Imagine biting into a warm, sugar-coated donut that captures the essence of fall in one bite. That’s exactly what you get with Fried Apple Cider Donuts. These treats are autumn’s answer to comfort food – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and infused with concentrated apple flavor that transports you straight to the orchard.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at homemade donuts for the first time, these cider-infused rings are surprisingly achievable and utterly rewarding.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Fried Apple Cider Donuts aren’t just another sweet treat – they’re a seasonal celebration in food form. What makes them truly special is the reduced apple cider that infuses every bite with intense apple flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match. Unlike many donut recipes that rely on artificial flavorings, these donuts get their authentic taste from real cider.
The frying process creates that distinctive crisp exterior while maintaining a cake-like interior that’s simultaneously light and satisfying. I’ve tweaked this recipe over several autumns to achieve the perfect balance of spices that complement – rather than overwhelm – the apple flavor. Plus, these donuts don’t require any fancy equipment or professional skills, making them accessible to home cooks of all levels.
Equipment needed: Dutch oven or heavy pot, candy thermometer, donut cutter or biscuit cutters, mixing bowls, whisk, rolling pin
Fried Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh apple cider reduced to 1 cup
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour plus more for rolling
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg freshly grated is best
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
- For coating: 1 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Reduce the apple cider by pouring 4 cups into a large saucepan and bringing it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to 1 cup (about 30-40 minutes). Cool completely.
- Prepare the dry ingredients by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and allspice in a large bowl until well combined.
- Mix the wet ingredients in a separate medium bowl by whisking the eggs, melted butter, and reduced apple cider until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures by pouring the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together using a spatula just until a dough forms – avoid overmixing or your donuts will be tough.
- Chill the dough by covering the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerating for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This makes the dough easier to handle and enhances flavor development.
- Prepare for frying by filling a Dutch oven or heavy pot with 2 inches of oil. Heat to 350°F, using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with paper towels and mix your cinnamon-sugar coating in a shallow bowl.
- Roll out the dough on a well-floured surface to ½-inch thickness. Use a floured 3½-inch donut cutter (or a 3½-inch round cutter and a 1-inch cutter for centers) to cut out donuts and holes.
- Fry the donuts in batches of 2-3, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Monitor your oil temperature between batches, adjusting heat as needed to maintain 350°F.
- Coat while warm by removing donuts with a slotted spoon, briefly draining on paper towels (about 30 seconds), then tossing in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while still hot for maximum adhesion.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience, though they’ll remain delicious for up to 2 days stored in an airtight container.
Notes
- The cider reduction is crucial – don’t skip this step! It concentrates the apple flavor that makes these donuts special.
- If you don’t have a donut cutter, use two round cookie cutters or drinking glasses of different sizes.
- Make sure your oil stays at 350°F. Too hot and the donuts will burn outside while remaining raw inside; too cool and they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- The dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to use.
- Fresh apple cider (not apple juice) produces the best flavor. Look for it at farmers’ markets or orchards during fall.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 320 per donut
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 26g
- Allergens: Contains wheat, dairy, and eggs
- Not suitable for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets without modifications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using apple juice instead of cider – Apple juice lacks the depth of flavor needed; always use fresh, unfiltered apple cider.
- Skipping the chilling time – This makes the dough too sticky to handle and prevents proper texture development.
- Overcrowding the fryer – This drops the oil temperature dramatically, resulting in greasy donuts. Fry in small batches instead.
- Rolling dough too thin – Donuts thinner than ½ inch will become crisp throughout rather than having that desired cake-like interior.
- Not monitoring oil temperature – Invest in a candy thermometer; consistent temperature is the secret to perfectly fried donuts.
- Waiting too long to apply the sugar coating – The coating adheres best when donuts are still warm and have a light sheen of oil.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Gluten-free option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but expect a slightly different texture.
- Dairy-free version: Replace butter with melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
- Spice variations: Add ¼ teaspoon cardamom or ginger for different flavor profiles.
- Sugar alternatives: For the coating, try maple sugar for an enhanced autumn flavor, though it will be more expensive.
- Baked version: If you prefer not to fry, pipe the batter into a donut pan and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes (though the texture will be notably different).
- Flavor boost: Add 1 tablespoon boiled cider or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the wet ingredients for enhanced flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, but they’re best enjoyed fresh. You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Once fried, the donuts will keep for 1-2 days in an airtight container, though they’ll gradually lose their crisp exterior.
Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?
Reducing concentrates the apple flavor and removes excess moisture that would otherwise make your dough too wet. This step is essential for that distinctive apple cider flavor that makes these donuts special.
Can I freeze these donuts?
While possible, I don’t recommend freezing the finished donuts as they lose their distinctive texture. However, you can freeze the cut, unfried dough on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before frying.
What’s the best oil for frying these donuts?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil all work well due to their neutral flavors and high smoke points. Avoid olive oil or butter, which will burn at the temperatures needed for proper frying.
My donuts are turning out greasy. What am I doing wrong?
Your oil is likely too cool. Maintain a steady 350°F throughout the frying process, and don’t overcrowd the pot, which can cause the temperature to drop significantly.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of apple cider?
Absolutely not! These are completely different products. Apple cider is fresh, unfiltered apple juice, while apple cider vinegar is fermented and acidic. Using vinegar would create an inedible donut.
Final Thoughts
Fried Apple Cider Donuts are more than just a recipe – they’re a celebration of autumn’s bounty and traditions. There’s something magical about creating these treats in your own kitchen, filling your home with the aroma of apples and spice. Don’t be intimidated by the frying process – with a bit of patience and attention to detail, you’ll be rewarded with donuts that rival any orchard or bakery. Now go grab some cider and embrace the season in the most delicious way possible!
