Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

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Cook Time: 20 minutes

Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

This recipe yields 12 delicious apple cider donuts, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them warm with a cinnamon-sugar coating or glaze them with a simple apple cider icing.

Ingredients

For the donuts:

• 2 cups fresh apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• teaspoon baking powder
• teaspoon baking soda
• teaspoon fine salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground cardamom
• 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• cup white sugar
• cup packed brown sugar
• cup warm milk
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided)
• teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For the coating:

• 1 cup white sugar (or as needed)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (or as needed)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C) and butter two 6-cup donut pans.

Step 2: Pour the apple cider into a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook carefully until it reduces to cup. If it reduces too much, add water to bring it back to cup. Set aside for later.

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the white sugar, brown sugar, milk, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg until fully combined.

Step 5: Add the apple cider reduction and the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until a thick batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each about three-quarters of the way up.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned and the donuts spring back to the touch. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a sheet pan lined with a silicone baking mat. Remove any donut holes if necessary.

Step 8: If desired, while still slightly warm, brush the donuts with the remaining melted butter.

Step 9: For the coating: In a shallow dish, mix the white sugar and cinnamon. Toss the donuts in the sugar mixture until well coated.

Step 10: Allow the donuts to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

Chef's Note

If you prefer a slower cooking process for the apple cider reduction, use lower heat to avoid burning. You can also glaze the donuts with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and apple cider if you prefer.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	276
Total Fat	7g	8%
Saturated Fat	4g	19%
Cholesterol	32mg	11%
Sodium	168mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	52g	19%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Total Sugars	35g
Protein	3g	6%
Vitamin C	8mg	9%
Calcium	53mg	4%
Iron	1mg	7%
Potassium	80mg	2%

Apple Cider Donuts are a beloved treat that epitomize the flavors of autumn, featuring the sweetness of apples combined with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. These donuts are made with a unique ingredient: apple cider. The cider is reduced to intensify its flavor, giving the donuts a warm, rich taste that pairs perfectly with the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Traditionally, these donuts were fried, but this version is baked, offering a lighter, less greasy alternative while still maintaining the same comforting flavor.

History of Apple Cider Donuts

The origin of apple cider donuts is closely tied to the harvest season in the Northeastern United States, particularly New England. Apple orchards, which thrive in the cool autumn months, often made cider as part of their yearly crop processing. During the fall harvest, the cider would be incorporated into recipes like pies, cakes, and, of course, donuts. Apple cider donuts became especially popular at local fairs and farm stands, where fresh cider was plentiful. Their popularity soared during the 20th century, becoming a staple of autumn festivals and even appearing in cafes and bakeries across the country.

Regional Variations

While apple cider donuts are primarily associated with New England, their popularity has spread across the U.S. As they moved westward, regional variations emerged. In some areas, apple cider donuts are fried, giving them a crisp exterior. In others, like this recipe, the donuts are baked, offering a fluffier texture. Some regions might add other spices such as cloves or allspice, further enhancing the autumnal flavors. In some parts of the Midwest, apple cider donuts are often enjoyed with hot apple cider, creating a warm, comforting pairing that complements the chilly fall weather.

Distinguishing Features

Apple cider donuts stand out from other types of donuts due to the use of apple cider as a primary ingredient. Unlike regular donuts, which often rely on water or milk for their liquid content, apple cider donuts incorporate a reduction of cider, intensifying the apple flavor. Additionally, the spices usedparticularly cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamomset these donuts apart from traditional yeast or cake donuts, which may have a more neutral flavor profile. The use of cider, along with the baking method, makes apple cider donuts a unique twist on a classic dessert.

Where They're Typically Served

Apple cider donuts are commonly served in a variety of settings during the fall season. You can find them at local apple orchards, where visitors can enjoy them fresh while picking apples. Theyre also popular at farmers' markets, fall festivals, and fairs, where the scent of fresh cider and cinnamon fills the air. Bakeries, especially those in regions with a strong apple-growing presence, often feature them on their fall menus. Additionally, many cafes offer these donuts as a seasonal treat, making them a perfect snack with a hot cup of coffee or cider.

Fun Facts About Apple Cider Donuts

• Apple cider donuts are a popular choice for brunch during the fall months, often served with a warm beverage.
• The donuts can be made in various shapes, but the classic ring shape is the most common, resembling the shape of a traditional donut.
• In some regions, apple cider donuts are paired with apple butter for an extra layer of flavor.
• While apple cider donuts are a fall favorite, theyre often enjoyed year-round in certain areas, especially in states like New York and Vermont.
• Many people experiment with adding different types of apples to their cider, influencing the sweetness and tartness of the donuts.

Conclusion

Apple cider donuts are a timeless fall treat, beloved for their comforting flavor and the nostalgic memories they evoke of crisp autumn days spent at orchards and festivals. Whether you enjoy them baked or fried, with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a sweet glaze, these donuts bring the taste of the harvest season into every bite. As the seasons change and the weather cools, theres nothing quite like enjoying a warm, freshly made apple cider donut with a cup of cider or coffee.

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