Why Make This Recipe
Fried Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful treat that capture the essence of fall. With their warm, spiced flavor and soft texture, they are perfect for any time of the year but especially enjoyable during cooler months. These tasty donuts are not only delicious but also quite fun to make, providing a wonderful way to bring a little joy into your kitchen. Their sweetness pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot cider, making them a great choice for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
How to Make Fried Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups fresh apple cider
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup cold whole milk
- 2 cold large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 cold large egg yolk
- 2 quarts vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions:
- In a saucepan, reduce the apple cider over medium heat until it’s about 1 cup. Let it cool.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, and allspice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, reduced apple cider, applesauce, milk, eggs, and egg yolk.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a piping bag or spoon, drop the dough into the hot oil, frying until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon for coating. Roll the warm donuts in the cinnamon sugar to coat.
- Serve warm.
How to Serve Fried Apple Cider Donuts
Serve the donuts warm, straight from the fryer, for the best taste experience. You can enjoy them as they are or pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider. They also make a fantastic addition to brunch tables or festive gatherings.
How to Store Fried Apple Cider Donuts
To keep leftover donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to two days. If you want to save them for longer, consider freezing them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for storage. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Tips to Make Fried Apple Cider Donuts
- Make sure the oil is properly heated before frying to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Use a piping bag to form the donuts, or shape them with your hands for a more rustic look.
- Experiment with different spices by adding more or less cinnamon, or try adding a pinch of ginger for an extra kick.
Variation
For a twist on the traditional recipe, you can add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for extra texture. Alternatively, try glazing the donuts with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk instead of rolling them in cinnamon sugar.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works well in this recipe and will still give you that lovely apple flavor.
2. How can I tell when the oil is hot enough?
You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.
3. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
While frying gives the donuts a unique texture, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. They may not be as crispy, but they will still taste great!
Fried Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
For the donut batter
- 2 1/2 cups fresh apple cider Reduce to 1 cup before using
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup cold whole milk
- 2 cold large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 quarts vegetable oil (for frying)
For the cinnamon sugar coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- In a saucepan, reduce the apple cider over medium heat until it's about 1 cup. Let it cool.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, and allspice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, reduced apple cider, applesauce, milk, eggs, and egg yolk.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until just mixed.
Frying
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a piping bag or spoon, drop the dough into the hot oil, frying until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Coating
- In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon for coating.
- Roll the warm donuts in the cinnamon sugar to coat.
Serving
- Serve warm, straight from the fryer, for the best taste experience.