Apple Cider Crumb Donuts: The Ultimate Fall Baking Recipe

Apple Cider Crumb Donuts: Is there anything that screams fall more than the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked donuts infused with the sweet and tangy essence of apple cider? I think not! These aren’t your average donuts; they’re a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to an autumn orchard. Imagine biting into a soft, cakey donut, bursting with apple cider goodness, topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel that melts in your mouth.

While the exact origins of the donut are debated, their popularity in America soared in the early 20th century, becoming a staple at fairs, bakeries, and eventually, our own kitchens. This particular twist, the apple cider crumb donuts, is a modern adaptation, perfectly capturing the essence of the fall harvest. What makes these donuts so irresistible? It’s the combination of the warm spices, the sweet apple cider, and the satisfying crunch of the crumb topping. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for a weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon treat, or even a festive holiday gathering. Plus, the aroma that fills your home while they bake is simply divine! Get ready to experience donut perfection with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients:

• For the Donuts:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• For the Crumb Topping:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• For the Glaze (Optional):
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider, plus more as needed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For Frying:
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 6-8 cups)

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that the spices and leavening agents are properly incorporated into the dough.
2. Combine Sugars: In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Breaking up any lumps in the brown sugar will help it mix evenly.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted and slightly cooled butter into the sugar mixture. Whisk until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then, stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and well emulsified.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough donuts. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to handle and preventing the donuts from becoming too dense. The cold dough will also hold its shape better during frying.

Making the Crumb Topping:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Ensure there are no lumps of sugar.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. You can also use a food processor, pulsing until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Be careful not to over-process.
3. Chill the Crumb Topping: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the crumb topping until ready to use. This helps the butter stay cold and prevents the topping from melting too quickly during frying.

Shaping and Frying the Donuts:

1. Prepare Your Work Surface: Lightly flour a clean work surface. This will prevent the dough from sticking.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the chilled dough out onto the floured surface. Gently roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Try to keep the dough as even as possible.
3. Cut Out the Donuts: Use a donut cutter (or two different sized round cutters) to cut out the donuts. A standard donut cutter is about 3 inches in diameter, and the center hole is about 1 inch. Re-roll the scraps and cut out more donuts until all the dough is used.
4. Prepare for Frying: Place the cut-out donuts and donut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking.
5. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. The oil should be at least 3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for even cooking and preventing the donuts from becoming greasy.
6. Fry the Donuts: Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The donuts should puff up and float to the surface.
7. Add Crumb Topping: Immediately after removing the donuts from the oil, sprinkle generously with the chilled crumb topping. The heat from the donut will help the topping adhere. Gently press the topping into the donut to ensure it sticks well.
8. Drain and Cool: Transfer the crumb-topped donuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before glazing (if using) or serving.
9. Fry the Donut Holes: Fry the donut holes in the same way as the donuts, for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Sprinkle with crumb topping immediately after frying.

Making the Glaze (Optional):

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more apple cider, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drizzle.
2. Glaze the Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Alternatively, you can drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon or fork.
3. Let the Glaze Set: Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack and let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Crumb Donuts:

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and prevents the donuts from becoming too dense.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure the oil temperature stays consistent. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside and remain raw on the inside. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Frying too many donuts at once will lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking.
• Freshness Matters: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. You can add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a different flavor profile.
• Apple Cider Quality: Use good quality apple cider for the best flavor.
• Butter Temperature: Make sure the melted butter is cooled slightly before adding it to the sugar mixture. Hot butter can cook the eggs.
• Crumb Topping Adhesion: Sprinkling the crumb topping on the donuts immediately after frying ensures that it sticks well.
• Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of apple cider in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Cider Crumb Donuts! They are perfect for a fall breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Apple Cider Crumb Donuts are more than just a treat; they’re a warm hug on a crisp autumn day, a burst of comforting flavors that will transport you straight to your favorite apple orchard. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the taste of fall, and I’m confident you’ll be making them again and again.

Why are they so special? Well, the combination of the tangy apple cider in the donut batter, the warm spices, and that buttery, crumbly topping is simply irresistible. They’re perfectly sweet, perfectly spiced, and perfectly textured. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques – just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love.

But the best part? You can customize them to your heart’s content! Feeling adventurous? Try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch. Or, for a truly decadent experience, drizzle them with a homemade caramel sauce or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and apple cider.

Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your Apple Cider Crumb Donuts experience:

* Warm and Cozy: Serve them warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm donut and the cold ice cream is heavenly!
* Breakfast Treat: Enjoy them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast treat. They’re the perfect way to start your day on a sweet note.
* Autumn Dessert: Serve them as a dessert at your next fall gathering. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
* Party Favors: Package them individually in small cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon for adorable party favors.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations! You could try using different types of applesauce in the batter, or adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the spice blend. The possibilities are endless!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these Apple Cider Crumb Donuts for yourself. I know you’ll love them as much as I do!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious donuts. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much you enjoyed them. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or send me an email. I can’t wait to see your creations!

Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite! I hope these donuts bring a little bit of joy and warmth to your day. Remember, baking is all about sharing the love, and these donuts are the perfect way to do just that. So go ahead, spread the sweetness and make someone’s day a little bit brighter with a batch of homemade Apple Cider Crumb Donuts. You won’t regret it!

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