Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts
These Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts are the ultimate fall treat, with a rich, nutty flavor from the brown butter and the tang of apple cider. Coated in cinnamon sugar and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel, they’re perfect for a cozy dessert or a seasonal indulgence.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below.
Apple cider
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Cinnamon
Apple pie spice
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Salted butter
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Greek yogurt + milk, or buttermilk
Avocado oil, for frying (or another neutral oil)
Coconut oil
Smooth almond butter
Maple syrup
Vanilla ice cream
Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts:
Rich Brown Butter Flavor: The nutty, caramelized flavor of brown butter adds depth and richness to these apple cider donuts, making them irresistibly delicious.
Warm Apple Cider Notes: Made with tangy apple cider, these donuts capture the essence of fall with their sweet, slightly tart flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Each donut is coated in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar, adding a delightful crunch and warm spiced sweetness in every bite.
Perfectly Served Warm: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, providing a cozy and comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall.
Delicious with Ice Cream: Serving these donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy, cool contrast to the warm, spiced flavors of the donuts.
Drizzled with Salted Caramel: The sweet and salty combination of salted caramel drizzle elevates the flavor of the donuts, making each bite even more indulgent.
Ultimate Fall Dessert: With flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and caramel, these donuts are the ultimate fall treat, perfect for enjoying with family and friends.
Great for Special Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a special dessert, these donuts are a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.
Easy to Make at Home: Despite their gourmet flavor, these donuts are easy to make at home with simple ingredients, making them accessible for all bakers.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of nutty brown butter, sweet cinnamon sugar, tangy apple cider, and creamy ice cream creates a perfectly balanced dessert that’s hard to resist.
Tips for Making Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts:
Use Fresh Apple Cider and Reduce It: For the best flavor, use fresh apple cider and simmer it to reduce and concentrate the flavor before adding it to the batter. This enhances the apple notes in the donuts.
Brown the Butter for Rich Flavor: Browning the butter adds a nutty, caramelized flavor that elevates the donuts. Watch carefully as you brown the butter to avoid burning it.
Chill the Dough Before Frying: After mixing the dough, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This makes it easier to handle and helps the donuts hold their shape during frying.
Fry at the Right Temperature: Keep your oil at a consistent 350°F (175°C) for frying. Use a thermometer to maintain this temperature for perfectly fried donuts that are golden brown on the outside and soft inside.
Don’t Over-Mix the Dough: Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the donuts tough instead of light and fluffy.
Fry in Small Batches: Fry the donuts in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts. This also ensures even frying.
Coat the Donuts in Cinnamon Sugar While Warm: After frying, let the donuts cool slightly, then coat them in cinnamon sugar while still warm to make sure the sugar sticks and creates a crunchy, sweet coating.
Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream and Salted Caramel: For a show-stopping dessert, serve the donuts warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with homemade salted caramel. The combination of warm donuts and cold ice cream is irresistible.
Make the Salted Caramel in Advance: Prepare your salted caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it before drizzling over the donuts and ice cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Store and Reheat Fried Donuts: While best served fresh, you can store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispy texture before serving.
How to store Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts:
Room Temperature (Up to 2 Days): Store the fried donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They are best served fresh, but storing them properly will help maintain their softness. To reheat, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore some of their crispiness.
Refrigeration (Up to 3 Days): If you need to store the donuts for longer, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The donuts can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, but the texture may soften. Reheat them in the oven to bring back their crispy exterior before serving.
Freezing Fried Donuts (Up to 2 Months): You can freeze the fried donuts after they have cooled completely. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw the donuts overnight in the refrigerator and warm them in the oven before serving. Avoid freezing the donuts with cinnamon sugar coating to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Freeze Donuts Without the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For best results, freeze the fried donuts without the cinnamon sugar coating. When you’re ready to serve them, thaw and warm the donuts, then coat them with fresh cinnamon sugar to restore the best flavor and texture.
Storing Salted Caramel Separately: Store the salted caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently before drizzling over the warm donuts and ice cream.
Reheating Donuts: For the best texture, reheat the donuts in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or in an air fryer for 2-3 minutes. This will help crisp up the exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
Serve Fresh for Best Flavor: These donuts are best served fresh, so if you’re making them ahead for an event, fry them just before serving and coat them in cinnamon sugar while still warm.
Avoid Storing with Ice Cream: When serving with ice cream, make sure to keep the ice cream stored separately in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. The donuts should be warmed just before plating with the ice cream and salted caramel.
Freezing Donut Dough: If you want to prepare the dough ahead, you can freeze the uncooked dough. Shape the dough into donuts, freeze them on a tray, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw the dough before frying for freshly made donuts anytime.
Layering Donuts: If storing multiple donuts in a container, place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between each donut to prevent them from sticking together and losing their coating.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make the donuts ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the donuts ahead of time. Fry them, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven before serving to restore their crispiness.
Q: Can I freeze the donuts?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the fried donuts for up to 2 months. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before coating with cinnamon sugar and serving.
Q: How do I store leftover donuts?
A: Store leftover donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven before serving for best results.
Q: How do I keep the cinnamon sugar from getting soggy?
A: It’s best to coat the donuts with cinnamon sugar while they’re warm. If you’re freezing or storing them, wait to coat them with fresh cinnamon sugar until after reheating.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat the donuts?
A: Reheat the donuts in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore their crisp exterior and soft, fluffy inside.
Q: Can I serve the donuts with other toppings besides salted caramel?
A: Yes! While salted caramel adds a delicious sweet-salty flavor, you can also drizzle the donuts with chocolate sauce, maple syrup, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a different twist.
Q: Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat it gently before drizzling over the donuts and ice cream.
Q: What kind of oil should I use for frying?
A: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Make sure the oil is heated to 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
Q: How do I prevent the donuts from becoming greasy?
A: Fry the donuts at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C). If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb more oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent frying temperature.
Q: How should I serve the donuts with ice cream and caramel?
A: Serve the donuts warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream on the side and a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the top. The contrast of warm donuts and cold ice cream creates an irresistible dessert.
Check out my other fall recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try these brown butter apple cider donuts. Happy baking!
