Since moving to this truly wild state of WV, I have discovered many things that my fall obsessed self took for granted back in beautiful ol’ New England. To start, there is the issue of seasons, which hardly exist here. Yes it was 35˚ out this morning, and yes it will be 70˚ later in the week. After sweating my little butt off all summer long—April to September, that is—I was ready for some brisk weather, was being the key word. I had big plans to apple and pumpkin pick, to run around in the crunchy, fallen, beautiful leaves and to eat 10# of candy corn while watching Hocus Pocus.
Sadly, my friends, this fall plan of mine is only about 10% possible. Why of course I can eat as much candy as I want and watch all the classic Halloween films, but the true fall activities aren’t exactly doable…
Do I want to drive 2+ hours to an orchard with an 80% of rain on a Sunday? The idea doesn’t sound too appealing, so naturally I will bring my fall fun to Charleston! So, as I light my plethora of autumn candles, I can now let the fall baking obsession commence yet again!
Apple Cider donuts are something that I could easily scarf down a dozen of, guilt free. I love the tartness from the cider, the warm coziness that is jam packed from so much cinnamon, and the pie-like crumble I sprinkle on top! Pie crumble? Yeah, you saw that right. I mean, who doesn't just love anything pie, perfect for literally any time of the year and in any form. If apple cider donuts don't make your mouth water enough, the addition of a buttery crust crumbly bit sure will! These donuts are not overly cakey, but have a rich denseness that, along with my way too many candle scents, will have you thinking you’re at an orchard stuffing your face with some post-picking goodies!
Whether you're like me, who has to make their own little fall happen, or are surrounded by haunted houses and warm cider at the pumpkin patch, these super simple, and super autumn, donuts are just another addition you can add to your fall baking obsession repertoire!
topping ingredients
Flour—7.5 oz, or 1 ½ C
Brown Sugar—1.25 oz, or 2 TBL
Cinnamon—0.1 oz, or 2 tsp
Butter (melted)—4 oz, or 1 stick/8 TBL
Apple Cider—1 oz, or 1 ½ TBL
topping process
Preheat your oven to 350˚ F.
In the bowl of your mixer, mix together the flour, sugar and cinnamon.
Slowly stream in your melted butter and apple cider just until the topping begins to form into little pebbles.
On a parchment paper lined sheet pan, spread out the crumble topping.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until they begin to lightly brown.
batter ingredients
Apple Cider—12.5 oz, or 1 ½ C
Cinnamon Sticks—2
Flour—9.5 oz, or 1 ¾ C
Baking Powder—0.15 oz, or 1 tsp
Baking Soda—0.2 oz, 1 tsp
Cinnamon—0.05 oz, or ¾ tsp
Salt—0.05 oz, ¼ tsp
Egg—1
Butter (melted)—1.5 oz, or 3 TBL
Brown Sugar—6 oz, or 2/3 C
Milk—4.5 oz, or ½ C
batter process
In a small pot, combine your apple cider with the 2 cinnamon sticks.
Allow to boil until it has reduced to half (¾ cup), and cool.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
Whisk together your egg, brown sugar and milk.
Add your melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix.
Next, add in the egg mixture, followed by the cool and reduced apple cider.
Once you have a smooth donut batter, pour into your donut pan (which should be sprayed with nonstick spray), filling up each compartment about halfway.
Sprinkle the baked crumble on top of your batter, completely covering it.
Bake your donuts for 12-15 minutes, until the outer edges are slightly brown.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Take them out of the pan and enjoy!
These apple cider donuts are so yummy with a glass of warm cider, coffee, or even on their own!
Bon Appétit!