, focus on these tips: - Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. - Make sure your butter is melted but not hot. - Combine wet and dry ingredients gently. Mix just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to dense donuts. If you want to adjust spices, start with these amounts: - 1 teaspoon of cinnamon gives warmth. - 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg adds depth. - A touch of ginger gives a nice kick. Feel free to tweak these spices to suit your taste. To keep your donut pan in great shape, follow these best practices: - After using, wash it with warm, soapy water. - Avoid using metal scrubbers that can scratch the surface. - Dry it thoroughly before storing to prevent rust. If you don't have a donut pan, don’t worry! You can use: - A muffin tin with a ball of foil in the center. - A baking sheet to shape donuts by hand. Enjoying your apple cider donuts with the right drink enhances the experience. Here are some great options: - A warm cup of apple cider pairs perfectly. - Coffee or tea can also complement the sweetness. For side dishes, consider serving: - Spiced nuts for a crunchy contrast. - A simple fruit salad with seasonal fruits for freshness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cider: For the best flavor, use fresh apple cider rather than bottled or concentrate. This enhances the natural apple flavor in your donuts. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones. Cool Before Coating: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before rolling them in the sugar mixture. This helps the sugar stick better and prevents it from melting. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of allspice or cloves can give your donuts a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your spiced apple cider donuts. Adding pumpkin spice gives them a warm twist. Just mix in one tablespoon of pumpkin spice with the dry ingredients. You can also make a vanilla version. Add one tablespoon of vanilla extract to the wet mix. This will create a sweet and fragrant donut. For a chocolate surprise, try chocolate-glazed donuts. Once the donuts cool, dip them in melted chocolate. This sweet layer adds a rich taste. Glazing your donuts can make them even more special. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk works great. Mix one cup of powdered sugar with two tablespoons of milk. Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze and let it set. You can also try a maple glaze. Mix one cup of powdered sugar with two tablespoons of maple syrup. The maple flavor pairs well with the apple cider. Toppings can add crunch and flavor. Try adding chopped nuts or sprinkles for a fun look. You can also sprinkle more cinnamon sugar on top for extra sweetness. Making these donuts vegan is easy. Substitute the eggs with one mashed banana or a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. This will help keep the donuts light and fluffy. These variations help you enjoy spiced apple cider donuts in many ways. To keep your spiced apple cider donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can also line the container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Avoid stacking the donuts directly on top of each other, as this can cause them to stick. To freeze your donuts, first, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. For the best taste, reheat your donuts in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet and heat for about 5–7 minutes. This method keeps them warm and soft. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the donuts soggy or tough. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor! The best apple cider for donuts is fresh and pure. You can use homemade cider for the best flavor. If you choose store-bought, look for cider with no added sugars or preservatives. This will give your donuts a rich taste. Always check the label for quality. Yes, you can make these donuts ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They taste best within two days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Just remember to thaw them before serving. To check if your donuts are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready. They should also spring back when lightly pressed. Keep an eye on the baking time; it’s usually 10-12 minutes. If you need an egg substitute, here are some options: - Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg. - Try 1/4 cup mashed banana as another option. - You can also use 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water. Let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to your mix. These substitutes work well in baking. You now know how to make delicious apple cider donuts. We covered each step, from reducing cider to baking and coating. Remember, the right spices and baking tips will create fluffy donuts. You can also explore variations, like vegan or gluten-free options. Don’t forget to store your leftovers correctly for fresh flavors later. Enjoy making these tasty treats with family and friends, and try pairing them with your favorite drinks. Happy baking!

Spiced Apple Cider Donuts

Delicious donuts infused with spiced apple cider, perfect for fall.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1 cups powdered sugar (for coating)
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for coating)

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until it’s reduced to about 1 cup. Let it cool slightly.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
  • In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and reduced apple cider. Whisk in the eggs until well incorporated.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; some lumps are okay.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  • While the donuts are still warm, mix the powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each donut in the mixture until fully coated.
  • Enjoy the donuts warm or at room temperature with your favorite apple cider or coffee.

Notes

Arrange the donuts on a rustic wooden platter garnished with apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a charming fall-inspired look.
Keyword apple cider, donuts, fall recipes