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    Home » Breakfast » Apple Ale Doughnuts

    Published: Sep 20, 2013 · Modified: Sep 9, 2019 by Lisa Johnson

    Apple Ale Doughnuts

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    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please visit my disclosure page.

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    apple ale doughnuts sitting on white plate with a bottle of apple ale in the background

    Woo Hoo!!! It is Spiked! Recipe Challenge time again, and this time the spiked ingredient is FALL BEERS! What? Pumpkin, or apple beers used to make.....? My mind went blank...again! I have already told you before that I do not drink beer, so I obviously have no idea what a fall beer would taste like or what I should make with it. Then it dawned on me.....

    apple ale doughnuts sitting on white plate with a bottle of apple ale in the background

    What if I make apple cider doughnuts, using apple ale instead of cider!!! That should work...right? So I headed off to the grocery store to speak to the wonderfully helpful employees and ask about apple beers. She didn't even have to think about it, she immediately said REDD'S Apple Ale. Then the cute construction worker that that was standing in front of the beer cooler, wholeheartedly agreed with her. So REDD'S Apple Ale it is!

    glazed doughnut sitting on a white plate with a bottle of apple ale in the background

    How to make Apple Ale Doughnuts:

    Heat the apple ale in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it is reduced to 1/4 cup, about 20 - 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.

    Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together is a medium sized bowl. Set aside.

    In a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until smooth.

    Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until fully incorporated. Use a rubber spatula to occasionally scrap down the sides as necessary.

    Gradually add the reduced apple ale and the buttermilk, mixing just until combined.

    Add the flour mixture, and continue to mix just until dough comes together. This dough is very sticky.

    apple ale dough on a flour covered marble slab

    Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and generously coat with flour. Turn the dough out onto one of the baking sheets, and press down with your hands until it is about 1/2 inch thick. Use more flour is dough is still wet. Place the dough and baking sheet in the freezer for 20 minutes until slightly hardened.

    Dough flattened out on floured parchment paper

    Remove from freezer, and cut out 3 inch circles with 1 inch holes in the center.

    doughnut cut outs on a parchment paper lined baking sheet

    Place the cut doughnuts and doughnut holes onto the second baking pan. Re-roll dough scraps and cut out remaining circles. Refrigerate the doughnuts for 20 to 30 minutes.

    Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a large deep-sided pan until a candy thermometer reaches 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with several layers of paper towels and set aside.

    Gently drop a few doughnuts at a time into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown, turn over and fry the other side.

    doughnuts frying in hot oil in a large blue pot

    Remove doughnuts from oil and drain on paper towels for one minute.

    fried doughnuts sitting on paper towels on a baking sheet

    Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze or cinnamon sugar.

    cinnamon sugar coated doughnut on a white plate with a bottle of apple ale in the background

    I do not have an official doughnut cutter, since I almost never make doughnuts, so I used a 3 inch circle cutter and an apple corer. It seemed appropriate to use an apple corer to make the smaller hole! 😉

    apple corer used to cut dough circles into doughnuts

    I prefer the glazed version, and so does my camera. I had a heck of a time trying to get it to focus and take a picture! These doughnuts DO NOT taste like beer at all!! When they are still warm, the apple flavor is more prominent than it is the next day. They are delicious and disappeared very quickly! Even though I chose apple, I am sure that these would work just as well with a pumpkin ale! Oooh, maybe I will try those next. 😉

    more delicious doughnut recipes:

    Apple Cider Doughnuts - the original version without alcohol

    Pumpkin Ale Doughnuts

    Maple Glazed Donuts - baked, not fried

    ***Update: I WON!!! That's right, these delicious Apple Ale Doughnuts won the Spiked! Recipe Challenge!!!

    Enjoy!!

    apple ale doughnuts sitting on white plate with a bottle of apple ale in the background

    Apple Ale Doughnuts

    Apple Ale Doughnuts are a spiked version of the original fall classic!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Rate
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: traditional apple cider doughnuts made with apple ale
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Freezing Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 20 Servings
    Calories: 220kcal
    Author: Lisa Johnson

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup apple ale can substitute apple cider
    • 3 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
    • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 large eggs at room temperature
    • ½ cup buttermilk 1/2 cup coconut milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar
    • oil for frying

    Apple Ale Glaze

    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 2 Tablespoons apple ale or apple cider

