The Magic of Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust

Hello, my friends! Is there anything that truly whispers “autumn” quite like the warm, spiced aroma of fresh Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Crust wafting through your kitchen? For me, it’s the ultimate cozy comfort food, a perfect little cake donut, incredibly moist and packed with the essence of fall, then rolled in a crackly, sweet cinnamon sugar coating.

Best of all, you don’t need a deep fryer or any fancy equipment to make this bakery-style treat at home. Today, I’m sharing my quick, easy, and absolutely fail-proof recipe that will fill your home with that incredible seasonal scent and your belly with pure joy. Let’s make some magic!

HOW TO MAKE APPLE CIDER DONUTS WITH CINNAMON SUGAR CRUST

Making these donuts is surprisingly simple! Essentially, we reduce apple cider into a potent, flavorful syrup, mix it into a straightforward batter, bake the donuts in a standard pan, and finally, toss them in that iconic cinnamon sugar crust while they’re still warm. The entire process is a delightful and rewarding experience, perfect for a weekend baking project.

Print

Ingredients:

For the Donuts:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Crust:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

STEP 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
First, pour your 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced down to roughly 1/2 a cup. This concentrates the flavor, giving our donuts that incredible apple punch! Set it aside to cool slightly.

STEP 2: Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients
While the cider reduces, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a standard donut pan with non-stick spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this aside.

STEP 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, whisk the egg with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until it’s well combined and looks a little pale. Next, whisk in the buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and your 1/2 cup of reduced apple cider.

STEP 4: Bring the Batter Together
Gently pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing will lead to tough donuts.

STEP 5: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a large ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.

STEP 6: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Crust
While the donuts bake, prepare the coating. In a shallow bowl, mix the 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. In another bowl, place the 6 tablespoons of melted butter.

STEP 7: Coat the Warm Donuts
Let the donuts cool in the pan for just 2-3 minutes after baking they need to be cool enough to handle but still warm for the coating to stick. Carefully remove a donut from the pan, brush it lightly with melted butter, and then generously dredge it in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place on a wire rack. Repeat with all remaining donuts.

IS A NUTRITION HERO

While these Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust are certainly a treat, apple cider itself does bring some nutritional benefits to the table. Apple cider, especially the unfiltered kind, contains beneficial compounds like polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants.

These antioxidants help protect your body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. Furthermore, apple cider contains trace amounts of essential minerals and vitamins. Though the processing and baking will diminish some of these, the essence of the apple’s goodness still contributes.

Enjoying these donuts in moderation, therefore, allows you to savor a delightful treat while appreciating the wholesome origin of one of its star ingredients.

GREAT FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

It might seem counterintuitive to link donuts with weight management, but the truth is, all foods can fit into a balanced lifestyle, especially when you make them yourself. When you bake your own Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust, you have complete control over the ingredients.

This empowers you to make healthier choices:

Aspect	Homemade Donut Advantage
Ingredient Control	Choose high-quality components, reduce excess sugar, experiment with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Mindful Enjoyment	Savor a perfectly portioned, delicious donut, which can help you stick to healthy eating goals.
Prevent Overindulgence	The satisfaction of making a homemade treat can prevent overindulging in less healthy, pre-packaged options.

Instead of feeling deprived, you can savor a perfectly portioned, delicious donut, which can actually help you stick to your healthy eating goals. Remember, it’s about balance and mindful enjoyment!

HOW TO CHOOSE AND STORE Apple Cider Donuts

Choosing the right apple cider is crucial for making the best Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust. Look for pure apple cider, ideally unfiltered and pasteurized, which will give you the most authentic and robust apple flavor. Avoid apple juice as it lacks the same complexity.

When you’re at the grocery store, check the labels; sometimes, local orchards offer fantastic quality cider. For storage, fresh apple cider should be kept refrigerated and consumed by its “best by” date. If you’ve bought a larger quantity, you can even freeze apple cider in airtight containers or ice cube trays for later use.

This ensures you always have that fantastic apple essence ready for your next batch of Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust.

EASY AND TASTY LOW-CAL RECIPES

While our current Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust recipe is a classic, you can certainly adapt the apple cider flavor into lighter recipes. Imagine a low-calorie apple cider vinaigrette for a crisp fall salad, bringing that sweet and tangy essence without the guilt. Or how about baked apples stuffed with oats, nuts, and a drizzle of reduced apple cider?

You could even make a light apple cider-infused oatmeal for a comforting breakfast. The key is to leverage the intense flavor of reduced apple cider in dishes that naturally have fewer calories, proving that the delicious taste of apple season can be enjoyed in many healthy ways.

SWEET TREATS THE HEALTHY WAY

Creating sweet treats the healthy way doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, especially when it comes to the delightful taste of apple. You can incorporate the essence of Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Crust into numerous healthier alternatives:

• Homemade Apple Cider Popsicles: Use natural sweeteners and real apple cider for a refreshing, guilt-free treat.
• Baked Apple Slices: Season with cinnamon and a hint of reduced cider for a warm and comforting snack.
• Simple Apple Compote: Lightly sweetened and infused with spices, this can satisfy a sweet craving as a topping or on its own.
• Deconstructed “Donut” Bowls: Layer baked apple chunks, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy, satisfying dessert.

