Apple Cider Cinnamon Sugar Donuts ~the strong taste of apple really shines through in these donuts. The buttermilk is key and don’t skimp on the flour or they will be sticky. Easy to make and easy to eat as well. Being just down the street from an orchard when I saw this recipe I just had to make it! These are best eaten warm out of the oven. To reheat them, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10 seconds. They stay fresh up to 7 days. Apple Cider Cinnamon Sugar Donuts can also be made as donut holes. For more apple recipes see An Apple A day. Or For more donut recipes see Donuts Galore! See my Healthy Polish Paczki too.
Apple Cider Cinnamon Sugar Donuts ~the strong taste of apple really shines through in these donuts. The buttermilk is key and don't skimp on the flour or they will be sticky.
- 2 red apples such as Cortland or McIntosh
- 2 1/2 cups apple cider
- 4 1/2 cups all-pourpose flour plus more for dusting
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar divided into 1 cup and 2/3 cup.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
- Vegetable oil for frying
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Core and coarsely chop the apples (do not peel). Combine with 1 1/2 cups cider in a medium saucepan over medium heat; cover and cook until softened, about 35 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking until the apples are tender and the cider is almost completely reduced, about 5 minutes. Puree with an immersion blender or in a food processor until smooth. Measure the sauce; you should have 1 cup. (Boil to reduce further, if necessary.) Let cool slightly.
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Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
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Beat 2/3 cup granulated sugar and the shortening in another bowl with a mixer on medium speed until sandy. Beat in the egg and yolk, then gradually mix in the applesauce, scraping the bowl. Beat in half of the flour mixture, then the buttermilk and vanilla, and then the remaining flour mixture. Mix to make a sticky dough; do not overmix.
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Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured sheet of parchment paper and pat into a 7-by-11-inch rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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Meanwhile, make the glaze: Simmer the remaining 1 cup cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup. Whisk in the confectioners' sugar until smooth and glossy, then set aside. Mix the remaining 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a shallow bowl; set aside for the topping.
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Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Cut the chilled dough into 12 rounds, using a floured 2 1/2- or 3-inch biscuit cutter, then cut out the middles with a 1-inch cutter (or use a doughnut cutter). Slip 2 or 3 doughnuts at a time into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side, adjusting the heat as needed. Transfer to the paper towels to drain.
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Dip one side of each doughnut in the cider glaze, letting the excess drip off; dip just the glazed side in the cinnamon-sugar or roll all over in cinnamon-sugar, if desired. Serve warm.
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Hi Marilyn, these do a treat. I’m on the lookout for a doughnut baking tray but I can see that this recipe does not need one.
xx
I like the biscuit cutter since there are so many sizes you can use. Even in one batch! The donut pan is good, but most only have 6 wells so it takes a bit to cook them or you need extra pans. Using the cutter you can place many more on a cookie sheet. Enjoy!