9 Wonderful Ways to Transform Apple Cider Doughnuts

These treats are perfect just as they are — but even purists will agree that turning them into waffles, snack mix and more is brilliant.

By: Heather Baird

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Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com ©Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Apple Season Just Got Way Better

'Tis the season for apple picking ... or should we say, 'tis the season for using apple picking as an excuse to eat as many cider doughnuts as you can? If you come home with a bushel of doughnuts that rivals your share of apples, don't worry — we've got some fantastically delicious ideas for what to do with them all.

Cider Doughnut Cake Stack

A giant stack of cider doughnuts is just a gloriously beautiful thing. Amp it up even more with seasonal fruit and a dusting of powdered sugar and you’ve got a showpiece dessert that rivals a layer cake (and comes together more quickly, too!). Take 2 dozen plain cider doughnuts, stack them strategically on a cake stand and dust with powdered sugar. Then, artfully garnish with some black Mission figs, mint sprigs and citrus zest for extra oomph.

Toasted Cider Doughnut Snack Mix

This party mix beats anything you could buy premade (hello, toasty doughnuts!). In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of your favorite munchables (like popcorn, pretzels and crispy rice cereal) along with 4 chopped cider doughnuts. Toss the mixture with 4 tablespoons of melted salted butter and spread onto a baking sheet. Toast at 425 degrees F for 5 minutes or until fragrant and slightly browned. For extra fall flair, sprinkle the mixture with cinnamon sugar before the mix cools.

Waffled Cider Doughnuts

A well-buttered, hot waffle iron will transform cider doughnuts into delicious little pastries that are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Preheat a Belgian waffle iron per the manufacturer’s instructions. Butter the iron and immediately place four doughnuts, just touching, in the iron. Press the lid down until fully closed. Cook until crisp, about 4 minutes, and then flood the crevices of the waffles with plenty of maple syrup or boiled apple cider syrup.

Cider Doughnut Truffles

These doughnut-hole look-alikes are actually cake-ball-style truffles in disguise. Fold crumbled cider doughnuts into white chocolate ganache and then chill until firm. Scooping with a tablespoon, roll the mixture into balls and coat in cinnamon sugar. Insert wooden picks into the truffles for easy picking up and less mess (no sugary fingers!).

Cider Doughnut Tiramisu

This twist on traditional tiramisu whips up quickly — so you even can treat yourself to a fancy dessert after a long weekday. Dunk 4 doughnuts into hot coffee and place 2 in the bottom of each of 2 dessert glasses. Top with fresh whipped cream, chocolate shavings and store-bought chocolate sticks for a pretty presentation. Keep the desserts chilled until ready to serve.

Cider Doughnut Milkshakes

You could call this indulgent dessert a Triple Apple Milkshake. Blend up crumbled cider doughnuts (apple #1) with softened apple pie ice cream (apple #2) and pour into tall glasses. Top each glass with a heaping helping of whipped cream and garnish with a pinch of cinnamon, apple slices (apple #3) and doughnut halves.

Cider Doughnut Breakfast Sandwiches

This breakfast mash-up might sound odd, but its appeal is much like that of waffles with bacon or the classic Monte Cristo. Plus, it's super-indulgent and will make brunch guests grin from ear to ear. Assembly is easy: Place a round of fried Canadian bacon on a doughnut, top with your choice of cheese and a fried egg, and finish with a second doughnut.

Cider Doughnut Ice Cream Sandwiches

Doughnut ice cream sandwiches are one of the best inventions of all dessert-kind. Slice a doughnut horizontally and fill it with ice cream. Cider doughnuts in particular deserve a big scoop of a seasonal flavor, like pumpkin pie ice cream.

Dipped Cider Doughnuts

Cider doughnuts get a flavor boost when dipped in white chocolate, semisweet chocolate or ready-made dulce de leche. Sprinkles make them festive and extra tasty, especially if you try coarse sanding sugar in autumnal hues, Swedish pearl sugar or real chocolate sprinkles.

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