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Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 51 reviews

These Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful autumn treat featuring a moist, spiced cake donut infused with reduced apple cider and shredded apple, topped with a sweet apple cider glaze and a touch of cinnamon. Perfect for fall mornings or cozy dessert cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough 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)

Glaze Ingredients

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ packet apple cider drink mix
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 6 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Reduce Apple Cider: Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to ½ cup. Set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare Shredded Apple: Peel a large apple and shred it with a cheese grater. Squeeze out some of the excess juice from the shredded apple and set aside.
  3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Spray a donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the donuts.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, clove, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt until evenly combined.
  5. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, packed brown sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and the shredded apple until well mixed.
  6. Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients along with the cooled reduced apple cider into the dry ingredients. Stir with a whisk until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
  7. Fill Donut Pan: Using a piping bag with the tip cut off or a spoon, fill each cavity of the donut pan about halfway with the batter to allow room for rising.
  8. Bake Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. To test doneness, gently tap the top of a donut; if it bounces back, they are ready. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Cool Donuts: Carefully remove donuts from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
  10. Prepare Glaze: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, apple cider drink mix, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and slightly runny.
  11. Glaze Donuts: Dip one side of each cooled donut into the glaze, letting excess drip back into the bowl for an even coating.
  12. Optional Garnish: Dust glazed donuts with additional cinnamon for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.

Notes

  • Reducing the apple cider intensifies the flavor and prevents excess liquid in the batter, ensuring a moist but firm donut.
  • Peeling and shredding the apple adds natural sweetness and texture; squeezing excess juice avoids soggy batter.
  • Use whole milk at room temperature to help create a smooth batter and tender crumb.
  • The glaze uses apple cider drink mix for a quick flavor boost—if unavailable, substitute with a teaspoon of cinnamon or apple pie spice.
  • Ensure glaze is not too thick or too runny for optimal coating; adjust milk or powdered sugar accordingly.
  • Donuts are best eaten the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keywords: apple cider donuts, baked donuts, fall desserts, spiced donuts, homemade donuts, apple desserts

Find it online: https://topreci.com/apple-cider-donuts-recipe/