Go Back
- 1 cup apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 large egg - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping) Gather these ingredients to make your apple cider cinnamon sugar donuts. You need apple cider for sweetness and flavor. All-purpose flour gives the donuts their body. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and spice. The large egg binds everything together. Granulated and brown sugar sweeten the batter and give it depth. Unsweetened applesauce keeps the donuts moist. Vegetable oil adds richness, while vanilla extract brings out sweet notes. You will also need extra granulated sugar and cinnamon to coat the warm donuts. This mix creates a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft donut inside. Make sure you have all these items ready before you start baking. To start, take 1 cup of apple cider. Pour it into a medium saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Bring the cider to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. This takes around 15-20 minutes. Once reduced, set it aside to cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until well mixed. This step is key for even flavor. Now, take another bowl and crack 1 large egg into it. Beat the egg well. Next, add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider. Mix until the mixture is smooth and combined. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your donuts tough. Once combined, spoon the batter into a greased donut pan. Fill each mold about 2/3 full to allow for rising. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled donut pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While the donuts cool, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Once the donuts are still warm, generously coat each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure they are evenly covered for the best taste. To make the best donuts, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix, do it gently. Stop once you see no dry flour. Overmixing can make them tough. For measuring flour accurately, use the spoon and level method. First, fluff the flour in its bag. Then, spoon it into your measuring cup. Finally, level it off with a knife. This keeps the flour from packing down, ensuring the right amount. To get the best texture, focus on baking time and temperature. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the donuts for 12-15 minutes. Check them with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Place the donut pan on the middle rack of your oven. This helps with even baking. If it's too high or low, some may bake faster than others. To enhance flavor, think about adding spices. Try a pinch of ginger or allspice. You can also add a bit more cinnamon for extra warmth. Using fresh apple cider gives a great taste. It has a richer flavor than store-bought cider. If you cannot find fresh cider, choose a high-quality brand. This will still give you a lovely taste in your donuts. {{image_2}} You can add fun twists to your donuts. One easy option is pumpkin spice. It gives a warm, cozy taste. Just mix in one teaspoon of pumpkin spice with the dry ingredients. This change adds a nice fall flavor. Another great idea is to add chocolate chips or nuts. You can fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts when you mix the wet and dry ingredients. Both options give your donuts a delightful crunch and burst of flavor. If you want a healthier treat, consider using whole wheat flour. Swap the two cups of all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. This adds fiber to your donuts and makes them more filling. You can also reduce the sugar. Instead of 3/4 cup granulated sugar, use only 1/2 cup. You might even try sugar alternatives, like honey or maple syrup. They can add sweetness without all the sugar. For those who need gluten-free options, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that work well in baked goods. They often have a mix of rice flour and starches. When using gluten-free flour, you may need to adjust the liquid. Gluten-free flour can absorb more moisture. Start with a little extra apple cider or applesauce to get the right batter texture. To keep your apple cider cinnamon sugar donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from drying out. You can use a plastic container or a resealable bag. Make sure to place a paper towel inside to absorb any moisture. This helps keep the donuts soft and tasty. If you want to save some donuts for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the donuts cool completely. Then, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat one, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, you can also reheat the thawed donut in the oven for a few minutes. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh. At room temperature, they stay good for about two days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their flavor. If they start to feel hard or dry, it’s time to toss them. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like mold or an off smell, before eating. You can use apple juice, but the flavor will change. Apple cider has a deeper, richer taste. It adds warmth and spice to the donuts. Apple juice tends to be sweeter and lighter. This change affects the final taste of your donuts. If you want to skip eggs, try using applesauce instead. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg. You can also use mashed banana or flaxseed meal. For flaxseed, mix 1 tablespoon with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the mix. Yes, you can use a muffin pan. Just pour the batter into the molds. Fill each cup about halfway. Bake for about 15-18 minutes instead of 12-15. Check for doneness with a toothpick. Muffins will be larger and thicker than donuts. For the best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith. They add a nice balance of sweet and tangy. Other good choices are Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. Mixing different types gives a deeper taste. This will enhance the flavor of your donuts. You only need a few basic tools. A donut pan is best for perfect shapes. A mixing bowl and whisk are essential for combining ingredients. A measuring cup and spoons help with accuracy. A toothpick is useful for checking doneness. We've covered how to make delicious apple cider donuts from scratch. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting your donuts. These treats are easy to customize and can fit various diets. Whether you want to spice them up or make them healthier, there’s a way for everyone. Remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy them at their best! Now, you can bake these tasty donuts for yourself or share them with friends. Get ready for delicious flavors and smiles all around!

Apple Cider Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Savor the flavors of fall with these delightful Apple Cider Cinnamon Sugar Donuts! Made with a warm blend of spices and fresh apple cider, these donuts are soft, sweet, and irresistible. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy treat, they're easy to make and totally satisfying. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to explore the full recipe and make these deliciously spiced donuts today!
Print Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and let it simmer until reduced to about 1/2 cup, approximately 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or oil.

      In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

        In another bowl, beat the egg, then stir in the sugars (granulated and brown sugar), applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider. Mix until smooth.

          Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

            Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

                While the donuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping by mixing the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a small bowl.

                  Once the donuts are done, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

                    While they are still warm, generously coat each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts