Fried Apple Cider Donuts are the perfect embodiment of autumn, bringing a delightful sweetness and warmth to every bite. These donuts are not just a seasonal treat; they encapsulate the essence of fall with their rich flavors and soft, crispy texture. The combination of fresh apple cider and warm spices makes them irresistible, ideal for cozy gatherings or a comforting snack. Let’s dive into this homemade apple cider donuts recipe that promises to deliver happiness with every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Fried Apple Cider Donuts

These fried apple cider donuts are not just delicious; they come with multiple benefits. Here’s why they stand out:

Rich apple flavor that captures the essence of fresh apples.
Soft and fluffy texture, making them a delightful treat.
Perfect for sharing during seasonal gatherings and holidays.
Easy to make, even for novice bakers with our easy apple cider donut recipe.
Versatile enough to serve warm or with various toppings.
Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, fitting perfectly in the Desserts category.

Ingredients for Fried Apple Cider Donuts

Gather these items:

1 ¼ cups Apple Cider
1 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour (plus extra for rolling)
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
½ teaspoon Fine Salt
½ teaspoon Ground Clove
¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon Baking Soda
⅓ cup Light or Dark Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
1 Whole Large Egg
¼ cup Full-Fat Sour Cream
½ teaspoon Vanilla Paste or Extract
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for glaze)
1 cup Powdered Sugar
2 to 4 tablespoons Apple Cider (for glaze consistency)

How to Make Fried Apple Cider Donuts Step-by-Step

Step 1: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan over medium/high heat. Let it simmer until it’s reduced to ¼ cup, then cool it in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cooled, reduced apple cider, brown sugar, sour cream, melted butter, whole egg, and vanilla until fully combined.
Step 4: Sift the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Step 5: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, shape it into a rectangle, and refrigerate for at least 1.5 hours or overnight.
Step 6: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness.
Step 7: Use a 2.5-inch cookie cutter to cut out donuts, and a 1-inch cutter for the holes.
Step 8: Place the shaped donuts on a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 9: Melt the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat until golden brown.
Step 10: Whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider into the browned butter until smooth.
Step 11: Heat oil to 350ºF in a deep pan. Fry 3 to 4 donuts at a time for 45 seconds on each side.
Step 12: Transfer the fried donuts to a wire rack, dip the tops in the glaze, and let set for about 10 minutes.

Pro Tips for the Best Fried Apple Cider Donuts

Keep these in mind:

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container.
Donuts are best served fresh but can be reheated.
For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar after glazing.

Best Ways to Serve Fried Apple Cider Donuts

These donuts shine best when served warm. Consider pairing them with:

Fresh apple cider for a true fall experience.
Vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Chocolate sauce for a decadent twist.

How to Store and Reheat Fried Apple Cider Donuts

To keep your donuts fresh, use an airtight container. They can be reheated in the oven at 350ºF for about 5 minutes to restore their crispy exterior. This also works well for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them over several days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Apple Cider Donuts

What’s the secret to perfect Fried Apple Cider Donuts?

The secret lies in reducing the apple cider to concentrate its flavor. This makes your donuts richer and more aromatic, giving you that authentic taste of traditional fried apple cider donuts according to experts.

Can I make Fried Apple Cider Donuts ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors, making your homemade apple cider donuts even more delicious.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Fried Apple Cider Donuts?

To avoid dense donuts, don’t overmix the batter. Also, ensure your oil is at the right temperature before frying; this ensures they cook evenly and remain light and fluffy.

Variations of Fried Apple Cider Donuts You Can Try

For a fun twist, consider these variations:

Make vegan apple cider donuts by substituting the egg with flaxseed meal.
Add a caramel drizzle for a richer flavor experience.
Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique taste.

Fried Apple Cider Donuts: 12 Irresistible Bites of Joy - Fried Apple Cider Donuts - main visual representation

Fried Apple Cider Donuts: 12 Irresistible Bites of Joy

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Author: David
Total Time: 140 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these delightful Fried Apple Cider Donuts, bursting with autumn flavors and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ¼ cups Apple Cider
1 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour (plus extra for rolling)
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
½ teaspoon Fine Salt
½ teaspoon Ground Clove
¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon Baking Soda
⅓ cup Light or Dark Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
1 Whole Large Egg
¼ cup Full-Fat Sour Cream
½ teaspoon Vanilla Paste or Extract
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for glaze)
1 cup Powdered Sugar
2 to 4 tablespoons Apple Cider (for glaze)

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Instructions

Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan over medium/high heat. Let it simmer until it’s reduced to ¼ cup, then cool it in the fridge for 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cooled, reduced apple cider, brown sugar, sour cream, melted butter, whole egg, and vanilla until fully combined.
Sift the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, shape it into a rectangle, and refrigerate for at least 1.5 hours or overnight.
Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness.
Use a 2.5-inch cookie cutter to cut out donuts, and a 1-inch cutter for the holes.
Place the shaped donuts on a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Melt the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat until golden brown.
Whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider into the browned butter until smooth.
Heat oil to 350ºF in a deep pan. Fry 3 to 4 donuts at a time for 45 seconds on each side.
Transfer the fried donuts to a wire rack, dip the tops in the glaze, and let set for about 10 minutes.