Nothing screams autumn quite like these Apple Cider Donuts. They’re soft, sweet, and have just the right amount of spice. They are a delicious and surprisingly easy way to welcome the flavors of fall into your kitchen.
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I truly, deeply, to the point of obsession, love these apple cider donuts. See I live in the land of perpetual humidity and warmth (oh Florida). We truthfully don’t have seasons here like the rest of the US. I wish we did because I am a fall girl. Give me the changing leaves, the crisp mornings where you can see your breath, the sweaters, boots, and cozy nights by a fire; all of it. And while these things are always feasible here in the Sunshine State, I can at least play pretend with these yummy treats.
Here are some things you need to know:
- Reduce your apple cider! Not only does it intensify the flavor, but it also helps to reduce the water content. Essentially the biggest bang for your buck! This recipe calls for a cup of fresh apple cider that you will reduce by half. To accomplish this, gently boil the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring regularly. Also, this will need to cool completely before adding to your batter.
- This is a baked donut. I love a fried donut as much as the next person, but for convenience sake, this recipe is meant to be baked. Because of this, you will need to utilize a donut pan. I love my Nordic Ware pans (really anything Nordic Ware makes is excellent), however, there are more affordable options out there. Wilton makes a great one as well and is sold as a 2-pack.
- I’ve added a small twist to the traditional version by adding cardamom. It’s bright and has a flavor that is somewhere between lemon and ginger. I love how it helps to brighten up what can be a very rich and warm flavor.
- I implore you to roll the donuts in your cinnamon, cardamom, and sugar mixture while they are hot. The sugary mixture sticks best when the donuts are warm.
This recipe is beyond delicious and incredibly easy to make. They’re best freshly made, piping hot with a cup of coffee or warm cider. They are the best way to bring in the new season, even if it’s a tad bit early 😉 Enjoy!
Apple Cider Donuts
Equipment
- 2 donut pan 6 cavity
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider reduced to ½ cup
- 2 tbsp butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar divided
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp apple sauce
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp ground cinnamon divided
- 1½ tsp ground cardamom divided
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- In a small sauce pot, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and reduce by half, about 10 minutes. Set to the side and cool completely.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Cream together the soften butter and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Add the egg and apple sauce. Stir until thoroughly combined. Add all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon cardamom, baking soda, salt, and reduce apple cider. Stir until just combined.
- Lightly grease 2 donut pans. Fill each donut mold ¾ full with batter. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the donuts are baking, combine the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon cardamom.
- While the baked donuts are still hot, coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve immediately.
Looking for more donut and apple recipes? Check out other recipes I have on the blog:
