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Making spiced apple cider donuts is simple and fun. Here’s what you need: - 2 cups apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting) These ingredients blend together to create a warm, spiced flavor that screams fall. Apple cider gives these donuts a unique taste. The spices bring warmth and comfort, making each bite a treat. You can find most of these ingredients in your pantry. The apple cider is the star here, so choose a good quality one. Fresh cider makes a big difference in flavor. If you follow the full recipe, you’ll have 12 delicious donuts ready to enjoy. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect fall dessert. Get ready to impress your family with this delightful treat! To start, take 2 cups of apple cider. Pour it into a medium saucepan. Bring the cider to a rolling boil over medium heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir it occasionally. The goal is to reduce the cider to 1 cup. This intensifies the flavor. After reducing, remove it from heat and let it cool to room temperature. While your cider cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare a donut pan by greasing it lightly. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cooled apple cider, 1/3 cup of melted unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend these wet ingredients until smooth. Now, gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay. Next, fill each cavity of the donut pan about two-thirds full with the batter. You can use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off for easy filling. Place the donut pan in the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into a donut. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. After baking, remove the pan from the oven. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the donuts cool, dust them with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. This adds a sweet touch to each bite. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. - Overmixing the batter: This is a key mistake. If you mix too much, your donuts may turn out dense. Mix just until combined. Remember, a few lumps are okay! - Incorrect oven temperature: Always check your oven's heat. An oven that's too hot can burn the donuts, while one that's too cool can leave them raw. Use an oven thermometer for best results. - Recommended donut pan: A non-stick donut pan works best. It helps the donuts pop out easily without sticking. - Useful mixing bowls and whisk: Use large mixing bowls to give yourself room to stir. A sturdy whisk helps mix dry and wet ingredients well. - Adding spices or extracts: You can boost the flavor by adding more spices, like cloves or allspice. A splash of maple or almond extract adds a nice twist too. - Using fresh apples for garnish: Sliced fresh apples make a lovely garnish. They add color and a fresh taste that complements the sweetness of the donuts. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} To make gluten-free spiced apple cider donuts, swap all-purpose flour for a blend of gluten-free flour. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help give your donuts a good texture. You might need to adjust the liquid in the recipe. Gluten-free flours can absorb more moisture, so keep an eye on the batter. To create a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg. For the butter, use melted coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also use almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk. Top your donuts with dairy-free options like coconut whipped cream or dark chocolate glaze. Get creative with your flavors! Try adding cardamom or allspice for a warm kick. You can also mix in chocolate chips or a swirl of caramel for a sweet surprise. These twists can make each batch of donuts unique. Experimenting in the kitchen is part of the fun! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your spiced apple cider donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. This method helps maintain their soft texture. You can also layer the donuts with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, move them to the fridge. They will stay fresh for about a week there. To freeze your donuts, first let them cool completely. Then, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped donuts inside a freezer-safe bag. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy a donut, take it out of the freezer. Remove the wrap and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat the donut for about 15-20 seconds. This will warm it up and restore some of its soft texture. Enjoy your treat warm for the best flavor. For a crispier texture, you can reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. To make your donuts fluffier, adjust the baking powder and egg ratios. Use a bit more baking powder for rise and add an extra egg for moisture. This change helps create a light texture. Be sure to mix gently to avoid tough donuts. Yes, you can use apple juice, but it changes the flavor. Apple cider has a richer taste. If you use juice, add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. Adjust the cooking time slightly since juice is thinner than cider. You can find Spiced Apple Cider Donuts at local bakeries, especially in fall. Check farmers' markets too; they often have fresh, homemade treats. Some grocery stores sell them, especially during harvest season. Instead of powdered sugar, try using cinnamon sugar or cocoa powder. You can mix granulated sugar with cinnamon for a tasty twist. For a healthier option, use a light sprinkle of crushed nuts or shredded coconut. This blog post covered the key steps to make delicious spiced apple cider donuts. We discussed the right ingredients, mixing methods, and baking tips. Remember, avoid overmixing your batter for the best texture. Don’t be afraid to try the gluten-free or vegan options for everyone to enjoy. Store your leftovers properly or freeze them for later. With these tips, you can create a delightful treat that warms the heart. Now, gather your ingredients and get baking!

Spiced Apple Cider Donuts

Indulge in the flavors of fall with these Spiced Apple Cider Donuts! This simple recipe combines the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg with the rich essence of apple cider. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat, these donuts are easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Click through to explore the full recipe and learn how to create this delightful dessert that will surely impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, pour the apple cider and bring it to a rolling boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cider is reduced to 1 cup. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

    While the cider cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a donut pan by lightly greasing it with non-stick cooking spray or butter.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed, then set the bowl aside.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the cooled apple cider, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth and homogenous mixture.

          Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are perfectly fine.

            Carefully fill each cavity of the donut pan about 2/3 full with the batter. For a neat and mess-free transfer, consider using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off.

              Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly touched.

                Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for approximately 5 minutes. After that time, gently transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Once the donuts have cooled, dust with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for an even coating, adding a delightful sweetness to each bite.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 donuts

                      - Presentation Tips: For an enticing display, stack the donuts on a decorative platter. Add a few thinly sliced fresh apple pieces around the edge and sprinkle a dash of cinnamon for an inviting aroma and visual appeal.