Easy Homemade Apple Cider Donuts Recipe for Fall

There’s something truly magical about homemade apple cider donuts that instantly brings the cozy spirit of fall right into your kitchen. These donuts are soft, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, making them the ultimate treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or cider on crisp autumn mornings.

this Recipe

Making easy homemade apple cider donuts is surprisingly simple, and the result is a batch of warm, fragrant donuts that are better than anything from the store. This recipe takes you step-by-step through frying and coating these delicious donuts for the best fall indulgence you can make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of sweet and spicy with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors.
• Soft, tender texture with a slight crisp exterior from frying.
• Uses real apple cider for authentic fall flavor.
• Great for sharing at breakfast, brunch, or fall gatherings.
• Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your own easy homemade apple cider donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups)
• For the coating: 1 cup granulated sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories: Approximately 250 per donut

How to Make Easy Homemade Apple Cider Donuts – The Best Fall Treat You Can Make!

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until pale and fluffy. Stir in the melted butter, apple cider, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until just combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until the dough comes together. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.
4. Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 375°F. While the oil heats, lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
5. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll scraps and repeat until all dough is used.
6. Carefully drop a few donuts at a time into the hot oil, frying for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed.
7. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. While still warm, gently toss the donuts in the cinnamon sugar coating until fully covered.
9. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, or let cool and store as desired.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure the oil temperature stays steady at 375°F for even frying and to prevent greasy donuts.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry donuts in small batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
• Roll the dough evenly to ensure all donuts cook at the same rate.
• Use fresh apple cider for the most vibrant flavor; avoid concentrate or juice blends.
• For a lighter coating, sift the cinnamon sugar mixture before tossing to remove clumps.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, freeze the donuts in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.

To reheat, warm donuts in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispness, or microwave for 15 seconds for a quick soft warm-up. Avoid reheating in the oil as it can make them greasy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these apple cider donuts instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes until golden, but frying provides the classic crispy exterior and soft interior that makes these donuts so special.

What type of apple cider should I use?

Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. Avoid sweetened apple juice or concentrate, as they don’t have the same depth of taste.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring it back to room temperature and lightly flour before rolling and cutting.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. For a gluten-free version, you would need to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and adjust the liquid amounts accordingly.