Affordable and Easy Autumn Recipes: Apple Cider Donuts Recipe for Fall 2024

As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s nothing like the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple cider donuts to bring the essence of autumn into your home. These donuts are a seasonal favorite, capturing the sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider and the warm spices of fall.

Here’s an affordable and easy apple cider donut recipe that’s perfect for Fall 2024, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious treat without spending too much time or money.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Reduce the Apple Cider: Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan and bringing it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the cider has reduced to about 1/4 cup, which should take approximately 15-20 minutes. This concentrated apple cider will intensify the flavor of your donuts. Set it aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This will ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender donut texture.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the reduced apple cider and buttermilk until well combined.
  5. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough.
  6. Shape the Donuts: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out donuts and holes, re-rolling the scraps as necessary.
  7. Fry the Donuts: In a large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, turning them once, until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  8. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While the donuts are still warm, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. Toss the donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are well coated.

Enjoy these apple cider donuts fresh and warm, the perfect treat for a cozy autumn day. Their delightful blend of apple and spice makes them an irresistible fall favorite. This affordable and easy recipe ensures you can indulge in this seasonal delight throughout Fall 2024, whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, sharing with friends, or simply enjoying them with a hot cup of cider.

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