Apple Cider Donuts for Thanksgiving: A Warm, Spiced Delight

Thanksgiving is a time for tradition, family, and, of course, incredible food. While turkey and stuffing often take center stage, don’t overlook the dessert possibilities! This year, add a touch of autumnal magic with apple cider donuts. These warm, spiced treats are the perfect complement to a Thanksgiving feast, offering a delightful combination of comfort and seasonal flavor.

Why Apple Cider Donuts Are the Perfect Thanksgiving Dessert

Apple cider donuts represent the essence of fall. The concentrated flavor of apple cider, combined with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, evokes memories of crisp autumn days and cozy evenings. They’re easy to eat, perfect for sharing, and offer a welcome change from heavier, more traditional Thanksgiving desserts. They also offer several advantages:

• Seasonal Flavor: The apple cider and spice blend is undeniably autumnal.
• Easy to Serve: They are portable and require no slicing or plating.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Adults and children alike enjoy their sweet, spiced flavor.
• Pairing Potential: They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice confection.
• Make-Ahead Option: The batter can often be prepared in advance, saving time on Thanksgiving Day.

Mastering the Art of Apple Cider Donuts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating perfect apple cider donuts at home is easier than you might think. This recipe is designed for both experienced bakers and those just starting out, offering clear instructions and helpful tips. We’ll cover both baked and fried versions to suit your preferences.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts: A Healthier Alternative

For a lighter take on this classic treat, baked apple cider donuts are an excellent choice. They retain the delicious flavor while reducing the amount of fat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated confection
• 1/4 cup brown confection, packed
• 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup (see instructions below)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider: In a saucepan, simmer 1 cup of apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to 1/4 cup. This concentrates the apple flavor. Let it cool slightly.

2. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan well.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated confection, brown confection, reduced apple cider, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.

7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Glaze (optional): Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can then glaze them with a simple confectioned confection and apple cider glaze (recipe below).

Fried Apple Cider Donuts: The Classic Indulgence

For the authentic donut experience, fried apple cider donuts are the way to go. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated confection
• 1/2 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup (see instructions below)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider: In a saucepan, simmer 1 cup of apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to 1/4 cup. This concentrates the apple flavor. Let it cool slightly.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated confection, reduced apple cider, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.

4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.

6. Heat the Oil: Pour about 3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.

7. Roll and Cut the Donuts: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two differently sized round cutters) to cut out the donuts.

8. Fry the Donuts: Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

9. Drain and Coat: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain. While still warm, toss them in cinnamon confection (recipe below).

Glazes and Toppings: Adding the Finishing Touch

The glaze or topping you choose can elevate your apple cider donuts to the next level. Here are a few options to consider:

Cinnamon Confection Topping

This is the most classic and easiest topping for fried donuts.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated confection
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Combine the granulated confection and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

2. While the donuts are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon confection mixture until evenly coated.

Apple Cider Glaze

This glaze adds an extra layer of apple flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups confectioners’ confection
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ confection, apple cider, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

2. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.

3. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set.

Maple Glaze

A touch of maple complements the apple and spices beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups confectioners’ confection
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ confection, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

2. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.

3. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Apple Cider Donuts

• Reduce the Cider: Don’t skip the step of reducing the apple cider. This concentrates the flavor and prevents the batter from being too wet.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
• Control the Oil Temperature: For fried donuts, maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside before they’re cooked through. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will provide the best flavor.
• Let the Donuts Cool Slightly: Before glazing or topping, let the donuts cool slightly so the glaze doesn’t melt completely.
• Storage: Apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving

Apple cider donuts can be served in a variety of ways for your Thanksgiving celebration:

• Dessert Platter: Arrange the donuts on a platter with other Thanksgiving desserts, such as pie, cookies, and fruit.
• Coffee Station: Serve the donuts alongside a coffee or tea station for a warm and inviting treat.
• Individual Treats: Wrap individual donuts in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for a festive touch.
• Ice Cream Sundae Topping: Crumble the donuts and use them as a topping for ice confection sundaes.
• Breakfast the Next Day: Enjoy leftover donuts with coffee for a delicious Thanksgiving breakfast.

Apple Cider Donuts FAQs

• • Can I make apple cider donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, fried donuts are best enjoyed fresh. Baked donuts can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.

• • Can I freeze apple cider donuts?

Yes, you can freeze baked apple cider donuts. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. It is not recommended to freeze fried donuts.

• • What is the best type of apple cider to use?

Use a good quality, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. Avoid using apple juice, as it doesn't have the same concentrated apple flavor.

• • Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.

• • How do I prevent my donuts from being greasy?

For fried donuts, ensure the oil temperature is consistent and not too low. Don't overcrowd the pot when frying. Drain the donuts well on a wire rack lined with paper towels.