Gourmet Apple Cider Doughnuts
These delightful Apple Cider Doughnuts are the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, capturing the essence of autumn in every bite. Adapted from the renowned Todd Gray of Equinox Restaurant, these doughnuts elevate the classic treat with a hint of fresh apple and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Whether paired with a cup of coffee or a dollop of Blueberry Ginger Jam, these doughnuts are sure to impress anyone with their warm, fluffy interior and crisp exterior. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.
24
Servings
217
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
apple cider
1 cup (reduced to 1/2 cup)
all-purpose flour
5 1/2 cups (sifted)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons
baking soda
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly grated)
ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (divided)
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (at room temperature)
granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (divided)
packed brown sugar
1/4 cup
large eggs
2
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
buttermilk
1/2 cup
honeycrisp apple or other tart cooking apple
1 medium (peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice)
vegetable oil
(for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and allow it to cook until it reduces to 1/2 cup. Set aside to cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, freshly grated nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set aside.
3
In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4
Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, incorporate the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and reduced apple cider.
5
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apple by hand to evenly distribute.
6
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
7
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch. Use a 2 1/2-inch doughnut cutter to cut out doughnut shapes, saving the holes for frying as well.
8
In a deep fryer or large wok, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower three or four doughnuts into the hot oil, frying them until they are deep golden brown, approximately 2 1/2 minutes per side.
9
Remove the doughnuts from the oil and let them drain on a platter lined with paper towels. Fry the doughnut holes separately.
10
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with the remaining teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Thoroughly coat the warm doughnuts and doughnut holes in the cinnamon sugar mixture before serving.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
30g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Apple Cider Doughnuts?
These are autumn-inspired doughnuts featuring a blend of sweet and tart flavors, fresh diced apples, and a cinnamon sugar coating.
Who is the creator of this specific recipe?
This recipe is adapted from the renowned Todd Gray of Equinox Restaurant.
How many doughnuts does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 24 servings.
What is the calorie count per doughnut?
Each doughnut contains approximately 217 calories.
How do I prepare the apple cider for the dough?
Pour 1 cup of cider into a saucepan, bring to a boil, and simmer until it reduces to 1/2 cup, then let it cool.
What kind of apples should I use?
Honeycrisp or other tart cooking apples are ideal for this recipe.
How should the apples be prepared before adding to the dough?
The apples should be peeled and cut into small 1/4-inch dice.
What is the first step in mixing the dry ingredients?
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and a portion of the cinnamon.
What is the recommended method for creaming the butter and sugar?
Use an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to cream the unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
How should the eggs be incorporated?
Add the 2 large eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.
What liquids are added to the butter and egg mixture?
Incorporate the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and the previously reduced apple cider.
How do I add the diced apples to the mixture?
Gently fold the diced apples in by hand after the dry ingredients have been mixed into the wet ingredients.
Does the doughnut dough need to rest?
Yes, the dough should be covered and refrigerated for 30 minutes to firm up.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Roll the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch.
What size cutter is used for these doughnuts?
A 2 1/2-inch doughnut cutter is recommended.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe calls for vegetable oil.
What is the correct frying temperature?
The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) before frying.
How long do the doughnuts need to fry?
Fry them for approximately 2 1/2 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
Can I fry the doughnut holes?
Yes, save the holes and fry them separately from the main doughnut rings.
How should the doughnuts be drained after frying?
Place the fried doughnuts on a platter lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
How do I make the cinnamon sugar coating?
Mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
When should I apply the cinnamon sugar?
Thoroughly coat the doughnuts and holes while they are still warm.
What are the primary flavor notes of these doughnuts?
They offer a blend of sweet and tart apple notes with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices.
What is the texture of these doughnuts?
They have a warm, fluffy interior and a crisp exterior.
What are some recommended pairings?
They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or a dollop of Blueberry Ginger Jam.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe requires 5 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 30g of carbohydrates.
Is buttermilk required for this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of buttermilk is used to provide moisture and tang.
When are these doughnuts best served?
They are ideal for breakfast, dessert, or as a cozy afternoon snack.