It makes a difference to use real apple cider rather than apple juice when making this apple cider donuts recipe. While you could use apple juice, it doesn't give quite the same results unless you purchase the pure pressed "Simply Apple" brand of apple juice which you can find in the refrigerated section. Or you can buy extra jugs of apple cider when it's available in the Fall, pour about an inch of juice off the top, then freeze for later enjoyment throughout the year.