Irresistible Apple Cider Doughnuts Recipe: Cool Weather Comfort

Apple cider doughnuts are an outstanding fall treat, beloved for their unique flavor and moist texture that only apple cider can bring.

Are you ready to bite into a perfectly fried donut with a sweet and slightly tart apple cider flavor coated in a crunchy layer of cinnamon sugar?

This recipe will help you prepare these delicious doughnuts with ease, ensuring they become a favorite anytime, not just during the fall.

Ingredients and Kitchen Essentials for the Best Apple Cider Doughnut Recipe 

Creating the best apple cider doughnuts starts with gathering the right ingredients and kitchen tools. This recipe makes around 12 delicious doughnuts.

Below, we’ve listed everything you’ll need, including the ingredients for the doughnuts and optional glazes or toppings. We also detail the essential kitchen tools and explain their purposes to ensure your doughnuts come out perfectly every time.

Donut Ingredients: 

• Apple Cider: 1 1/4 cups, reduced to 1/3 cup 

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups 

• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup 

• Light Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed 

• Baking Powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons 

• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon 

• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon 

• Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon 

• Ground Ginger: 1/4 teaspoon 

• Kosher Salt: 1/4 teaspoon 

• Unsweetened Applesauce: 2 tablespoons 

• Milk (Almond or Regular): 1/4 cup 

• Large Egg: 1 

• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon 

• Melted Vegetable or Coconut Oil: 1/4 cup 

• Vegetable Oil for Frying: 4 cups 

Optional Glaze or Toppings: 

• Cinnamon Sugar: Mix 1 cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. 

• Maple Glaze: Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1-2 tablespoons milk. 

• Apple Cider Glaze: Blend 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider. 

Kitchen Essentials: 

• Mixing Bowls: For combining all your wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing them together. 

• Whisk: Essential for ensuring your ingredients are well combined and your batter is smooth. 

• Donut Pans: Used to shape your doughnuts. Ensure they are non-stick or greased for easy removal. 

• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To weigh and calculate your ingredients accurately and ensure the perfect doughnut texture. 

• Piping Bag or Large Zip Lock Bag: For piping the batter into the donut pans neatly. 

• Cooling Rack: Allows doughnuts to cool evenly, preventing them from getting soggy. 

• FryAway Pan Fry: FryAway Pan Fry cooking oil solidifier for eco-friendly disposal of leftover oil, making cleanup simple and safe. 

How to Make Apple Cider Doughnuts: Step-by-Step ​​Recipe for Apple Cider Doughnuts​ 

Ready to fry the best apple cider doughnuts? Follow these simple steps to create delicious, moist doughnuts with a perfect apple cider flavor. 

1.  Prepare the Apple Cider 

• Pour 1 1/4 cups of apple cider into a saucepan and steam over medium heat until it reduces to 1/3 cup. This step intensifies the apple flavor. Once reduced, set it aside to cool. 

 2.  Make the Doughnut Dough 

In a medium bowl, whisk together  

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour 

• 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder 

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda 

• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 

• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg 

• 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger 

• 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt 

In a separate large bowl,  

• blend 1/2 cup of light brown sugar (packed) 

• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar 

• 1 large egg 

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 

• 1/4 cup of melted vegetable or coconut oil 

• Two tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce.  

• Stir in the cooled, reduced apple cider. 

 Alternately add splashes of milk (approximately 1/4 cup at a time) and the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. 

3.  Fry the Doughnuts 

• Preheat 4 cups vegetable oil in a large saucepan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). 

• Carefully spoon the shaped dough into the oil, frying a few doughnuts at a time to avoid overcrowding. 

• Fry each doughnut for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. 

• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked doughnuts to a cooling rack coated with paper towels to remove any excess oil.  

4.  Apply the Glaze or Topping 

• Dip the doughnuts in melted butter, roll them in cinnamon sugar (one cup granulated sugar plus two teaspoons crushed cinnamon), or sprinkle with your preferred glaze while still warm. 

5.  Use FryAway for Eco-Friendly Cleanup 

• After frying, sprinkle FryAway into the hot oil and stir to dissolve. 

• Allow the oil to cool and solidify. 

• Dispose of the solidified oil in your household trash for an eco-friendly cleanup. 

Enhancing Your Apple Cider Doughnuts 

To take your apple cider doughnuts to the next level, consider adding one of these delicious glazes or toppings. Each option provides a unique flavor that complements the apple cider base perfectly. 

Cinnamon Sugar Topping 

• In a small bowl, mix 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Dip each warm doughnut in melted butter, then coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a classic and delightful finish. 

Maple Glaze 

• In a bowl, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, and 1-2 tablespoons milk. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle the cooled doughnuts with maple glaze for a delicious touch. 

 Apple Cider Glaze 

• Blend 1 cup powdered sugar and 2-3 teaspoons of apple cider. Adjust the apple cider amount to achieve the desired consistency. Drizzle over the doughnuts for an extra burst of apple flavor. 

Enjoy Your Delightful Donuts with No Post-Cleanup Worry 

Serve them warm, paired with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider. They make a perfect breakfast treat, dessert, or sweet snack any time of the day.

With this recipe, you can enjoy their unique flavor and moist texture right at home. And don't forget, FryAway makes cleaning up easy and eco-friendly. Simply sprinkle FryAway into the hot oil, stir it well, allow it to solidify, and dispose of it responsibly.

Enjoy frying and savor every bite of these delicious apple cider doughnuts!