Copycat Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

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Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts are the epitome of autumn in every bite! But what if I told you that you could recreate this seasonal favorite right in your own kitchen?

How to make Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts

Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts are seasonal, cake-style donuts made with apple cider and warm spices, then coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 1/2 cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

1. Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it reduce to about 1/2 cup (this will take 10–15 minutes).
2. Allow it to cool slightly before using. This concentrated cider will pack your donuts with authentic apple flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut baking pan with nonstick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter, buttermilk, reduced apple cider, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; stir until just combined.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan

1. Transfer the batter to a large piping bag (or use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off) for easy filling.
2. Pipe the batter into the greased donut wells, filling each about 2/3 full.

Step 4: Bake the Donuts

1. Bake the donuts at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 5: Coat the Donuts

1. While the donuts are cooling slightly, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
2. Brush each warm donut with melted butter, then dip and coat each one generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Serve warm—or at room temperature for a perfect fall snack!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Reduced Cider: The secret to rich, apple-flavored donuts is concentrating the cider. Reducing it intensifies the flavor and removes excess water, which can affect the batter.
• Use a Donut Pan: These donuts are baked, not fried, so a donut pan is essential for achieving that perfect shape. Don’t have one? Try making donut “holes” using a mini muffin tin instead!
• Freeze for Later: These donuts freeze beautifully. To save, skip the butter and cinnamon-sugar coating, freeze the cooled donuts, and coat them fresh when you’re ready to eat.
• Customize the Spices: Love extra warmth? Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a deeper fall spice flavor.
• Air Fryer Alternative: Have an air fryer? You can bake these donuts in the air fryer at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them for the perfect bake.

What to serve with

Trader Joe’s Apple cider donuts are a cozy, nostalgic treat that pairs beautifully with many fall-inspired sides and beverages.

Hot Beverages

• Apple Cider: There’s no such thing as too much cider when it comes to these Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts! Serve them with spiced hot apple cider for a flavor match made in heaven. For an extra indulgence, top the cider with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: The sweet and spiced notes of a PSL pair wonderfully with Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts. Plus, this combination will give you strong autumn vibes.
• Chai Tea Latte: The deep, spiced flavors of chai complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts. Serve it hot with steamed milk or iced if you prefer a cool drink.
• Spiced Hot Cocoa: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your hot chocolate for a cozy pairing. The rich chocolate enhances the sweetness of the Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts.
• Black Coffee or Espresso: If you’re not into sweet drinks, a cup of robust black coffee or a shot of espresso is perfect for balancing the sugary coating of the donuts.

Cold Beverages

• Cold Apple Cider: If you’re craving something refreshing, chilled apple cider is a fantastic choice. It’s crisp, tangy, and naturally complements the flavor of the Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts.
• Maple Iced Coffee: Add a touch of maple syrup to your iced coffee for a fall-themed pairing. It’s a fun, seasonal twist that pairs well with the cinnamon-sugar from the donuts.
• Sparkling Water with a Fall Twist: Serve sparkling water with a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice for a bubbly, non-alcoholic option.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making apple cider donuts at home is a delightful way to enjoy the cozy flavors of fall, but you don’t always have every ingredient on hand. No worries! You can easily swap out some ingredients with alternatives you likely already have in your kitchen.

1. Apple Cider Substitute

Apple cider is the heart of this recipe, but if you don’t have it readily available, you can use these alternatives:

• Apple Juice: Unsweetened apple juice works as a one-to-one substitute for apple cider. To mimic the deeper apple flavor of cider, simmer the juice with a cinnamon stick, whole cloves, or a star anise for about 10 minutes before using.
• Apple Sauce (Diluted): Mix unsweetened applesauce with a splash of water or milk (about a 1:1 ratio) to create a cider-like liquid. While the flavor won’t be as concentrated, it still adds moisture and a mild apple taste.
• Pear Juice or Pear Cider: For a fun variation, pear juice makes an excellent alternative, offering a unique but complementary fruity flavor.
• Mulled Wine (for adult desserts): If you’re creating an adult-friendly dessert, add reduced mulled wine as a replacement. It will create a complex, spiced flavor variation.

2. All-Purpose Flour Substitute

If you don’t have all-purpose flour or need to avoid gluten, try these alternatives:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and an extra dose of fiber. However, it’s denser than all-purpose flour, so substitute only 50% of the flour for whole wheat in the recipe for the best results.
• Gluten-Free Flour Mix: Use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for structure. Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur’s Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour are great choices.
• Almond or Coconut Flour (Low-Carb): Almond or coconut flour can be used for a low-carb option, but adjustments are needed. Almond flour works best in baked donuts, though you may need additional eggs for binding. Coconut flour, being very absorbent, requires less flour and increased liquid; start with about 1/3 cup coconut flour for every cup of all-purpose flour.

3. Granulated Sugar Substitute

If you want to reduce sugar or use an alternative sweetener, here’s what works well in this recipe:

• Brown Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with light or dark brown sugar for added moisture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Coconut Sugar: For a natural, less refined option, coconut sugar can replace granulated sugar one-to-one. It has a slightly earthy flavor that complements the apple and spices.
• Maple Sugar: Maple sugar adds a warm, earthy sweetness and works as a one-to-one swap. It’s a perfect fit for fall recipes!
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener (Low-Calorie): Use granulated stevia or monk fruit sweeteners for a sugar-free version. Check the package for conversion ratios; some products are sweeter than sugar, so you’ll need less.

4. Butter Substitute

If you’re dairy-free, vegan, or just out of butter, you can easily swap it with these alternatives:

• Coconut Oil: Use melted coconut oil in a one-to-one ratio as a substitute for butter. Refined coconut oil has no coconut flavor, while unrefined will give a subtle coconut taste.
• Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil: These oils are an easy, neutral-tasting substitute and add plenty of moisture. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for butter.
• Vegan Butter: Brands like Earth Balance and Miyoko’s work well in baked goods. Replace butter with the same quantity of vegan butter.
• Applesauce or Mashed Banana: For a lower-fat option, use unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana in place of butter (1:1 substitution). Note that the donuts may be a bit softer and slightly fruitier in flavor.

5. Buttermilk Substitute

Buttermilk enhances the tenderness and flavor of donuts, but if you don’t have it on hand, use one of the following:

• Milk and Vinegar/Lemon Juice: Combine 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it curdles slightly—this is a quick and easy buttermilk replacement.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream (Thinned): Mix 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream with 2–3 tablespoons of water or milk to create a buttermilk-like consistency.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk + Vinegar (Dairy-Free): If you’re avoiding dairy, mix almond milk (or any plant-based milk) with vinegar or lemon juice as described above.

6. Egg Substitute

For vegan or eggless donuts, replace the eggs with any of these options:

• Flaxseed Meal “Egg”: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. This works well as a natural egg substitute.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Replace 1 egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce for a moist and slightly fruity flavor.
• Mashed Banana: Similar to applesauce, use 1/4 cup of ripe, mashed banana per egg. This will add a mild banana flavor, so use it if that complements the donuts.
• Store-Bought Egg Replacers: Products like Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer or Ener-G Egg Replacer are reliable substitutes, particularly for baking.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts (or homemade versions!) are already a delicious fall treat, but pairing them with the right sides and drinks takes the experience to a whole new level.

More Trader Joe’s Recipes:

• Copycat Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
• Copycat Trader Joe’s Maple Cookies Recipe
• Copycat Trader Joe’s Dumpling Bake Recipe
• Homemade Trader Joe’s Funnel Cake Fries Recipe