    Cinnamon Sugar

    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 ½ Tablespoons ground cinnamon
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Heat the apple ale (or cider) in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it is reduced to 1/4 cup, about 20 - 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.
    • Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together is a medium sized bowl. Set aside.
    • In a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until smooth.
    • Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until fully incorporated. Use a rubber spatula to occasionally scrap down the sides as necessary.
    • Gradually add the reduced apple ale and the buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
    • Add the flour mixture, and continue to mix just until dough comes together. It was very sticky.
    • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and generously coat with flour. Turn the dough out onto one of the baking sheets, and press down with your hands until it is about 1/2 inch thick. Use more flour is dough is still wet. Place the dough and baking sheet in the freezer for 20 minutes until slightly hardened.
    • Remove from freezer, and cut out 3 inch circles with 1 inch holes in the center.
    • Place the cut doughnuts and doughnut holes onto the second baking pan. Re-roll dough scraps and cut out remaining circles. Refrigerate the doughnuts for 20 to 30 minutes.
    • Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a large deep-sided pan until a candy thermometer reaches 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with several layers of paper towels and set aside.
    • Gently drop a few doughnuts at a time into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown, turn over and fry the other side.
    • Remove doughnuts from oil and drain on paper towels for one minute.
    • Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze or cinnamon sugar.

    Notes

    Nutrition Facts include all of the glaze and all of the cinnamon sugar.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 129mg | Potassium: 85mg | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 110IU | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1.2mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Karen says

      September 20, 2013 at 11:46 am

      Oh goodness. I am not usually a donut fan but these are tempting. I hope you'll let us know if you try a pumpkin version.

      Reply
    2. Emily @ One.1.Northwood says

      September 20, 2013 at 11:55 am

      What a great idea! These look really yummy. It's fun seeing what everyone is coming up with!

      Reply
    3. Angela says

      September 20, 2013 at 12:37 pm

      Oooooh! These sound delish! LOVE the idea! Now I know what to do with my leftover apple beer. I'm not a beer drinker either so I have 5 bottles of the Apple Shock Top left! 🙂

      Reply
    4. Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says

      September 20, 2013 at 7:46 pm

      Girl. I hope you know how much i love these!!! Redd's is DELICIOUS!!! Also-- we are visiting a hard cider mill tomorrow and I am totally trying out this recipe. The cure construction worker was likely my other half -- giving sage beer advice... sounds about right. Thanks Lisa for giving us such an awesome fall recipe!!

      Reply
    5. Carrie @ Frugal Foodie Mama says

      September 20, 2013 at 8:41 pm

      This is such an amazing and delicious idea, Lisa! I LOVE these, and am so wishing I could have 1 or 2 of these for breakfast tomorrow. Think you could FedEx them overnight? I take bribes... 😉 lol!

      Good luck in the Spiked! Fall Beers Recipe Challenge! 🙂

      Reply
    6. shamene@sayitwithcake says

      September 21, 2013 at 2:29 pm

      I love this recipe and I love your step by step tutorial with the pictures! Awesome!!

      Reply
    7. Winnie says

      September 21, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      These doughnuts simply look HEAVENLY !!!

      Reply
    8. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

      September 22, 2013 at 12:29 am

      Lisa these look SO yummy!! Right up my ally - I want one now! Pinned and sharing tomorrow on FB/Twitter!! xoxo

      Reply
    9. Jenny.U says

      September 24, 2013 at 8:40 pm

      OMG, seriously...WOW!! Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday linky party!
      Jenny

      Reply
    10. Julie @ THis Gal Cooks says

      September 26, 2013 at 9:33 am

      YUM! I love what you have come up with, Lisa! Apple Ale Donuts? I think Dunkin Donuts needs to have you start making these for their Fall donut collection! 🙂 Thanks so much for participating in the Spiked! Challenge!

      Reply
    11. Heather @ French Press says

      September 27, 2013 at 6:07 pm

      I'm not much for beer, but doughnuts Oh YES! they look amazing

      Reply
    12. Kate says

      September 28, 2013 at 12:37 pm

      Yum!! I don't drink alcohol, but apple cider donuts are one of favorite things. I am going to have to try these because they look delicious! PS - I just saw that you're in Eastern Iowa. I went to law school at University of Iowa. I love that area!! =)

      Reply
    13. Cathy says

      September 28, 2013 at 2:31 pm

      Congrautulations on winning the challenge! Yum! These look awesome! I have a deep fryer and I'm thinking a batch of these needs to be made SOON!

