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- 2 cups apple cider - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup whole wheat flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - Additional ingredients for coating - 1 pint of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream - Extra cinnamon-sugar mixture - Leftover apple cider reduction To make these delicious apple cider donut ice cream sandwiches, you need fresh ingredients. Start with apple cider for that authentic fall flavor. I use both all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour for a nice texture. Baking powder and baking soda help the donuts rise. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and spice. Don't forget the sea salt to balance the sweetness. For the ice cream filling, I recommend cinnamon or vanilla ice cream. It pairs perfectly with the sweet donuts. For a fun touch, you can sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top or drizzle leftover apple cider reduction around the plate. You can find the full recipe linked here to guide you through each step! To make the cider reduction, start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Set your heat to medium and bring the cider to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat. Let it simmer while stirring occasionally. This helps it thicken and reduce. You want it to become about one cup of liquid. This should take 15-20 minutes. Once reduced, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, you need to combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Make sure everything is mixed well. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix until it is all combined. Now, slowly drizzle in your cooled cider reduction. Stir gently as you pour it in. Then, gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan or prepare a non-stick skillet if you want donut holes. Fill each cavity of the donut pan about three-quarters full with batter. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes. You want the donuts to be golden brown. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean. If you are using a skillet, drop small portions of dough into hot oil. Flip them until they are browned on all sides. After baking, transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool completely. To make fluffy donuts, you must avoid overmixing the dough. Mixing too much makes the donuts tough. Mix just until you see no dry flour. This keeps them light and airy. Use a sturdy mixing bowl and a good whisk. A donut pan helps shape the donuts perfectly. If you don't have one, a muffin tin works too! Choosing the right ice cream is key for great sandwiches. Look for ice cream that is soft but not too runny. Vanilla or cinnamon flavors match well with apple cider donuts. You can also try caramel or maple for a twist. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. This makes it easier to spread onto the donuts. For a stunning presentation, serve your ice cream sandwiches on a nice platter. You can drizzle leftover apple cider reduction on the side. This adds a beautiful touch and more flavor. Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar around the platter for a fun look. Use colorful napkins to make the display pop. Enjoy these treats with family and friends! {{image_4}} You can switch up your ice cream flavors for fun. Try apple pie ice cream for a classic twist. Maple ice cream adds a nice autumn touch. If you want something richer, consider caramel swirl ice cream. Want to be adventurous? Try cinnamon roll ice cream for added spice. Each choice gives a new taste to your sandwich. You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. For a vegan option, swap out the butter for coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a bit of vinegar. These changes make it friendly for everyone. Toppings can elevate your ice cream sandwiches even more. Try adding crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture. Drizzle warm caramel or chocolate sauce for extra sweetness. If you like a bit of zest, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top. You can even throw in some fresh apple slices for a fruity crunch. Each topping brings a new layer of flavor to your dessert. To keep your apple cider donut ice cream sandwiches fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between each sandwich to prevent sticking. This method helps maintain their texture and flavor. Make sure to keep the container in the fridge if you plan to eat them within a few days. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To refresh your frozen sandwiches, heat them gently. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-10 minutes. This will soften the donuts and make the ice cream creamy again. Enjoy them like they are fresh! Yes, you can make the donuts ahead of time. After baking, let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, freeze the cooled donuts. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. When you are ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature before assembling the sandwiches. If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t worry! You can make a simple substitute. Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes. This will create a tangy milk that works well in the recipe. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream, thinned with a little milk, for a similar effect. These ice cream sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh. If stored properly, they last about three days in the freezer. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap or foil to keep them from getting icy. For the best taste and texture, eat them within a day or two for maximum freshness. You now have a complete guide to making tasty ice cream sandwiches with apple cider donuts. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and various tips. You can create fluffy, delicious treats that suit your taste. Feel free to try different ice cream flavors or toppings. Remember, these sandwiches are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. With these simple steps, you can make a sweet treat that everyone will love. Enjoy being creative and have fun in the kitchen!

Apple Cider Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these delicious Apple Cider Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches! This fun recipe blends soft, spiced donuts with creamy ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. Learn how to make homemade cider donuts, coat them in cinnamon sugar, and create the perfect sandwich. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups apple cider

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 large eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 pint of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream

1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cider Reduction: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the cider simmer, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened and reduced to about 1 cup, which should take approximately 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and sea salt until combined. Set aside.

      Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, buttermilk, and pure vanilla extract, continuing to mix until all ingredients are fully combined.

        Combine Mixtures: Slowly drizzle the cooled apple cider reduction into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing as you pour. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.

          Cook the Donuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan (or prepare a non-stick skillet for donut holes). Fill each cavity of the donut pan about 3/4 full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a skillet, drop small portions of dough into hot oil, flipping them until they are evenly browned on all sides. Transfer the cooked donuts to a wire rack to cool completely.

            Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Once the donuts have cooled, take each one and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated for that delightful sugary crust.

              Assemble Sandwiches: To create the ice cream sandwiches, take one coated donut, generously scoop ice cream onto the top, and then place a second donut on top, gently pressing down to create a firm sandwich.

                Chill and Serve: Arrange the assembled ice cream sandwiches on a plate and place them in the freezer for around 30 minutes to firm up. Serve chilled and enjoy these heavenly treats!

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour (including baking) | Servings: 6-8 sandwiches

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve your ice cream sandwiches on a decorative platter, and drizzle a bit of leftover apple cider reduction on the side for an extra touch. For a fun garnish, consider sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar around the base of the platter!