🍩 Apple Cider Donuts Like at the Fair 🍎

Introduction: The Magic of Apple Cider Donuts

Nothing says fall quite like the warm, sweet aroma of Apple Cider Donuts like at the fair. These cozy treats bring back memories of crisp autumn air, hayrides, and standing in line at your local harvest festival with a steaming cup of cider in hand. But what if you could recreate that magic right in your own kitchen?

This easy homemade apple cider donut recipe is everything you love about the fair version—soft and cakey on the inside, crispy on the outside, and coated in a sparkling cinnamon-sugar crust. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy family breakfast or a seasonal gathering, these donuts are guaranteed to be the star of the table.

In this post, we’ll walk you through every step of making these delicious fall donuts at home, from reducing the cider for a punch of apple flavor to frying or baking the donuts to perfection. You’ll also find expert tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you nail this recipe on the first try.

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🍏 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Tastes just like fairground donuts

• ✅ No special equipment needed

• ✅ Can be fried or baked

• ✅ Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep

• ✅ Easy-to-follow steps, even for beginners

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🛒 Ingredients: What You’ll Need

For the Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup buttermilk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 6 tbsp melted butter

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🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

🍎 Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour 1 ½ cups of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to about ½ cup. This intensifies the apple flavor and creates the signature taste found in apple cider donuts like at the fair.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip this step! Reducing the cider concentrates the flavor and makes a huge difference.

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🧁 Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Cloves

• Salt

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🧈 Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until fluffy (about 2 minutes). Then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

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🥛 Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry

Mix in the reduced apple cider, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Mistake to Avoid: Overmixing creates tough donuts. Stop when the flour is just incorporated.

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🧊 Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This makes the dough easier to handle and helps the donuts keep their shape.

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🍩 Step 6: Cut the Donuts

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to shape your donuts and holes.

No cutter? Use a drinking glass and a bottle cap as a DIY donut cutter.

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🍳 Cooking Options

Option 1: Frying (Traditional Fair Style)

1. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).

2. Fry 2-3 donuts at a time for about 1 minute per side.

3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Option 2: Baking (Healthier Alternative)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.

Pro Tip: Brush baked donuts with melted butter before rolling in sugar for a fair-like finish.

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🍥 Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While donuts are still warm, brush them with melted butter and toss in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

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🧠 Pro Tips for Success

• Reduce cider early: Do this ahead of time to let it cool before mixing.

• Chill the dough: Don’t skip this—it prevents sticky messes and improves texture.

• Use a thermometer: Consistent oil temperature = evenly cooked donuts.

• Double the batch: These freeze beautifully and reheat well.

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❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

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🧮 Nutritional Value (Per Donut)

Note: Values vary depending on size, frying vs baking method.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Baked instead of fried? Still delicious! Just brush with butter before coating.

• Add-ins: Try a touch of apple pie spice, or dip in maple glaze for a twist.

• Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

• Mini donuts: Use a mini donut pan or cut smaller rounds for bite-size treats.

• Spiked cider flavor: Add a splash of apple brandy for an adult version.

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📦 Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days, but reheat before serving.

Freezing:

• Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 3 months. Reheat and coat in sugar before serving.

Reheating:

• Warm in microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.

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❓ FAQs About Apple Cider Donuts Like at the Fair

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before frying or baking. You can also freeze the shaped dough for later.

2. Can I bake instead of fry?

Absolutely. While frying gives that classic fair texture, baking is lighter and still tasty. Just remember to brush with melted butter for the sugar to stick.

3. What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Mix ½ cup of milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.

4. What’s the best apple cider to use?

Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the most authentic flavor. Avoid apple juice or cider blends with added sugar.

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📌 Final Thoughts & Call to Action

You don’t need to wait for the county fair to enjoy the irresistible flavor of apple cider donuts like at the fair. With this easy homemade recipe, you can recreate those nostalgic fall vibes any time of the year right in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for brunch, a school party, or just because—it’s always a good day for apple cider donuts.

🍩🍁 Loved this recipe? Save it to your Fall Pinterest board or share it with your friends and family! Don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know how your batch turned out.