Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base for the donut batter, providing structure and texture.

Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.

Baking soda: Works with the baking powder to leaven the donuts.

Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes that complement the apple cider.

Ground nutmeg: Enhances the flavor with a subtle, earthy spice.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Apple cider: Provides a rich, apple flavor that is essential to the recipe.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the donuts and helps create a tender crumb.

Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness and moisture.

Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.

Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and a rich, buttery flavor.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness.

To enhance the flavor of your apple cider donuts, reduce the apple cider by simmering it in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to about half its original volume. This will concentrate the apple flavor, making your donuts even more delicious. Make sure to let the reduced cider cool before mixing it with the other wet ingredients.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the donuts denser.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder.

• baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 teaspoon of baking powder for each teaspoon of baking soda, but reduce or eliminate the baking powder already in the recipe.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a richer flavor.

• ground nutmeg - Substitute with allspice: Allspice has a similar warm, spicy flavor that can replace nutmeg.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Use the same amount; kosher salt has a coarser texture but similar flavor.

• apple cider - Substitute with apple juice: Apple juice is less concentrated but can be reduced on the stove to intensify its flavor.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar and adds a similar caramel-like flavor.

• large egg - Substitute with flax egg: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water and let it sit to thicken; this works well as a vegan alternative.

• unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, with a slight coconut flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract has a different but complementary flavor that can add a unique twist.

• To keep your apple cider donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, place the donuts in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week when stored this way. Just make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
• If you want to enjoy your apple cider donuts over a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. First, allow the donuts to cool completely on a wire rack.
• Once cooled, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap. This helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps them tasting fresh.
• After wrapping, place the donuts in a large, resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been frozen.
• When you're ready to enjoy a donut, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour. For a quicker option, you can microwave the donut for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• If you prefer a crispy exterior, reheat the thawed donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will bring back that freshly baked texture.
• For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on the donuts after reheating to enhance their flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the apple cider donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the donuts loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until they are warmed through.
  5. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a donut on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
  4. Check the donut and, if necessary, heat for an additional 10 seconds until warm.
  5. Let it sit for a moment before indulging.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 3-4 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are not overcooking.
  4. Remove and let them cool slightly before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
  2. Place the donuts in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Warm for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
  4. Remove from the skillet and let them cool a bit before enjoying.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the apple cider donuts on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Heat for about 5 minutes, checking to ensure they do not overheat.
  4. Let them cool slightly before savoring.

• Oven: Used to bake the donuts at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Donut pan: A specialized pan with donut-shaped molds to shape and bake the donuts.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the dry ingredients.

• Mixing bowl: Another bowl to mix the wet ingredients.

• Whisk: Used to whisk together the dry ingredients.

• Spatula: Useful for folding the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the flour, apple cider, and other ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out smaller quantities like baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract.

• Toothpick: Used to check if the donuts are baked through by inserting it into the donut and seeing if it comes out clean.

• Wire rack: Used to cool the donuts completely after they have been baked.

• Non-stick spray: Used to grease the donut pan to prevent the batter from sticking.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately the night before to save time.

Use a piping bag: Fill a piping bag with the batter to quickly and neatly fill the donut pan.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin mixing the ingredients to ensure it's ready when you are.

Melt butter in microwave: Use the microwave to quickly melt the butter instead of using a stovetop.

Cool on wire rack: Transfer donuts to a wire rack immediately to cool faster and free up the pan for the next batch.