Apple cider donuts are a sweet Fall treat! This easy recipe that can be made at home, and enjoyed by all!
My family craves these donuts, loaded with fresh apples, and topped with an apple cider glaze. Let's just say these babies do not disappoint!
There is nothing better than a fresh, warm donut! Crunchy on the outside, cakey and tender on the inside. So GOOD and perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Tips for making apple cider donuts
- Start with 2 cups apple cider, (you want to use the fresh kind) Simmer for about 20 minutes until reduced to about 1 1/2 cups.
- In a medium bowl sift all the dry ingredients together and whisk.
- In a large bowl mix the butter and sugars until combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix. Then add 1 cup apple cider, buttermilk, and vanilla and mix.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and mix until combined.
- Fold in the diced apples, the dough will be sticky.
- Sprinkle some flour onto a flat surface and take 1/2 of the dough, roll around on the floured surface until the stickiness goes away.
- Using a rolling pin roll out the dough to 1/2 inch thickness.
- Using a donut cutter cut your donuts and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Using a candy thermometer heat 3 inches of oil in a heavy bottom pot (I use cast iron) to 350 degrees.
- Carefully drop 3-4 donuts into the oil. Fry 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Remove to a wire cooling rack to drain.
- Once cooled dip into apple cider glaze and return to wire rack.
Items I use to make this recipe:
- Deep Fat Fryer/ Cast iron Pot
- Candy Thermometer
- Flour sifter
- Donut cutter
- Wire Spider
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheet
- Cooling rack
- Spoons/ Cups
- Rolling Pin
Making homemade donuts is not hard just a little time-consuming. That's exactly why you should make a bunch and freeze them for a quick treat. Trust me these apple cider donuts are the real deal and about to be your latest food addiction!
Are you looking for more Fall apple desserts?
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Apple Cider Donuts

Apple cider donuts are a delicious Fall treat. Full of apple flavor and topped with a delicious apple cider glaze
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider (the real stuff)
- 5 cups all purpose flour (plus more for rolling out)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 apples peeled, cored and finely chopped (Gala or Fuji)
Apple Cider Glaze
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup reduced apple cider
Instructions
- Add apple cider to a medium, saucepan over low heat. Let apple cider simmer for about 20-25 minutes until reduced, (you should have about 1 1/2 cups). Remove from heat to let cool.
- In a medium bowl sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time and mix until combined. Add in 1 cup reduced apple cider, buttermilk, and vanilla and mix.
- Add the flour mixture a mix until combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples with a spatula just until combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Turn half the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Gently roll the dough around until it becomes less sticky.
- Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Using a lightly floured donut cutter, cut out the donuts and place them on the baking sheet. Scoop up the dough scraps and repeat. Then repeat with the other half of the dough.
- Place a cooling rack on a baking sheet.
- Add about 3 inches of oil into a heavy bottom pot. Place your candy thermometer on the side and heat it to 350 degrees.
- Drop 3-4 donuts in the pot at a time (you don't want to crowd them) Cook for 1-2 minutes then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes. Remove the donuts and place them on the wire rack to cool.
- Mix powdered sugar and remaining apple cider in a small bowl until combined. Dip the donuts in glaze. Let set and Enjoy
Notes
You need to use the real apple cider, usually found in the refrigerator section of your local grocery store.
You can make your own buttermilk- 1/2 cup milk plus 2 teaspoons white vinegar or lemon juice.
To freeze donuts- Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a ziplock freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Thaw- Place in refrigerator overnight. Warm in a 300-degree oven for 10-12 minutes and dip in an apple cider glaze.
Nutrition Information
Yield
20Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 286Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 28mgSodium 292mgCarbohydrates 58gFiber 1gSugar 35gProtein 4g
Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on butteryourbiscuit.com should only be used as a general guideline.
I've never tested this recipe in the air fryer.
Can these be made in an air fryer
Thank you Sharon 🙂
Love your recipes...
Sorry Teiza I've never added blueberries to this donut recipe.
How can you use this recipe to make blueberry donuts.