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Crispy Spiced Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Glaze

crispy spiced apple cider donuts - featured image

These homemade apple cider donuts feature a crispy exterior and tender, spiced interior, topped with a smooth maple glaze. Perfect for cozy fall mornings and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider, preferably fresh or unfiltered
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons (8 g) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons (5 g) ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk or buttermilk
  • For the Maple Glaze:
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Reduce the apple cider by pouring 1 cup (240 ml) into a small saucepan over medium heat and simmer until reduced by half, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with butter or cooking spray.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
  4. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk (or milk), and reduced apple cider until smooth.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling about 3/4 full.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until donuts spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. To make the maple glaze, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
  10. Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle with a spoon. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Reducing the apple cider intensifies the flavor and prevents a runny batter. Avoid overmixing to keep donuts tender. Use fresh baking powder and soda for best rise. Glaze donuts while warm but not hot to ensure it sets well. Baking is simpler and less messy than frying, but frying produces a crispier crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donuts, maple glaze, fall recipe, homemade donuts, spiced donuts, baked donuts, easy donut recipe