      Happy Saturday! Cathy

      Reply
    14. Deanna says

      September 29, 2013 at 2:17 pm

      looks amazing, wish i had one right now! thanks for sharing
      Deanna from cookingtherecipe.com

      Reply
    15. Dani @ See Hubby Cook says

      September 30, 2013 at 7:12 pm

      Ooooh! My MIL and I were just talking last week about how hard it is to find a good apple cider donut recipe (they either fall apart or don't have enough apple oomph). I'm gonna have to tell her about this one! They'll be eaten within hours of being made, so no need to worry about disappearing flavor 😉

      Reply
    16. Cindy Eikenberg says

      September 30, 2013 at 8:02 pm

      Wow, Lisa!!! These look so absolutely delicious and congratulations on the win!!! Oh my gosh, I would LOVE to have one of these!!! Can you bring some to the party Friday night? 😉 Great job, my friend!!! Pinning!

      Reply
    17. Kat @ I Want Crazy says

      September 30, 2013 at 8:09 pm

      Where have these been all my life! I drink Redds all the time and never thought to bake with it - GENIUS! I am going to have to try and save a bottle the next time and try this! You rock!

      Reply
    18. Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner says

      September 30, 2013 at 8:56 pm

      Hi Lisa - thanks for linking these up to MM this week! Will be shared on FB and pinned! They look amazing!!

      Reply
    19. Sheryl@Lady Behind The Curtain says

      October 01, 2013 at 11:16 pm

      Hi Lisa,
      Your donuts look delicious!

      Reply
    20. Traci says

      October 02, 2013 at 7:42 am

      What a delicious recipe!! I love how different and unique it is. (The pictures turned out great by the way!)

      Reply
    21. Angela says

      October 02, 2013 at 9:49 am

      Stopping by from the Tasty Tuesday Blog Hop! Love your blog!!!! Looking forward to following along.

      Reply
    22. Nicole says

      October 03, 2013 at 1:09 pm

      This donut looks legit! I want a dozen 🙂

      Reply
    23. Maria says

      October 04, 2013 at 7:33 pm

      Oh these look SO incredibly delicious!!! I could definitely eat one (or a few!)

      Reply
    24. Ellya Brill says

      October 04, 2013 at 7:33 pm

      O my....must make this in the near future. Pinning.

      Ellya

      Reply
    25. Diane Balch says

      October 06, 2013 at 12:29 pm

      Great idea with the apple ale. Probably gave the donuts a richer flavor. Thanks so much for sharing these with us on foodie friday.

      Reply
    26. Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says

      October 07, 2013 at 9:00 am

      You have me officially craving doughnuts this morning! These look so good!!!

      Reply
    27. Zainab @ Blahnik Baker says

      October 07, 2013 at 8:08 pm

      What a great recipe! My husband loves Redd's apple apple so I am sure he would love these.

      Reply
    28. Rachel @ I Love My Disorganized Life says

      October 08, 2013 at 10:19 pm

      Oh my gosh, Lisa, these looks absolutely fabulous!

      Reply
    29. Christine says

      March 15, 2014 at 11:45 am

      A craving for apple bread something just hit me this afternoon (after buying mangoes and pineapples...) ...this looks so good!

      Reply
      • Lisa Johnson says

        March 20, 2014 at 10:12 pm

        Thank you so much Christine. 🙂

        Reply
    30. Jamie @ Coffee With Us 3 says

      March 21, 2014 at 3:24 pm

      I've been wanting to buy a donut pan lately, and now I'm wishing I already had one! I know that fried donuts are way tastier, but I hate dealing with hot oil 🙂 These look amazing! Pinning.
      Thanks for sharing at Saturday Dishes! Hope to see you back for the party again tonight!

      Reply
      • Lisa Johnson says

        March 21, 2014 at 7:25 pm

        Thank you Jamie, but this recipe will not work with a donut pan. These will need to be fried in order to cook properly. 😉

        Reply
    31. Cathy says

      August 27, 2015 at 8:27 pm

      Oh do these doughnut look and sound amazing!!!! I have to give this recipe a try! Saying hello from freedom Fridays!
      Cathy

      Reply
    32. Karly says

      August 29, 2015 at 10:39 pm

      What an irresistible treat for the weekend! Thanks for linking up with What's Cookin' Wednesday!

      Reply
    33. Katie says

      August 31, 2015 at 9:34 pm

      Wow donuts and ale?!?!?!?! Best combo ever, thanks again for sharing!

      Reply
    34. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says

      September 03, 2015 at 1:11 pm

      I have never made donuts before, Lisa, but these look amazing! I have to see if I can find that apple ale! These look like the perfect fall treat!

      Reply

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