Apple Cider Donuts: A Delicious Fall Treat
Autumn has arrived, and with it comes the irresistible aroma of freshly baked apple cider donuts. These aren't your average donuts; they're a delightful blend of warm spices, sweet apple cider, and a perfectly crisp exterior. This recipe will guide you through creating these delectable treats from scratch, ensuring a successful baking experience.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields about 12-15 apple cider donuts. Adjust quantities if you need more (or fewer!) of these delicious snacks.
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup apple cider (look for unfiltered for the best flavor!)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions for Baking Perfection:
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan generously with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures beautifully formed donuts.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the apple cider, egg, and granulated sugar until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of sugar remaining.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts.
Step 2: Baking the Donuts
- Fill each donut cup about ¾ full. Don't overfill, as they'll rise during baking.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them—oven temperatures can vary!
- Carefully remove the donuts from the pan and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
Step 3: The Cinnamon Sugar Magic
- While the donuts are still warm, gently toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are evenly coated. This step adds that crucial textural element and delicious sweetness!
Tips for Donut Success:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh apple cider will significantly enhance the flavor of your donuts.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts.
- Cool completely: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before coating them in cinnamon sugar for optimal coating adhesion.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A dash of ginger or cardamom could add an interesting twist.
- Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions:
These apple cider donuts are fantastic on their own, but you can also enhance them with:
- Apple butter: A dollop of warm apple butter adds a delicious layer of flavor and sweetness.
- Glaze: A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk can elevate these treats to another level.
- Whipped Cream: A light topping of whipped cream offers a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
Enjoy these wonderfully autumnal apple cider donuts! They are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert. Let us know how yours turn out in the comments!