The beauty of baking and preparing treats at home lies in your ability to control sugar content and introduce wholesome ingredients. This transforms potentially indulgent treats into healthier, yet equally satisfying, delights. This approach lets you enjoy those comforting apple and cinnamon flavors without any guilt.

DON’T FORGET THE SEEDS!

While apple seeds themselves aren’t used in Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust, the overall apple fruit is what makes this recipe sing. And apples are truly remarkable! The “seeds” here metaphorically represent the core goodness and versatility of apples.

They’re packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. When you’re enjoying the delicious flavor of apple cider in your donuts, remember the incredible source it comes from. It reminds us to appreciate the whole fruit and its many benefits, whether we’re enjoying it fresh, in cider, or transformed into a comforting baked good.

HOW TO SERVE APPLE CIDER DONUTS

erving these Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust is almost as much fun as making them!

The Ideal Serving Experience:

They are absolutely divine served warm, fresh out of the cinnamon sugar coating. Imagine a cozy Sunday morning, a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate, and one of these perfectly sweet and spiced donuts.

Perfect Occasions:

• Cozy Mornings: A delightful start to any day, especially a relaxed weekend.
• Brunch Gatherings: A crowd-pleasing addition to any brunch spread.
• Autumn Parties: Perfectly embodies the flavors of the season.
• After-Dinner Treat: A sweet and comforting end to a meal.

Elevate Your Serving:

For an extra special touch, consider serving them with:

• A side of whipped cream.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• A light drizzle of caramel sauce.

However you choose to enjoy them, these Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust are sure to bring smiles and comfort to everyone at the table.

HOW TO STORE APPLE CIDER DONUTS

Here’s a concise guide on how to store your Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust:

Storing Your Apple Cider Donuts

Storage Method	Duration	Notes	Revival Tip
Room Temperature	2-3 days	Store in an airtight container. Best on the day they’re made. Avoid refrigeration, as it can dry them out.	A quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave will warm and soften them beautifully.
Freezing (Uncoated)	Up to 3 months	Freeze baked and uncoated donuts in an airtight container. Ideal for making larger batches in advance.	Thaw at room temperature, then warm and coat with cinnamon sugar just before serving.

This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness of your homemade apple cider donuts for longer, even if “leftovers” are a rare occurrence!

TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST APPLE CIDER DONUTS

Here are some insider tips to help you make perfect Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust every time:

Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donuts

Tip	Why It Matters
Reduce the Apple Cider	This step is critical for concentrating and intensifying that rich, authentic apple flavor in your donuts. Don’t rush it!
Do Not Overmix the Batter	Overmixing develops gluten too much, leading to tough, chewy donuts. Mix just until combined for a wonderfully soft, cakey texture.
Grease Donut Pans Well	Ensure your donut pans are thoroughly greased to prevent sticking and ensure your donuts release cleanly and beautifully.
Coat While Warm	The timing of the cinnamon sugar coating is crucial. Coat the donuts while they are still warm so the melted butter adheres properly, allowing the sugar mixture to stick wonderfully and create that irresistible crust.

Following these simple tips will ensure every batch of your Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust is a resounding success, delivering that perfect flavor and texture you’re aiming for!

TIPS AND NOTES: YOUR KITCHEN COMPANION

Details

Achieving that intense apple flavor in your Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust really hinges on properly reducing the apple cider. You want it to simmer down until it’s thick and syrupy, roughly ¼ of its original volume.

This concentrates the natural sugars and apple essence, making every bite incredibly flavorful. Don’t rush this step, as it’s the secret weapon for these donuts. Use a good quality, unfiltered apple cider for the best results, as it often has a more robust flavor profile compared to clear apple juice.

Variation

While the classic cinnamon sugar crust is divine, don’t hesitate to experiment! For a spiced variation, you could add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to your cinnamon sugar mixture. For a truly indulgent twist on your Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust, consider a maple glaze.

Simply whisk together powdered sugar, a touch of maple syrup, and a splash of milk or reduced apple cider until smooth. Dip the cooled donuts into this glaze instead of the butter and cinnamon sugar. Alternatively, if you prefer a subtle sweetness, dust them with just powdered sugar for a more delicate finish.

Notes

Remember that consistency is key when filling your donut pans. Using a piping bag or a ziptop bag with the corner snipped off makes this process much cleaner and ensures evenly sized donuts. Also, these Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust are absolutely at their peak when enjoyed warm.

If you find yourself with leftovers, a quick reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds will bring back that fresh-baked warmth and softness, making them nearly as good as fresh out of the oven. Always store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts Let’s Make

There you have it! My foolproof recipe for the most incredible Apple Cider Donuts With Cinnamon Sugar Crust. This recipe is my little love letter to fall, and I truly hope it becomes a cherished tradition in your home too. The process is simple, the result is spectacularly delicious, and your kitchen will smell like a dream.

So, put on your favorite apron, pour a glass of cider, and let’s get baking. Don’t forget to tag me on social media if you make them. I love seeing your creations! Happy baking