If you’re searching for the Best Apple Cider Donuts Recipe, you’ve just found your new fall favorite! These cakey donuts are packed with cozy apple flavor, tossed or glazed to perfection, and have irresistibly soft insides with just the right crunch on the outside. Whether you’re making them for a family breakfast or an autumn gathering, this recipe brings festive orchard flavors right to your kitchen—no hayride required.

Best Apple Cider Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Best Apple Cider Donuts Recipe shine is how simple yet effective each ingredient is. From fresh apples and warm spices to a tangy buttermilk finish, every item here brings depth, moisture, or classic donut texture to every single bite.

Apples (2, peeled, cored, and chopped): Using real apples gives the donuts bright pops of real fruit flavor and boosts the overall apple aroma.
Apple cider (3 cups): Reducing this down concentrates the flavor for donuts that taste bursting with the essence of the orchard.
All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The sturdy base to create a tender, cakey donut without heaviness.
Baking powder (3 teaspoons): Essential for lift so your donuts puff up light and airy as they fry.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon + 2 teaspoons for topping): Warm spice is the unmistakable heart of apple cider donuts!
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps with rise and keeps the texture delicate.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds that traditional, bakery-style donut warmth.
Granulated sugar (1 cup + 1 cup for topping): Adds the necessary sweetness and creates a sparkly, crunchy outer layer.
Salted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Ensures a rich, tender crumb and hints of buttery goodness in every donut.
Eggs (2 large): Binds everything together for a classic donut texture.
Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Adds tang and moisture, keeping the donuts extra soft.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A tiny touch goes a long way enhancing all the comforting flavors.
Vegetable oil (for frying): High smoke point is crucial—gets the outside golden without soaking in oil.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Perfect for creating a luscious apple cider glaze.
Apple cider (2-4 tablespoons, for glaze): Brings extra apple punch to your glaze (if you choose to glaze instead of cinnamon-sugar coat).

How to Make Best Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Make the Apple Cider Reduction

Start by combining your chopped apples and apple cider in a saucepan. Let this mixture simmer and bubble gently, filling your kitchen with that unmistakable apple aroma. After 15-20 minutes, most of the liquid should have evaporated, leaving you with tender apples and concentrated cider. Puree it all together until smooth and thick—it should measure about one cup. If you have extra, just simmer a bit longer. This reduction is the secret to donuts that taste like a bite of autumn itself.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Now, grab a big bowl and whisk together your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg. This harmonious blend will ensure each donut has a delicately spiced, fluffy crumb. Even the simple act of combining these dry ingredients fills the air with a sweet whiff of nostalgia!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Bring It Together

In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and your thick, fragrant apple reduction. Once smooth, whisk in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture over your dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The trick here is not to over-mix—the dough will be sticky, and that’s exactly what you want.

Step 4: Prepare and Chill the Dough

Dust a parchment-lined baking sheet with flour, then turn out your sticky dough. Pat it into a rough rectangle, about half an inch thick, and dust the top with a little more flour to prevent sticking. Cover with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours (or the freezer for 20 minutes if you’re impatient). Chilling firms the dough, making it so much easier to cut and fry later.

Step 5: Get Ready to Fry

Once your dough is cold, heat up your vegetable oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven to 375°F. While you wait for it to reach temperature, prep a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with paper towels—this will help drain the donuts and keep them crisp. Mix your cinnamon-sugar topping in a shallow bowl so it’s ready to roll the hot, fresh donuts as soon as they come out of the oil.

Step 6: Cut Out the Donuts

Using a donut cutter or biscuit cutter combo, cut out your donut shapes. If you don’t have the right tools, a frosting tip can work for the center! Save the little circles for donut holes, and gather scraps to cut out more until you’re out of dough. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—it just adds homemade charm.

