Name: Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup); 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons cinnamon (plus more for garnish); ½ teaspoon clove; 1 teaspoon allspice; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ teaspoon cardamom; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons butter (melted); 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 cup packed brown sugar; ½ cup whole milk (room temperature); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup shredded apple; 2 cups powdered sugar; ½ packet apple cider drink mix; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 6 tablespoons milk

Ingredients

2 cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon (plus more for garnish)

½ teaspoon clove

1 teaspoon allspice

½ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon cardamom

½ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons butter (melted)

1 large egg (room temperature)

1 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup whole milk (room temperature)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 cup shredded apple

2 cups powdered sugar

½ packet apple cider drink mix

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

6 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: Reduce the apple cider by bringing 2 cups to a boil in a small saucepan. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 50 minutes until it reduces to about ½ cup. Stir occasionally and then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Peel and shred a large apple using a cheese grater. Squeeze out any excess juice from the shredded apple and set aside.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a donut pan by spraying it with nonstick spray.

Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, clove, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and shredded apple until well combined.

Step 6: Pour the wet ingredients and reduced apple cider into the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until the batter is smooth and no clumps remain.

Step 7: Fill each cavity of the prepared donut pan about halfway with batter. You can use a piping bag with the tip cut off to make this easier.

Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. To test, tap the top of a donut — if it bounces back, they are ready. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 9: Carefully remove the donuts from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 10: For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, apple cider drink mix, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl until smooth.

Step 11: Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl.

Step 12: Optionally, dust the glazed donuts with a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

You can substitute the apple cider drink mix in the glaze with 1 tablespoon of reduced apple cider for a more natural flavor.

Try frying the donuts instead of baking for a crispier texture.

Add chopped nuts like pecans to the batter for added crunch.

Storage

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving. The glaze is best fresh, but leftover glazed donuts can be gently reheated in a microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin, but the shape will be different. Fill each cup about halfway and adjust baking time accordingly, checking doneness with the bounce test.

Can I use store-bought apple cider instead of reducing it myself?

Reducing the cider concentrates the flavor, but if short on time, you can use store-bought reduced apple cider or apple juice concentrate. Just keep in mind the flavor might be less intense.