Homemade Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts
These Homemade Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts are soft and tender on the inside with a beautiful golden, crisp exterior. Each donut is fried to perfection, infused with cozy apple cider flavor, and generously coated in cinnamon sugar for the ultimate fall treat. They’re best served warm, straight from the fryer, with a hot cup of coffee for a nostalgic taste of autumn that feels like a trip to the apple orchard.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Apple Cider: Reduced to intensify the apple flavor and give the donuts their signature fall taste.
Sour Cream Or Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang for a soft, tender crumb.
Salted Butter: Melted for richness and flavor in the dough, keeping the donuts soft and buttery.
Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help the donuts rise beautifully when fried.
Vanilla Bean Paste Or Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the apple and spice notes.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough that gives structure while keeping the inside light and fluffy.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness that complements the apple cider flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a delicate balance with the warm spices.
Baking Powder: Helps the donuts puff up for a soft, cake-like texture.
Baking Soda: Reacts with the cider and sour cream to create extra lift and tenderness.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the rich, spiced flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth to both the donut batter and the cinnamon sugar coating.
Nutmeg: Brings a subtle spice that complements the apple cider perfectly.
Allspice: Adds a gentle, earthy note that deepens the fall spice profile.
Olive Or Avocado Oil: Used for frying the donuts to golden perfection without a greasy texture.
Sugar (For Coating): Used to create the classic sweet, crunchy cinnamon sugar coating.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts:
Soft And Tender Centers: Each donut is perfectly soft and fluffy on the inside with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Golden And Crisp Exteriors: Fried to golden perfection for that irresistible texture contrast.
Cozy Fall Flavor: Infused with reduced apple cider and warm spices for the ultimate autumn treat.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The perfect finishing touch that adds sweetness and crunch to every bite.
Homemade Perfection: Freshly fried donuts taste so much better than store-bought or bakery versions.
Perfect With Coffee: Best enjoyed warm with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider for a cozy morning pairing.
Easy To Make At Home: Simple ingredients and clear steps make these donuts beginner-friendly.
Great For Fall Gatherings: A crowd-pleasing favorite for brunch, holidays, or cozy weekends.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepped ahead so you can fry and enjoy fresh the next morning.
Tips for Making Homemade Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts:
Reduce The Apple Cider: Simmer the apple cider until it’s reduced to about one-third of its original volume to concentrate the flavor. This step is key to getting that deep apple flavor in every bite.
Cool The Cider Completely: Let the reduced cider cool fully before adding it to the dough. Warm cider can melt the butter or affect how the dough mixes together.
Use Fresh Spices: Fresh cinnamon and nutmeg will give your donuts the richest, coziest flavor.
Don’t Overmix The Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the donuts soft and tender without becoming dense.
Chill The Dough Before Cutting: Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps the donuts hold their shape while frying.
Fry At The Right Temperature: Keep oil between 350°F–365°F. Too hot and the outside will brown before the inside cooks; too cool and they’ll absorb oil.
Avoid Overcrowding The Pan: Fry a few donuts at a time so the oil temperature stays consistent for even frying.
Drain On A Wire Rack: Let donuts rest on a wire rack (not paper towels) to prevent soggy bottoms and keep them crisp.
Coat While Warm: Toss donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture right after frying so the coating sticks perfectly.
Serve Fresh: These donuts are best enjoyed warm and freshly fried for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Store Homemade Old-Fashioned Apple Cider Donuts:
Room Temperature: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container lined with paper towels for up to 2 days. The paper towels help absorb excess moisture and keep the coating crisp.
Refrigerator: For slightly longer storage, keep the donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving to restore softness.
Freezer: Freeze cooled, uncoated donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to 2 months.
Reheat Before Serving: Warm donuts in the oven at 325°F for 5–8 minutes or in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes until just heated through.
Re-Coat If Needed: After reheating, toss the donuts again in cinnamon sugar to refresh the coating.
Best Served Fresh: These donuts taste their absolute best the day they’re fried — warm, golden, and freshly coated in cinnamon sugar.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 1 day ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, then roll, cut, and fry the next morning.
Q: Why does the apple cider need to be reduced?
A: Reducing the cider concentrates the flavor, giving the donuts a stronger, richer apple taste. It’s what makes them truly taste like apple cider donuts.
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes, you can bake them at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes in a greased donut pan. They’ll be lighter and cake-like rather than crisp and fried.
Q: What kind of oil is best for frying?
A: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil. These oils fry evenly without altering the flavor.
Q: How do I keep the donuts soft after frying?
A: Store them in an airtight container once cooled. To restore softness, reheat gently in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Q: Can I freeze apple cider donuts?
A: Yes, freeze unfrosted or uncoated donuts in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Reheat before coating them in cinnamon sugar.
Q: Can I use store-bought apple cider?
A: Absolutely. Any good-quality apple cider works well — just be sure to reduce it down for that concentrated flavor.
Q: How do I get the cinnamon sugar to stick better?
A: Coat the donuts while they’re still warm and slightly oily from frying so the sugar mixture adheres evenly.
Q: How do I know when the donuts are done frying?
A: The donuts should be golden brown on both sides and feel light when lifted with a slotted spoon, usually after 1–2 minutes per side.
Q: Are these donuts best served warm or cold?
A: Definitely warm. That’s when the inside is soft, the outside is crisp, and the cinnamon sugar coating tastes the most fragrant.
Love these? Check out my other donut recipes:
Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Donuts with Salted Brown Butter Honey Glaze
Apple Fritter Donuts with Brown Butter Maple Vanilla Bean Glaze
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these homemade old-fashioned apple cider donuts. Happy baking!
