Fall is a time for food. Think about it– very few other seasons have as many treats as fall. There are apple pies, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pies, apple ciders, apple fritters, and apple donuts, just to name a few. Anything with pumpkin pie spice or apple flavor is on-brand for the season.
Apple cider donuts are one of those fall treats to savor because they’re seasonal, so they’re only around for a brief period unless you want to make them yourself. The apple flavor can be mild or strong, depending on the baker's ingredients. Often, apple cider donuts are made with apple cider and sometimes apple pieces. These cake donuts have a subtle apple flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee or even a pumpkin spice latte. A stronger-flavored donut might have apple flavoring, along with cinnamon. Either way, this fall treat is fun to eat and tastes so good.
What was once an east-coast-only seasonal treat has made its way to the West Coast.
1. Rainbow Orchards, Camino
In the area also known as Apple Hill, Rainbow Orchards makes the most delicious hot apple cider donuts. We recommend you buy a dozen or so and freeze them so you can have apple cider donuts on demand.
2. Bob's Donuts, San Francisco
A San Francisco icon! Open 24/7, you can get your donut fix at any time of day or night at Bob’s Donuts.
3. The Red Apple, Murphys
The Red Apple is a great place to buy homemade apple cider donuts, in addition to fresh squeezed cider, honey, and jams and jellies.
4. Johnny Doughnuts, San Rafael
This popular donut shop has four locations plus a food truck, so you can find them outside of San Rafael, which is their flagship location. Johnny's Doughnuts make apple cider donuts that you can eat at their family-style tables.
5. Donut Wheel, Chico
We love to discover family-owned bakeries and cafes that make this fall classic. Donut Wheel makes apple cider donuts, plus many other varieties.
6. High Hill Ranch, Placerville
This is the second place on this list that is located in Apple Hill. You’ll find a lot of apple treats at High Hill Ranch, including apple cider donuts.
What is your favorite fall pastry? Do you make them or buy them? Tell us in the comments.
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