In the Midwest, it doesn’t really feel like fall until you’ve picked apples at a local orchard. (Here’s the best spot in every state!) And while filling a bushel with fresh-from-the-tree fruit is rewarding, my favorite part is checking out all of the other apple goodies available for sale. Pies, tarts and apple butter—they’re all delicious. But the ultimate fall treat? Apple cider doughnuts.
These bites of heaven pair the crisp taste of apple cider with a warm, spicy blend of sugar. Fresh from the oven, these treats are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee—and the ultimate reward after a long day at the farm. Here’s how to make ‘em at home (all year round!).
Did you know there’s a difference between apple juice and apple cider?
How to Make Apple Cider Doughnuts
This recipe comes to us from Melissa Hansen in Wisconsin. As a child, Melissa remembers eating fresh apple cider doughnuts before family camping trips.
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon each ground cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
- Oil for deep-fat frying
 For the Sugar:
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2-3 Tablespoons ground ginger (to taste)
Step 1: Reduce Cider
First, we need to reduce our cider so it’s nice and thick. Pour the cider into a small saucepan, and bring it to a rapid boil over high heat. Cook the cider for about 12 minutes, or until it’s reduced in half. Let cool completely before moving on to the next step.
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Step 2: Combine the Dry
In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda and spices. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter and cooled cider. Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, just until moistened. The dough will be sticky. Cover the bowl and place the dough in the fridge until it’s firm enough to shape—about 1 hour.
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Step 4: Divide and Shape
Once the dough is well-chilled, divide it in half. On a floured surface, pat each portion to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a floured, 3-inch doughnut cutter ($7) to shape the doughnuts and holes.
Step 5: Let ‘em Fry
In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 325 degrees. Fry the doughnuts, a few at a time, until they’re golden brown—about 2-3 minutes on each side. Then, fry the doughnut holes, a few at time, until they’re golden brown and cooked through—about 1 minute on each side. Drain on paper towels and let cool slightly.
New to deep frying? Check out this guide.
Step 6: Sugar Time!
Mix together the sugar and ginger. Roll the slightly warm doughnuts in the mixture until they’re evenly coated. If desired, you could coat these doughnuts with a maple glaze instead of spiced sugar.
More Tasty Ways to Use Apple Cider
It's especially nice to use this recipe in fall, when the weather gets crisp and the local apple orchards start selling fresh apple cider. This entree's subtle sweetness is a welcome change from other savory stews. We enjoy it with biscuits and slices of apple and cheddar cheese. —Joyce Glaesemann, Lincoln, Nebraska
Their light, tender texture and apple cider flavor make these small bites a big hit! My mom made them every year as soon as the weather turned cool. I carry on the tradition, and the aroma always brings back cherished memories. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
This is the perfect fall cocktail. Apple cider mixed with a cinnamon caramel apple simple syrup and topped with bubbly—it's the best holiday drink ever! —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
For potlucks and tailgates, we slow-cook pork with cider, onions and spices. These tangy sliders make a winning barbecue plate with sweet potato fries. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Gorgonzola cheese and sweet potatoes add a fun and flavorful twist to classic stuffed shells. Delicious with a sprinkle of Parmesan, the pasta can be topped with leftover gravy, too. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
My family enjoys these tender, flaky biscuits warm from the oven. We have a lot of apple trees, so we're always looking for apple recipes. This is a tasty way to use some of our cider. —Harriet Stichter, Milford, Indiana
A hint of apple flavor gives a slightly sweet spin to a holiday dinner’s main event. The lovely aroma wafting from your kitchen as this turkey cooks will have everybody talking. —Suzy Horvath, Milwaukie, Oregon
I converted a basic sweet dough into this incredible apple-filled pull-apart loaf. The results are anything but basic. It takes time, but I guarantee it's worth it. Using both sauces is twice as tasty. —Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
These spiced, spiked gelatin squares are sure to get the party started at fall get-togethers. If you’re going for the more traditional shot-style look, pour the mixture into 2-ounce plastic cups and refrigerate until set. — Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste of Home
I was lucky enough to spend the holidays with my husband's family in Montana. I loved the rustic simplicity of each dish we tasted, especially this rustic pear tart my mother-in-law made. —Leah Waldo, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Cheese lovers are sure to enjoy dipping into this creamy quick-to-fix fondue cheese dip that has just a hint of apple. You can also serve this appetizer with pear wedges. —Kim Marie Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois
When I wanted to try something new with our holiday ham, I created this cider glaze. It's slightly sweet but still has the spicy flavor my family craves. —Rebecca LaWare, Hilton, New York
I love cooking with pumpkin because it’s versatile, colorful and nutritious. Combining it with chopped apple and cider gives these glazed rolls their autumn appeal. —Jennifer Coduto, Kent, Ohio
I came up with this recipe one fall when I had an abundance of apple cider. Adding some to a down-home classic was a delectable decision.
