Spiced Apple Cider Donuts Irresistible Fall Treat

Fall is here, and what better way to celebrate than with Spiced Apple Cider Donuts? These warm, soft treats are bursting with the flavors of apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making them perfect for cozy afternoons. I’ll guide you through every step, from gathering ingredients to baking the perfect batch. Don’t miss out on this delightful recipe that makes every bite a taste of autumn magic! Let’s get started!

Ingredients

To make the best spiced apple cider donuts, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s the list:

– 2 cups apple cider

– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– ½ cup brown sugar, packed firmly

– 2 teaspoons baking powder

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

– ½ teaspoon ground allspice

– ½ teaspoon salt

– 2 large eggs

– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating)

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

These ingredients work together to create soft, fluffy donuts with a warm spice flavor. The apple cider adds a rich, fruity taste that makes these donuts a fall favorite. You can find the full recipe in the next section.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Apple Cider

To start, you need to prepare the apple cider. Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer. You want to reduce the cider by half. This takes about 15-20 minutes. After reducing, take the saucepan off the heat and let the cider cool completely before using it.

Making the Donut Batter

Next, let’s make the donut batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of ground allspice, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until evenly mixed.

In a separate bowl, crack 2 large eggs. Whisk them until lightly beaten. Then, add ½ cup of melted butter, the cooled apple cider, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these until you get a smooth batter. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a spatula or spoon until just combined. It’s okay if there are some small lumps. Do not overmix.

Baking the Donuts

Now, let’s bake the donuts. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a donut pan, grease it well with cooking spray or butter. You can also use a silicone mold for easy removal. Carefully spoon the batter into the pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.

Bake the donuts for 12-15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, gently remove them and roll each warm donut in a mix of ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a sweet finish. Enjoy these treats warm or at room temperature. For the full recipe, refer to Spiced Apple Cider Donuts.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To get the best texture, do not overmix your batter. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients blend. Overmixing can make your donuts tough, which we want to avoid. Also, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. An oven that is too hot can burn the outside before the inside cooks.

Enhancing Flavor

You can boost the flavor of your donuts by adding extra spices. Try ginger or cardamom for a fun twist. Fresh spices give a stronger taste than ground spices. If you can, use fresh spices for the best flavor.

Presentation Tips

When serving, arrange the donuts nicely on a platter. You can stack them or place them in a circle. To make them look extra special, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top. You can also add thin slices of fresh apples around the plate for color. This makes your treats look inviting and delicious. Don’t forget to check out the Full Recipe for all the steps!

Variations

Gluten-Free Spiced Apple Cider Donuts

To make these donuts gluten-free, you can use gluten-free flour blends. Look for blends that contain a mix of rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch. These blends mimic all-purpose flour well. You might also try almond flour, but it can change the texture.

When using gluten-free flour, you may need to adjust the baking time. Start with the same time, but check for doneness a few minutes earlier. Gluten-free donuts can dry out quickly, so keep an eye on them.

Vegan Spiced Apple Cider Donuts

To make these donuts vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. For dairy, use plant-based butter or oil. You can also substitute the milk with almond or oat milk.

To keep the flavor, use strong spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. They help maintain the rich taste of the donuts.

Baked vs. Fried Donuts

Baked donuts are lighter and easier to make. They also require less oil, making them a healthier option. However, fried donuts are often richer and have a crispier outside.

If you decide to fry, use a heavy pot and heat oil to 350°F. Fry only a few donuts at a time to avoid temperature drops. Adjust the frying time; they usually take about 2-3 minutes per side. For either method, follow the full recipe for best results.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storing Donuts

To keep your spiced apple cider donuts fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist and tasty. If you have extra donuts, you can refrigerate them. But this may make them a bit dry.

I prefer using a glass or plastic container. Make sure it seals well. You can also use a resealable bag. Just squeeze out the air before sealing it. This keeps the donuts from going stale.

Freezing Donuts

If you want to save some donuts for later, freezing is a great option. To freeze them, first, let the donuts cool completely. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. After that, place the wrapped donuts in a freezer bag or container.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, remove a donut from the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want it warm, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will make it soft and tasty again.

For the best taste, try to eat the frozen donuts within three months. Keeping them too long may change their flavor. Enjoy your delicious treats whenever you want! If you need the full recipe, be sure to check it out.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these donuts ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.

How can I make the donuts less sweet?

If you want to adjust the sweetness, reduce the sugar in the batter. You can cut the granulated sugar by half a cup. Using less brown sugar works too. You can also add spices like cinnamon to enhance flavor without extra sugar.

What are some common mistakes when making donuts?

Avoid overmixing the batter. This can make the donuts tough. Make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Lastly, don’t skip the cinnamon-sugar coating. It gives that perfect sweet touch.

Where can I find the full recipe?

You can check the full recipe for Spiced Apple Cider Donuts [here](Spiced Apple Cider Donuts_full_recipe).

You learned how to make spiced apple cider donuts from scratch. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect texture, and fun variations. Storing and freezing options help keep treats fresh. Don’t forget the FAQs to solve common problems.

Now, it’s time to get baking. Enjoy the warm flavors and share your delicious donuts with friends!

Spiced Apple Cider Donuts

Indulge in the fall flavors with homemade Spiced Apple Cider Donuts! These deliciously soft donuts infused with apple cider and warm spices are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, they’re rolled in cinnamon-sugar for the ultimate treat. Ready to bake your own batch? Click to explore this simple recipe and bring the cozy taste of fall into your kitchen today!

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Ingredients

  

2 cups apple cider

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed firmly

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground allspice

½ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

 

Start by preparing the apple cider: In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the liquid reduces by half, which should take around 15-20 minutes. Afterward, allow the cider to cool completely.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a donut pan, generously grease it with cooking spray or butter. If you prefer, you can also use a silicone donut mold for easier release.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and salt. Whisk together until all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.

In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until lightly beaten. Add the melted butter, reduced apple cider, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients form a smooth batter.

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if the batter has a few small lumps.

Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full to allow for rising.

Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean.

While the donuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, mix together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until well combined.

Once the donuts are baked, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently remove them from the pan and while they are still warm, roll each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Transfer the coated donuts to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 12 donuts

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the donuts beautifully on a serving platter. For an added touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over them or garnish with thin slices of fresh apples arranged around the plate. This will create an inviting display that showcases these delightful treats!