Name: Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups apple cider (to be reduced to ½ cup); 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons cinnamon (plus more for garnish); ½ teaspoon clove; 1 teaspoon allspice; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ teaspoon cardamom; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons butter (melted); 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 cup packed brown sugar; ½ cup whole milk (room temperature); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup shredded apple (peeled and excess juice squeezed out); 2 cups powdered sugar; ½ packet apple cider drink mix; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 6 tablespoons milk

Ingredients

2 cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon (plus more for garnish)

½ teaspoon clove

1 teaspoon allspice

½ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon cardamom

½ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons butter (melted)

1 large egg (room temperature)

1 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup whole milk (room temperature)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 cup shredded apple

2 cups powdered sugar

½ packet apple cider drink mix

1 tablespoon vanilla

6 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: Reduce the apple cider by bringing 2 cups to a rolling boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until about ½ cup of cider remains. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Peel and shred a large apple using a cheese grater. Gently squeeze out some excess juice from the shredded apple and set aside.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, clove, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and shredded apple until smooth.

Step 6: Pour the wet ingredients and the cooled, reduced apple cider into the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until the batter is smooth and free of clumps.

Step 7: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway.

Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes. To test doneness, tap the top of a donut; if it springs back, they are ready. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes.

Step 9: Remove the donuts from the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 10: For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, apple cider drink mix, vanilla, and milk in a bowl until smooth.

Step 11: Dip the cooled donuts one side at a time into the glaze, letting excess drip back into the bowl.

Step 12: Optionally, dust the glazed donuts with a little cinnamon for extra spice and aroma.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples, like Granny Smith, for a nice balance of sweetness and tang.

You can substitute the apple cider drink mix in the glaze with an extra 2 tablespoons of reduced apple cider for a more natural flavor.

If you don’t have a donut pan, bake the batter in a muffin tin and adjust baking time accordingly.

For a richer flavor, substitute half the butter with browned butter.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin. Just fill each cup about halfway and bake for a slightly longer time, approximately 15-18 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

How do I know when the donuts are fully baked?

The donuts are done when they spring back after you gently press the top or when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They should be lightly golden and firm to the touch.