Baked Apple Cider Donuts: A Fall Delight

There’s something magical about the combination of apple cider and cinnamon that instantly brings the flavors of fall to life. These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are the perfect way to enjoy those cozy autumn vibes, all while skipping the deep-frying! These soft, fluffy donuts are infused with the essence of apple cider, warmly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture. Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm cup of coffee or serving them at a family gathering, these donuts are sure to please.

Making donuts at home might seem like a daunting task, but this easy baked version simplifies the process without compromising on flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have fresh, homemade apple cider donuts that taste as good as they smell.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. No Frying Required: These donuts are baked, not fried, which means less mess and less oil.
2. Perfect Fall Flavor: Apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg create the quintessential autumn taste in every bite.
3. Quick and Easy: You can whip these donuts up in under an hour, perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon treat.
4. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: The cinnamon-sugar coating gives each donut a delightful crunch that complements the soft, fluffy interior.
5. Family-Friendly: Kids will love these donuts, and they’re simple enough to involve them in the baking process.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1½ cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Variations

• Add Ins: You can add small chunks of apple or a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Glaze: For a sweeter touch, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a bit of apple cider over the donuts instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter and milk for a vegan version of these donuts.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or lightly brush with melted butter to ensure the donuts come out easily once baked.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until it has reduced to about ¾ cup. This will concentrate the flavor and give your donuts that lovely apple cider taste. Set the reduced cider aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Add the reduced apple cider and mix everything until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter—this will keep your donuts light and fluffy.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the donut batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. You can also use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the tip cut off to easily pipe the batter into the pan.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should spring back when lightly touched.

Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar

While the donuts are cooling, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 9: Serve

Serve the donuts warm with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Donut Pan: If you don’t have a donut pan, you can also use a muffin tin to make donut holes or muffin-shaped treats. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the batter just until it comes together to avoid dense donuts.
• Apple Cider Reduction: Don’t skip reducing the apple cider—this step intensifies the flavor and makes a big difference in the final taste of your donuts.
• Even Coating: Make sure to coat the donuts immediately after baking while they’re still warm so the cinnamon-sugar sticks better.

How to Serve

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Pair them with a warm drink, like a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or apple cider, to complete the cozy experience. They also make a great addition to brunch spreads, holiday breakfast tables, or any fall gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low-temperature oven for a couple of minutes.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze them, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat leftover donuts by placing them in a warm oven (around 350°F) for a few minutes until they are heated through, or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

While apple juice can be substituted, apple cider will provide a richer, more robust flavor that is characteristic of fall.

2. How can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and bake them as muffins. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

3. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the donuts the night before and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the morning before serving.

4. Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, you can freeze them! After baking, let the donuts cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

5. Can I substitute the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice?

Yes, pumpkin pie spice is a great alternative and will give your donuts an extra autumnal flair.

6. Can I skip the cinnamon-sugar coating?

If you prefer a less sweet donut, you can skip the coating and enjoy the donuts as they are.

7. How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease the donut pan well with butter or non-stick spray before adding the batter.

8. Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the consistency of the batter, as gluten-free flour can sometimes behave differently.

9. How long should I reduce the apple cider for?

Reduce the apple cider for about 10 minutes until it’s concentrated to about ¾ cup. This intensifies the flavor and ensures the donuts have the right apple cider taste.

10. How can I make these donuts more indulgent?

Try adding a glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider for an extra sweet touch, or fill them with apple pie filling for an even more decadent treat.

Conclusion

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a perfect fall treat that brings the best flavors of the season to life. With their warm spices, soft texture, and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re bound to be a hit with friends and family alike. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead treat, these donuts are the ultimate cozy indulgence.

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