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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/easy-fried-apple-cider-donuts-recipe/