Apple Cider Donuts

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, divided
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1/2 cup for rolling
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Neutral oil, for frying (about 2 quarts)
• 1 cup granulated sugar, for cinnamon-sugar coating
• 1 cup store-bought or homemade thick caramel sauce
• 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt, for finishing caramel

Steps

1. 1

   1. Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and boil over medium-high heat until reduced to about 1/2 cup, roughly 12–15 minutes. Let cool completely.

2. 2

   2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and fine salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, vanilla, and cooled cider reduction, then fold the wet ingredients into the dry until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.

3. 3

   3. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 3/4-inch thickness and cut out rounds using a 3-inch donut cutter, re-rolling scraps once.

4. 4

   4. Heat oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches of 2–3 for about 90 seconds per side until deep golden brown, then transfer to a wire rack briefly.

5. 5

   5. Combine the remaining cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. While donuts are still warm, toss each one to coat thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar.

6. 6

   6. Stir the flaky sea salt into the caramel sauce and warm gently, then drizzle generously over the stacked donuts just before serving.