Easy Fried Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall with these easy fried apple cider donuts. They are perfectly spiced, tender, and coated with cinnamon sugar for a delightful treat any time of day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 6 tablespoons butter (melted and cooled)
• Oil for deep-fat frying
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2-3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring the apple cider to a rapid boil. Cook until reduced by half, about 12 minutes, then cool completely.
2. Step 2: Whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and all the spices. Use a pastry blender if needed to evenly combine the brown sugar with the flour mixture.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, melted cooled butter, and cooled apple cider until well blended.
4. Step 4: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the well and gently mix from the center outward until a sticky dough forms.
5. Step 5: Cover the dough and chill for one hour or until firm enough to handle.
6. Step 6: On a floured surface, gently roll or pat the dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out donuts using a floured donut cutter.
7. Step 7: Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep pot or fryer to 325°F (163°C). Fry donuts a few at a time until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side. Fry donut holes about 1 minute per side until golden.
8. Step 8: Drain donuts on paper towels and let cool slightly. Roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture and serve warm for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor, or substitute with apple juice reduced similarly if cider isn’t available.
• Adjust the spice blend to taste—adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can deepen the warmth.
• For a lighter donut, try baking instead of frying at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden.
• Make the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing granulated sugar with cinnamon to your preferred ratio.

Storage

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a warm oven or toaster oven to restore their crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without deep frying?

Yes, you can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden and cooked through. This method is healthier but yields a different texture than frying.

How do I know when the oil is the right temperature for frying?

Use a deep-fry thermometer to keep the oil at 325°F (163°C). If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown quickly on the outside but stay raw inside; too cool and they will absorb excess oil and become greasy.

Easy Fried Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 120 reviews

These easy fried apple cider donuts are a delightful autumn treat featuring a spiced, fluffy dough made with reduced apple cider. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are fried to golden perfection and coated with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: About 12–16 doughnuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

Frying and Coating

• Oil for deep-fat frying (about 3 inches depth)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2–3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Reduce the apple cider: In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring 2 cups of apple cider to a rapid boil. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2/3 cup packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and the spices: 1/4 teaspoon each of ground cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice. Use a pastry blender if needed to combine the brown sugar evenly with the flour mixture.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the 2 room temperature eggs, 6 tablespoons melted and cooled butter, and the cooled reduced apple cider until well blended.
4. Form the dough: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the well and begin mixing from the inside out until a sticky dough forms.
5. Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for one hour, or until firm enough to handle and shape.
6. Shape the doughnuts: On a floured surface, gently roll or pat the dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into doughnut shapes using a floured doughnut cutter.
7. Heat the oil: In an electric skillet, deep fryer, or a deep pot on the stove, heat about 3 inches of oil to 325°F (163°C).
8. Fry the doughnuts: Fry the doughnuts in batches, a few at a time, for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Fry doughnut holes for about 1 minute per side or until golden.
9. Drain and coat: Remove the fried doughnuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, roll them in a mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2-3 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Serve warm.

Notes

• Ensure the apple cider is fully cooled before mixing into the wet ingredients to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
• Maintain oil temperature at 325°F to ensure even cooking without burning.
• Doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
• Use a thermometer to monitor frying oil temperature accurately for best results.

Keywords: apple cider donuts, fried donuts, fall donuts, cinnamon sugar, spiced donuts, homemade donuts