Cider Doughnuts

Cider Doughnuts Recipe - Delicious Sweet Treat from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Cider doughnuts are a delicious treat that combines the flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a sweet and fluffy doughnut. These doughnuts are perfect for enjoying during the fall season or any time you're craving a tasty dessert.

History

Cider doughnuts have been a popular treat in the United States for many years, especially in regions known for apple orchards. The combination of apple cider and spices in a doughnut form is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed by many generations.

Ingredients

1 cup apple cider
3.5 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp salt
0.13 tsp nutmeg
4 tbsp butter (or soy margarine)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs (or 0.5 cup egg replacer)
0.5 cup buttermilk (or soy yogurt)
0.5 can of vegetable shortening (for frying)
small bowl of cinnamon sugar (to roll doughnuts in after frying)

How to prepare

In a saucepan, simmer the Cider on medium-low heat until it reduces to 0.25 cup. Stir occasionally and watch carefully during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning or over-reducing.
While the Cider is reducing, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a separate bowl.
In another bowl, cream the sugar and butter. Then, add the eggs followed by the buttermilk (or yogurt).
Combine the egg/yogurt mixture with the dry ingredients and the reduced Cider. Mix until the dough forms.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough and cut it into doughnut shapes. Alternatively, you can cut them into squares for easier frying and to minimize dough waste.
Heat the shortening in a high-sided pan (such as a soup pot) until it reaches a temperature of about 350°F (177°C). It should be liquid and just starting to bubble, without any smoke. Test the temperature by adding a small scrap of doughnut to the oil.
Fry 3-4 doughnuts at a time, cooking for approximately 1 minute per side. The doughnuts should turn golden brown on the outside. To ensure they are fully cooked inside and not doughy, crack open the first one and adjust the heat if needed.
Drain the fried doughnuts on paper towels. Once they are cool enough to handle, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Variations

Add a glaze or icing to the doughnuts for an extra sweet touch.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the doughnuts before serving for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to watch the cider carefully as it reduces to prevent burning or over-reducing.

- Cutting the dough into squares instead of traditional doughnut shapes can make the frying process easier and minimize dough waste.

- Test the temperature of the shortening before frying the doughnuts to ensure they cook evenly and don't absorb too much oil.

Serving Suggestions

Cider doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, paired with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the doughnuts in vegetable shortening gives them a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use dairy butter instead of soy margarine if preferred.

- Regular eggs can be used instead of egg replacer.

Make Ahead Tips

Cider doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the cider doughnuts on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cider doughnuts pair well with hot beverages such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover cider doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a toaster oven until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cider doughnuts contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cider doughnuts contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cider doughnuts contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of cider doughnuts contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cider doughnuts contain small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium.

Alergens

Cider doughnuts contain soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Cider doughnuts are a tasty treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, making them a delicious indulgence.

Summary

Cider doughnuts are a delicious and comforting treat that is perfect for enjoying during the fall season or any time you're craving a sweet and flavorful dessert. With the combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these doughnuts are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Cider Doughnuts. The memory takes me back to a crisp autumn day many years ago. I had just finished picking apples at a nearby orchard and was looking for a way to use up all the fresh apples I had collected. As I was driving home with a basket full of apples, I passed by a quaint little bakery with a sign outside that read "Fresh Cider Doughnuts."

The smell of warm, sugary doughnuts filled the air and I couldn't resist pulling over to satisfy my craving. As I bit into the soft, fluffy doughnut, I was instantly transported back to my childhood. I remembered my own grandmother making similar treats during the fall season, using apples from our own backyard.

I approached the cashier and asked her about the recipe for the delicious doughnuts. She smiled and told me that it was a family recipe passed down through generations. Intrigued, I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. To my surprise, she agreed and handed me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions.

Excited to recreate the doughnuts at home, I rushed back to my kitchen and gathered all the necessary ingredients. As I mixed the dough, the sweet scent of apples and cinnamon filled the room, bringing back memories of autumn days spent baking with my own grandmother.

After frying the doughnuts to a golden perfection, I coated them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and took a bite. The warm, apple-infused treat melted in my mouth, just like the ones from the bakery. I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a favorite in my own family for years to come.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe for Cider Doughnuts, making small tweaks and adjustments to suit my own taste. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, spreading the joy of these delicious treats to all who try them.

One year, my granddaughter came to visit during the fall season. She watched as I made a fresh batch of Cider Doughnuts and asked if she could help. I smiled and handed her a mixing bowl, eager to pass down the recipe to another generation.

As we worked side by side in the kitchen, I shared stories of how I discovered the recipe and the memories it held for me. My granddaughter listened intently, soaking in every detail as we rolled out the dough and cut out the doughnut shapes.

When the doughnuts were finished frying and coated in cinnamon-sugar, I watched as my granddaughter took her first bite. Her eyes lit up with joy as she tasted the familiar flavors of apples and spices.

"I can see why this recipe is so special to you, Grandma," she said with a smile. "I can't wait to make these for my own family one day."

And with that, I knew that the tradition of making Cider Doughnuts would continue to live on, passed down through the generations just like the recipe itself. The simple pleasure of baking together and sharing a delicious treat would always hold a special place in our hearts, connecting us to each other and to the memories of autumns past.