This year feels like it’ll never end, but tomorrow is officially the first day of fall! Fall is absolutely my favorite season so even though the weather is still hovering around 100 degrees, I am READY to embrace the season!
Normally one of the first fall activities that our family participates in is going to our local apple orchard. We pick what’s left of the apples, take a hay ride, and enjoy fresh apple cider and the best part of all, apple cider donuts!
This year though, we’re skipping it- the hay rides aren’t running, it’s still really hot out even early in the morning, and for the last couple of years the apples have all been picked over anyway. But, I’m not ready to give up those donuts!
These delicious Apple Cider Donuts are basically the definition of fall. They’re not overly hard to make, though they do require a little bit of work {at least, more than just showing up to the orchard and ordering them like I usually do}.
While I wouldn’t call these donuts healthy, I will say that the fact that they’re baked- not fried- means they’re a little better for you than the ones you buy at the orchard.
Can you make Apple Cider Donuts with Apple Juice?
Nope, you’re going to need apple cider for this one. Apple cider has the right consistency, the right flavor profile, and can stand up to the heat this recipe requires. Not only would apple juice make these a runny mess, but you’d lose all the apple flavor.
Do you have to use apple cider from the apple orchard? Not at all- you can definitely use whatever kind you like from your local grocery store. Just make sure it says apple cider, not juice.
Are Apple Cider Donuts Vegetarian, Vegan, or Gluten-Free?
These donuts are definitely not gluten-free, but they are vegetarian! They are not vegan, but you could substitute the butter and milk to make them that way. If you’re looking for a good milk substitute for baking, I recommend oat milk as it’s nice and thick and holds up well, but your favorite milk substitute will work fine.
Can the Kids Help?
Kids can ALWAYS help in the kitchen! For this recipe, I’d suggest having them help with:
- Mixing the dry ingredients
- Adding in the wet ingredients and stirring
- Making the topping
- Brushing the donuts with butter
- Adding the donuts to the bag and shaking to add the sugar {kids will especially love this part!}
I’d also suggest that you help a little extra with any steps requiring the oven of course, as well as any steps involving heating the cider or using the warmed cider. That said, depending on the age of your child they may be able to assist with these parts- with supervision, of course.
What Supplies Do You Need to Make Apple Cider Donuts?
To make Apple Cider Donuts, you’ll need:
{These links are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission on your purchase at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!}
- 2 Donut Pans {or one if working in batches}
- Small Saucepan
- Whisk, electric mixer, or stand mixer
- Piping bags
- Wire rack
- Large zip-top bag
Hungry for More?
Want more delicious fall recipes? Try these:
- Brown Sugar Crescent Rolls
- 50 Pumpkin Spice Recipes
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mini Donuts
- No Bake Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bites
- Pumpkin Chocolate Brownies
- Pumpkin Pecan Bites
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes
Apple Cider Donuts
Yield: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
These delicious apple cider donuts are a great way to enjoy fall! These donuts are baked, not fried, and contain real apple cider!
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- For topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and prepare two donut pans by spraying with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour the apple cider in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. When the cider begins to simmer, reduce heat to low and cook until reduced by half, to around ½ cup.
- While the cider is simmering, combine the flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla and beat to combine.
- When the cider is reduced, remove from heat. Add the butter and stir until melted.
- Allow the cider mixture to cool slightly, then add it to the flour mixture. Beat until combined.
- Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly in the pan, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- To prepare the topping, mix together the powdered sugar and cinnamon in a large zip-top bag.
- Brush the donuts with the melted butter, then place one or two donuts in the bag. Close the bag and shake to coat the donuts with sugar.
