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To make spiced apple cider donuts, you need these ingredients: - 2 cups fresh apple cider - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted - 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 finishing) - 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for finishing) Each ingredient plays a key role in your donuts. Fresh apple cider gives the donuts their sweet, fruity taste. Unsalted butter adds richness, while granulated sugar enhances sweetness. Eggs bind the mixture and help the donuts rise. Using sifted all-purpose flour ensures a light texture. Baking powder and baking soda help the donuts rise and become fluffy. The spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—bring warmth and depth to each bite. Salt balances the flavors. Finally, the powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar make a sweet coating that completes the treat. Gather these ingredients before you start. This makes the process smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Reducing the apple cider: Start by pouring two cups of fresh apple cider into a medium saucepan. Heat it over medium-high until it boils. Once it bubbles, lower the heat and let it simmer. This should take around 20 to 25 minutes. The cider will thicken and reduce to about one cup. After that, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. 2. Preheating the oven: While the cider cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan lightly with non-stick spray or butter. This step helps the donuts pop out easily after baking. 3. Mixing wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine half a cup of melted unsalted butter and one cup of granulated sugar. Mix them until they blend well. Then, add the cooled reduced cider and whisk until smooth. Now, add the two large eggs one at a time, mixing until everything is well combined. 4. Combining dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together two cups of sifted all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, half a teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, a quarter teaspoon of ground ginger, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. Make sure they mix evenly. 5. Folding mixtures together: Now, take the dry mix and gently fold it into the wet mix using a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay. This keeps the donuts light and fluffy. 6. Filling the donut pan: Use a spoon to fill each cavity of the donut pan with the batter. Fill them about three-quarters full. This allows enough room for the donuts to rise while baking. 7. Baking process: Place the filled pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. They are done when they spring back gently when touched, and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Let them cool in the pan for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack. 8. Coating in sugar: While the donuts are warm, mix one cup of powdered sugar and two tablespoons of cinnamon sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each donut gently in this mixture until fully coated. This adds a sweet finish and enhances the flavor. 9. Serving suggestions: Serve these delightful donuts warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a hot mug of apple cider or a cup of coffee. For a lovely presentation, arrange them on a rustic wooden platter with thin apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall! To make the best spiced apple cider donuts, focus on the batter's consistency. You want it thick but pourable. If it feels too runny, add a touch more flour. If it’s too thick, add a bit of cider. For baking, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the donuts for 10 to 12 minutes. Check for doneness by pressing lightly on the top. If it springs back, they’re ready. A toothpick inserted should come out clean. Avoid over-mixing your batter. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones. A few lumps are okay and help keep the donuts light. Pair these donuts with a warm drink. Hot apple cider or coffee makes a great match. Both drinks enhance the flavors of the spices. For presentation, arrange the donuts on a rustic wooden platter. Surround them with thin apple slices and sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon. This setup looks inviting and highlights the fall theme, making your treat even more special. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cider: For the best flavor, use fresh apple cider rather than bottled varieties. Fresh cider has a more vibrant taste that enhances the donuts. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones. Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test the donuts for doneness. Insert it into the center; it should come out clean when they are fully baked. Coating Technique: For an even sugar coating, roll the warm donuts gently in the sugar mixture, ensuring all sides are covered for that perfect sweet finish. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your spiced apple cider donuts with fun add-ins. Here are some ideas: - Adding nuts or chocolate chips: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunch. You can also add dark or milk chocolate chips for a sweet twist. - Seasonal spice variations: Try adding cloves or cardamom for a warm flavor. These spices enhance the autumn vibe and add depth. - Glazing options instead of coating in sugar: Instead of rolling in sugar, you can glaze the donuts. A simple mix of powdered sugar and apple cider creates a sweet glaze. If you need to make your donuts fit special diets, here are some easy swaps: - Gluten-free adaptations: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. This keeps the texture light and fluffy. - Vegan substitutes: Replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan option. To keep your spiced apple cider donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This container keeps air out and moisture in, which helps the donuts stay soft. They can last about three days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy your donuts again, reheating is key. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet and heat them for about 5 minutes. This warms them up without making them dry. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful, as microwaving for too long can make them tough. Enjoy your fresh-tasting donuts! To make spiced apple cider donuts from scratch, follow these steps: 1. Reduce 2 cups of fresh apple cider in a saucepan until it measures 1 cup. 2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a donut pan. 3. Mix melted butter and sugar in a bowl, then add the reduced cider and eggs. 4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. 5. Fold the dry mix into the wet mix until just combined. 6. Fill the donut pan and bake for 10–12 minutes. 7. Cool slightly, then coat in powdered and cinnamon sugar. Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider. It saves time but may lack depth. Fresh cider gives a richer flavor, so choose what fits your taste! You can use coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce as a butter substitute. Both will keep the donuts moist and tasty. These donuts last about 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. They taste best fresh! Yes, these donuts freeze well! Place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw and coat in sugar before serving. Making spiced apple cider donuts is fun and simple. We started with the right ingredients: fresh apple cider, butter, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure you succeed. Tips helped you perfect the recipe, and variations let you get creative. The storage and reheating advice ensures your treats stay fresh. In the end, you can enjoy delicious donuts in many ways. With these ideas, you can impress friends and family anytime.

Spiced Apple Cider Donuts

Delicious donuts infused with apple cider and warm spices, 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 fresh apple cider
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 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 finishing)
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for finishing)

Instructions
 

  • Pour the apple cider into a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and allow it to reduce for about 20–25 minutes, or until it thickens and measures approximately 1 cup. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Prepare your oven by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal of the donuts after baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, stirring until well blended. Add the reduced apple cider and whisk to combine smoothly. Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, whisking until everything is homogenous.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until evenly mixed.
  • Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients with a spatula, mixing gently until just combined. Do not over-mix — a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
  • Spoon the delightful batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity approximately three-quarters full to allow for rising.
  • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • While the donuts are still warm, mix the powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar in a shallow bowl. Submerge each donut in the sugar mixture, gently rolling until fully coated for a sweet, flavorful finish.
  • Treat yourself to these delightful donuts warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a hot mug of apple cider or your favorite coffee for a cozy experience.

Notes

Present the donuts on a charming rustic wooden platter surrounded by thin apple slices and a light dusting of cinnamon for an inviting fall-inspired display.
Keyword apple cider, donuts, fall recipes