The Perfect Fall Treat: How to Make Apple Cider Doughnuts with Optional Frosting

The Perfect Fall Treat: How to Make Apple Cider Doughnuts with Optional Frosting

As the crisp autumn air arrives and leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, it’s time to embrace all things cozy and delicious. One of the most iconic fall treats is the Apple Cider Doughnut—a soft, spiced delight that captures the essence of the season. Whether you’re enjoying these doughnuts fresh from the oven or with a creamy frosting on top, they’re guaranteed to bring warmth to any fall day.

These doughnuts are infused with apple cider, which gives them a subtle apple flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and nutmeg spices. If you want to take them to the next level, adding an optional frosting—whether a simple glaze or a cream cheese frosting—elevates this classic fall treat.

Recipe: Apple Cider Doughnuts with Optional Frosting

Ingredients:

For the Doughnuts:

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp melted butter

Optional Frosting:

  • Vanilla Glaze:

    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 2-3 tbsp milk
    • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • Cream Cheese Frosting:

    • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1-2 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)

Instructions:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider:

  1. Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Let it simmer until the cider reduces to about ½ cup, concentrating the flavor. This should take 10-15 minutes. Set it aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Mix in the reduced apple cider and milk until combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to work with and shape.

3. Shape the Doughnuts:

  1. Once the dough has chilled, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about ½ inch thickness.
  2. Use a doughnut cutter (or two round cutters) to cut out doughnut shapes. You can re-roll the scraps to make more doughnuts.

4. Fry the Doughnuts:

  1. Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the doughnuts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
  3. Remove the doughnuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

5. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

  1. While the doughnuts are still warm, brush them with melted butter.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss each doughnut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated.

Optional Frosting:

If you want to add an extra layer of sweetness, here are two frosting options you can choose from:

Vanilla Glaze:

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Dip the cooled doughnuts into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
  3. Let the glaze set before serving.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract.
  3. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
  4. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled doughnuts with a knife or piping bag.

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Doughnuts:

  • Reducing the apple cider: Don’t skip this step! Reducing the cider concentrates its flavor, giving the doughnuts a more pronounced apple taste.
  • Don’t overmix the dough: Overworking the dough can lead to tough doughnuts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Fry at the right temperature: Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature before frying. If the oil is too cool, the doughnuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Too hot, and they’ll brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked on the inside.
  • Coating while warm: To ensure the cinnamon-sugar sticks, coat the doughnuts while they’re still warm.

Serving Suggestions:

  • With Coffee or Cider: Pair your warm Apple Cider Doughnuts with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee for the ultimate fall treat.
  • As a Dessert: Top your doughnuts with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a simple yet delightful dessert.
  • Make a Doughnut Sundae: For a fun twist, slice the doughnut in half and use it as a base for a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzling caramel or chocolate sauce on top.

Conclusion:

These Apple Cider Doughnuts are reminiscent of the award-winning doughnuts made by Pamela Bennett in "Sweet on You." Just like Pamela’s famous doughnuts that captured the hearts of the Clearmont community, these doughnuts have that perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors, with a soft, fluffy interior and a crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating. In the story, Pamela’s doughnuts were a staple at every fall festival, loved for their homemade, comforting taste that brought everyone together. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with an indulgent frosting, these Apple Cider Doughnuts embody that same warmth and tradition, making them the perfect addition to any fall celebration.

Whether you enjoy them plain with a cinnamon-sugar coating or dressed up with a sweet frosting, these Apple Cider Doughnuts are sure to become a fall favorite. They’re perfect for sharing at a fall festival, cozying up by the fire, or simply treating yourself after a long day. Embrace the flavors of the season and enjoy the sweet simplicity of these delicious doughnuts!

Happy baking!

 

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