Are you craving the irresistible taste of fall? Nothing says autumn quite like the warm, spicy aroma of freshly fried apple cider donuts. Forget store-bought; this recipe will guide you through making homemade apple cider donuts that are unbelievably fluffy, perfectly spiced, and delightfully crispy on the outside. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy weekend baking project or a fun activity with the family. Get ready to experience the ultimate fall treat!
Ingredients:
For the donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and granulated sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and gently pat it into a ½-inch thick rectangle. Using a 2 ½-inch donut cutter (or a biscuit cutter and a smaller round cutter for the hole), cut out the donuts.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Step 4: Fry the Donuts
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few donuts in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Coat and Serve
Remove the fried donuts from the oil and place them immediately in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, gently tossing to coat. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Delicious Apple Cider Donuts:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts.
- Use a thermometer: An accurate temperature is crucial for evenly fried donuts. Too low, and they'll be greasy; too high, and they'll burn.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in unevenly cooked donuts. Fry in batches.
- Let the donuts cool slightly before coating: This will prevent the sugar from melting and making a sticky mess.
Variations:
- Glazed donuts: Instead of cinnamon sugar, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the warm donuts.
- Spiced variations: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the batter for extra warmth.
- Apple chunks: Fold in small pieces of diced apple into the batter for an extra burst of apple flavor.
Nutritional Information (per donut, approximate):
Calories: 200-250 Fat: 10-12g Saturated Fat: 2-3g Carbohydrates: 25-30g Sugar: 10-15g Protein: 3-4g
This recipe provides a delicious and relatively healthy homemade treat, perfect for satisfying your fall cravings. Enjoy these amazing apple cider donuts—a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, and best recipes! Remember, homemade cooking is always the most satisfying!