—Margaret Sumner-Wichmann, Questa, New Mexico
My father, who was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, would tell us stories about how his mother covered all the kitchen counters with dough whenever she made apple strudel. This recipe is a modern, delicious way to carry on part of my family's heritage. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland
Apple doughnuts remind me of family trips to South Dakota. We’d stop at Wall Drug for a dozen or so before camping in the Badlands. Maple glaze was and still is my favorite. Share a batch with friends and family who appreciate a hot, fresh apple cider doughnut. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tender pancakes are filled with minced apple and raisin, and drizzled with apple cider syrup. They're wonderful in the summer or on a cool fall morning. —April Harmon, Greeneville, Tennessee
A creamy sauce flavored with apple cider and sage makes for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner. If you'd like, serve these lightly seasoned chops with couscous, rice or noodles. —Erica Wilson, Beverly, Massachusetts
 Homemade chicken and
dumplings from scratch harken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It's one of those
types of soup you'll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Who doesn't love the flavors of caramel, apples, and vanilla ice cream together? If I'm feeling fancy, I drizzle caramel syrup around the inside of my glass before adding the apple cider and ginger ale. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Pork green chili made in the slow cooker always makes my hungry family happy. Getting creative with the leftovers is part of the fun. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
When my kids and I make apple crisp, we use all sorts of apples to boost the flavor and texture. Add melted caramels, and you’ve got something scrumptious. —Michelle Brooks, Clarkston, Michigan
There's no last-minute rush before the party when you simmer this slow-cooker apple cider. It has all the tantalizing flavors of fall. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico
This pound cake is incredible and completely reminds me of fall with every bite. Using sparkling apple cider in the batter and the glaze gives it a delicious and unique flavor. I love everything about it! —Nikki Barton, Providence, Utah
I'd just been apple picking and wanted to bake something new with the bounty. I decided on apple chicken by throwing them in the slow cooker with some barbecue sauce. The dish fills my whole house with the most delicious smell. —Caitlyn Hauser, Brookline, New Hampshire
A smash is a fruity and chilled cocktail—very refreshing. It's a great use for those apples you bought from the orchard plus some sparking cider. —Moffat Frazier, New York, New York
The combination of butternut squash and apples in this soup reminds me of autumn, which is my favorite season. The spicy chipotle peppers add some zip. Leave them out if you prefer less heat. —Andrea Gilkenson, Wausau, Wisconsin
Looking for a tasty way to use up those pumpkins and have a wonderful gift during the holidays? My pumpkin butter is delicious on biscuits or homemade bread, and also makes a tempting filling for miniature tart shells. —Wanda Richardson, Somers, Montana
I've always loved pork and apples together, and this recipe combines them nicely to create a comforting main dish. It calls for a bit of preparation, but my family and I agree the wonderful flavor is well worth the effort. —Suzanne Strocsher, Bothell, Washington
During cool-weather season, my husband and I take this soul-warming drink outside by the fire pit. Our house smells amazing while the cider is simmering! —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
My children love this healthy apple side dish along with chicken fingers for lunch. It's also a wonderful alternative to potatoes when serving meat. My family even asks for seconds!—Constance Henry, Hibbing, Minnesota
This recipe was born when I needed to use up some apple cider. The dish was so good and is now a go-to for company. I like to crush the nuts with a rolling pin but chopping works fine, too —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
For a tasty jam during the fall, try this cider. The candy adds a wonderful cinnamon flavor.—Donna Bensend, Dallas, Wisconsin
This is a nice warm-up punch. I like to serve it when there is a nip in the air. The aroma of the apple cider, orange juice and spices as the punch simmers in the slow cooker is wonderful. —Susan Smith, Forest, Virginia
When the family's coming or we're expecting guests for dinner, I often serve this flavorful grilled pork roast—and it's always a winner! Chopped apple and sweet honey complement the rosemary and garlic.
—Christine Wilson
Sellersville, Pennsylvania
I use finely ground almonds to give pork chops a crunchy crust. The cider sauce makes them tangy, creamy and sweet. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
I grew up near Idaho, which is famous for spudnuts, a doughnut made from mashed potatoes. I reworked a recipe using sweet potatoes and cranberries to come up with this variation. I like to serve them for dessert. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
I first tasted a steaming mug of this comforting beverage on a frigid evening. It's still a family favorite on a wintry day. —Catherine Allan, Twin Falls, Idaho
My family had been going through some rough times, and when we were finally able to get together for Thanksgiving one year, I made this turkey. It brings back such good memories of joyful family gatherings. —Nicole Keller, Waterford, Pennsylvania
Cardamom and mace add a bit of unusual spicy flavor to this homemade applesauce. This dish is a wonderful way to make use of autumn's apple bounty. —Janet Thomas, McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania
You need only one skillet to pull off this delicious meal. Talk about simple! —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
I just love the sweet and tart flavor that balsamic vinegar gives to this dish. It's easy to prepare and after cooking in the slow cooker, the chicken thighs are tender and flavorful. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma
Topped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sweet potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York
In this recipe, brown sugar and spices add extra flavor to already delicious apple cider. —Marlys Benning, Wellsburg, Iowa
Here on our 1,250-acre farm, we usually have a quick breakfast on the go. So I often keep a batch of these light and moist doughnuts on hand. They disappear quickly because no one can eat just one! —Suzanne Christensen, Defiance, Iowa
This fun combination of ingredients comes together beautifully in one flavor-packed dish. Crunchy apples and ripe, juicy pears are fantastic tossed with crisp, cool cucumbers and a spicy dressing. —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
This knockout shredded pork makes a healthy, delicious and hearty salad with black beans, corn, cotija cheese and plenty of fresh greens. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Onions and apples meld perfectly to make a sweet and savory treatment for pork roast. Serve it with the accompanying sour cream sauce. —Vikki Lee, Gold River, California
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