Pin This spiced apple cider donut recipe transforms ordinary mornings into cozy autumn celebrations. The concentrated apple flavor comes from reducing fresh cider, while the blend of warm spices creates that quintessential fall aroma that fills your entire home. I've perfected these over years of autumn baking, striking the perfect balance between cakey interior and slightly crisp exterior.
I first developed this recipe during a chilly October weekend at our family cabin. What started as an experiment to recreate my favorite farmers market treat has become our most anticipated autumn tradition. My children now mark the official start of fall by requesting these donuts the moment the first leaves change color.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: creates the perfect tender crumb structure
- Apple cider: reduced to concentrate the flavor is what makes these truly special
- Baking powder and baking soda: work together for the ideal rise and texture
- Ground cinnamon nutmeg allspice and cloves: create that signature warm spice profile
- Melted butter: adds richness and helps create a tender interior
- Whole milk: provides fat content necessary for proper moisture and texture
- Vanilla extract: enhances all the other flavors without overpowering
Instructions
- Reduce The Apple Cider:
- Simmer one cup of fresh apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to exactly one third cup. This takes approximately 10 minutes of gentle bubbling. The concentrated cider will be noticeably darker and more aromatic with intensified apple flavor. Allow this to cool completely before using. This step cannot be rushed as it creates the foundation of flavor.
- Prepare The Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together the flour baking powder baking soda salt and all spices in a large bowl. Make sure to break up any clumps in the spices especially the cinnamon which tends to form small lumps. The thorough mixing ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout each donut.
- Mix The Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl combine both sugars eggs melted butter cooled reduced cider milk and vanilla. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and the sugars begin to dissolve. The consistency should be uniform with no streaks of egg remaining.
- Create The Batter:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a gentle folding motion with a spatula. Mix only until no dry flour patches remain visible. Overmixing will develop gluten and create tough dense donuts. The batter should be thick but pourable similar to a thick pancake batter.
- Fill The Donut Pan:
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with corner snipped for easier filling. Pipe the batter into each cavity of your greased donut pan filling each about three quarters full. This allows room for rising without overflow. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Bake in your preheated oven for exactly 12 to 15 minutes. The donuts are done when they spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean with no wet batter. The tops should be golden brown with slightly darker edges.
- Cool Properly:
- Allow the donuts to rest in the pan for precisely 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them set enough to handle without breaking. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. Proper cooling prevents the glaze from melting off immediately.
- Create The Cinnamon Glaze:
- Whisk together powdered sugar and cinnamon in a wide shallow bowl. Add apple cider one tablespoon at a time until you achieve a consistency that coats the back of a spoon but still runs off slowly. The glaze should be opaque but not too thick or it will mask the donut flavor.
- Glaze The Donuts:
- Once donuts are completely cool dip the tops into the glaze allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Place glazed donuts back on the wire rack positioned over parchment paper to catch drips. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving for the best texture and appearance.
Pin The reduced apple cider is truly the heart and soul of this recipe. I discovered its importance after my first batch tasted disappointingly bland. Concentrating the cider intensifies that fresh orchard flavor that makes these donuts truly special. Now I often reduce extra cider while making these so I have some on hand for hot beverages or glazes throughout the week.
Storage Tips
These apple cider donuts maintain their best texture and flavor when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. After the second day the moisture content begins to change and they lose their freshly baked quality.
For longer storage freeze the unglazed donuts wrapped individually in plastic wrap then placed in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy thaw at room temperature for about an hour then warm briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before glazing. The fresh from the oven taste will be remarkably preserved.
Ingredient Substitutions
If apple cider is unavailable you can substitute unsweetened apple juice but the flavor will be slightly less complex. Add an extra quarter teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to help replicate some of the tanginess.
For a dairy free version replace the butter with melted coconut oil and substitute almond milk or oat milk for the whole milk. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
The spice profile can be customized to your preference. For a simpler version use 2 teaspoons of premade apple pie spice instead of the individual spices listed. For a more pronounced flavor add a quarter teaspoon of cardamom.
Seasonal Adaptations
Fall Harvest version add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree and fold in finely chopped walnuts to the batter
Winter Holiday version add orange zest to the batter and replace half the glaze liquid with cranberry juice
Spring Celebration version fold in finely diced fresh apple pieces and top with a maple glaze instead of cinnamon
Serving Suggestions
These donuts pair perfectly with a variety of beverages and complementary foods. Serve alongside a steaming mug of hot apple cider or spiced chai tea for the ultimate autumn experience. For brunch gatherings arrange on a platter with fresh apple slices and a small bowl of extra glaze on the side.
Create a cozy dessert by warming the donuts slightly and serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce. The contrast of warm spiced donut and cold creamy ice cream creates a memorable treat.
For a special breakfast presentation stack donuts on a cake stand and dust with additional cinnamon sugar just before bringing to the table. The visual impact combined with the heavenly aroma makes for an unforgettable morning treat.
Pin Enjoy these delightful spiced apple cider donuts as a perfect fall treat. They are wonderful with coffee or tea and are sure to become a family favorite.