Step 7: Fry and Toss in Cinnamon Sugar

Working just a couple at a time to keep the oil temp steady, fry each donut for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping to evenly cook. As soon as they’re golden and puffed, transfer to the rack to drain ever-so-briefly, then immediately toss in cinnamon sugar. For absolute perfection, serve these warm and fresh—they’ll practically melt in your mouth.

Step 8: Make the Apple Cider Glaze (Optional)

If you want to take your Best Apple Cider Donuts Recipe to the next level, whisk together powdered sugar and a few spoonfuls of apple cider for a quick glaze. Dip the donuts and let them set for about 15 minutes. It’s a shiny, tangy finish that apple lovers will adore!

How to Serve Best Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

Simplicity shines, but you can sprinkle finely diced dried apples on top, dust lightly with extra cinnamon, or even drizzle a little caramel for extra indulgence. Whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar also looks gorgeous for brunches or parties.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair beautifully with hearty sides like fresh fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or a platter of sharp cheddar cheese. For a truly festive morning, serve with mugs of warm spiced apple cider or homemade chai for ultimate autumn comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Best Apple Cider Donuts Recipe on a rustic wooden board or tiered cake stand, stack them tower-style for a dramatic centerpiece, or serve donut holes in little paper bags for guests to grab and go. For parties or brunches, let guests choose between cinnamon sugar and glazed, placing them artfully so everyone gets their favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and only if!) you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them away from direct heat or humidity, and line the bottom with a paper towel to help absorb any excess moisture so they stay as fresh as possible.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these donuts! Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready for you to satisfy a donut craving anytime.

Reheating

To bring back that just-fried flavor, pop donuts in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. If you froze your donuts, let them thaw at room temperature first before reheating. A quick toss in fresh cinnamon sugar after warming gives them that bakery-fresh feel again!

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

While traditional apple cider donuts are fried for a crisp outer layer, you can bake them in a donut pan at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. The texture will be more cake-like and less crisp, but all the apple flavor will still shine through!

What apples work best in this recipe?

Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for bright, punchy flavor. If you prefer a sweeter donut, Fuji or Gala are wonderful too. Mixed apples bring depth and a more complex taste to your Best Apple Cider Donuts Recipe!

Can I substitute the buttermilk?

Absolutely. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes and use as directed. The tang is important for flavor and helps with that tender, cakey donut texture.

Is it possible to make these donuts gluten free?

Yes! Substitute a high-quality cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Check the texture when mixing (it should still be sticky) and add a splash more buttermilk if needed for hydration. The results are surprisingly close to the original!

How do I keep the oil at the correct temperature when frying?

Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer and adjust your stove as needed. Only add a few donuts at a time so the oil doesn’t drop; if it does, let it come back up to 375°F between batches. Consistent oil temp means even, crisp, non-greasy donuts every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dreaming of crisp, cinnamon-sugar donuts with cozy apple flavor, this really is the Best Apple Cider Donuts Recipe to try at home. It’s a joyful baking project that brings smiles and a touch of autumn magic with every bite. Give it a go—you might just start a new fall tradition!

Best Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Makes about 12 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these delightful Apple Cider Donuts that are perfectly spiced and coated with a sweet cinnamon sugar topping or a luscious apple cider glaze. These homemade donuts are a comforting fall treat that will warm your heart.

Instructions

Prepare the Apple Puree: In a saucepan, cook the apples and cider until soft, then puree until smooth.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg in a bowl.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: Whisk sugar, butter, eggs, apple puree, buttermilk, and vanilla.
Combine and Chill: Mix wet and dry ingredients, chill the dough for 2 hours.
Shape and Chill: Roll out the dough, cut into donut shapes, and chill again.
Fry the Donuts: Fry in oil until golden brown, then coat with cinnamon sugar.
Optional Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and apple cider for a glaze, dip donuts, and let set.

Notes

For best results, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying.
Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Apple Cider Donuts, Fall Desserts, Homemade Donuts, Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, Apple Cider Glaze