Homemade Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Nothing screams fall quite like freshly fried, warm donuts coated in a cinnamon sugar glaze, and that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Homemade Apple Cider Donuts Recipe with you. This recipe brings that perfect balance of cozy autumn flavors and a tender, fluffy texture that you just can’t beat. Whether you’re looking to impress family at brunch or craving a sweet treat with your morning coffee, you’ll find these donuts hit all the right notes.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together harmoniously to create that unmistakable apple cider donut flavor. I always recommend sourcing good quality apple cider (unfiltered if possible) because it really makes a difference in the syrupy base.

• Apple cider or unfiltered apple juice: The heart of the recipe, it’s reduced to a syrup for a deep, natural sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps melt smoothly into the cider syrup.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure; make sure to measure correctly to keep your donuts tender.
• Light or dark brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the dough moist without extra fat.
• Buttermilk or kefir: Chilled helps create tender, fluffy donuts by reacting with baking soda.
• Large eggs: Cold eggs help to keep the dough cool for a better texture.
• Baking powder (2 or 4 tsp): Use more if you plan to chill the dough overnight; it helps the donuts rise well.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• Baking soda: Works with the acid in the buttermilk for lift and lightness.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg makes a noticeable difference in aroma and flavor.
• Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil: For frying; needs to be stable at 350ºF without imparting extra flavors.
• Granulated sugar for coating: Mixed with cinnamon to finish the donuts with a crunchy sweet bite.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe traditional, but the beauty is you can easily tweak it to fit your preferences or dietary needs. This recipe is forgiving and versatile, which makes experimenting fun.

• Gluten-Free Version: I once swapped out the flour for a gluten-free blend—just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, and the donuts still came out soft and delicious.
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice can deepen the autumnal flavors if you’re a spice lover like me.
• Vegan Adaptation: I’ve used flax eggs and coconut yogurt instead of eggs and buttermilk with mixed results; you might need to adjust the baking powder accordingly.
• Air-Fried Donuts: If you want to skip frying, try air-frying these at 350ºF for a lighter, yet still tasty treat.

How to Make Homemade Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider into a Syrup

Start by pouring 2 1/2 cups of apple cider into a large frying pan over medium-high heat. It’s fun to watch it bubble and thicken as it cooks down to about 1/3 cup—this takes roughly 10 minutes. Don’t walk away! Stir occasionally and keep an eye so it doesn’t burn. If you accidentally reduce it too far, just add a splash of water to bring it back to the right amount. Once thick and syrupy, remove from heat and whisk in the butter in pieces until melted, then fold in the brown sugar until it’s fully dissolved. This rich syrup is what gives these donuts their signature apple flavor.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

To the warm cider syrup, add the unsweetened applesauce, chilled buttermilk (or kefir), and cold eggs. Whisk them together until smooth and silky. Using cold eggs and buttermilk is a trick I discovered that really helps the donuts develop a tender crumb by keeping the dough cool before frying.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients & Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder (2 teaspoons if frying today, 4 if chilling overnight), kosher salt, baking soda, and freshly grated nutmeg. Pour the wet cider mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a rubber spatula just until you have a sticky dough. Overmixing will make the donuts tough, so be gentle! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 1 hour. If you’re planning ahead, refrigerate overnight with the extra baking powder for a fluffier, more flavorful result.

Step 4: Shape Your Donuts and Prepare Cinnamon Sugar

While the dough chills, mix together granulated sugar and 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl—you’ll use this to coat the donuts right after frying. When ready, generously flour your work surface and rolling pin; this sticky dough loves to cling. Roll out the dough to about half an inch thick, then cut into donuts using a floured 3-inch and 1-inch cutter (for holes). Place your shapes on a floured baking sheet. Don’t toss those donut holes—even they fry up beautifully! You might want to pop the cut donuts back into the fridge if the oil isn’t heated yet. Trust me, flouring well and chilling like this makes frying so much easier and less messy.

Step 5: Fry Your Donuts to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven to 350ºF, using a candy thermometer for accuracy. Fry up to four donuts at a time, gently lowering them in to avoid splashes. Each side should take about a minute—the donuts will puff up, golden and irresistible. Remove with tongs or chopsticks and let excess oil drip before transferring them to a wire rack. Keep that oil temperature steady, or you’ll risk greasy or undercooked donuts. Don’t forget the donut holes—they only need about a minute per side, frying in two batches works well.

Step 6: Toss Donuts in Cinnamon Sugar and Enjoy!

While still warm, roll the donuts and holes in your cinnamon sugar mixture. I like to toss mine right away so the sugar clings and forms that delightfully crunchy outer layer. Then, place the coated donuts back on the rack to cool slightly. This step is pure magic—those warm donuts soaking up that cinnamon sugar make the kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds sing.

How to Serve Homemade Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with just the cinnamon sugar coating because it perfectly complements the spice and apple flavors. But if you want to get fancy, a light drizzle of caramel or maple glaze over the donuts is heavenly. A dusting of powdered sugar can also be fun for a different look and a touch of extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a hot cup of spiced chai, freshly brewed coffee, or even warm apple cider for a cozy fall brunch spread. Fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait balances the richness nicely if you want to round out your breakfast table.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I love arranging the donuts on a tiered cake stand dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with cinnamon sticks and apple slices. It makes a charming centerpiece that’s as inviting as it is tasty. You can even serve them in paper bags lined with parchment for a rustic, grab-and-go vibe at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (they’re rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. That keeps the delicate texture pretty well. I recommend reheating gently before serving.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts successfully by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When you want one, just thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I like popping them in a 300ºF oven for about 5-8 minutes—this brings back that fresh-fried crispiness like magic. Microwaving can make them a little soggy, so the oven is my go-to method.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Apple Cider Donuts Recipe feels like a warm hug in donut form. It’s become a staple in my kitchen every autumn because it brings together that cozy apple flavor with a tender crumb and irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch—exactly what I look for in a seasonal treat. I truly hope you try it for yourself and see how easy and rewarding it is to have bakery-quality, melt-in-your-mouth donuts right at home. Grab that cider, warm up your oil, and get ready to make some memories—and delicious donuts!

Print