Baked Apple Cider Donuts Delightful and Simple Treat

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Craving a sweet, fall-inspired treat that’s easy to make? Look no further! Baked Apple Cider Donuts are your perfect solution. These delightful donuts combine warm spices and rich apple flavor, all while being a healthier baked option. In this post, I’ll guide you through simple steps to whip up this comforting treat. Get ready to impress friends and family with your baking skills and cozy vibes! Let’s dive into the delicious world of apple cider donuts!

Ingredients

List of Necessary Ingredients

– 1 ½ cups apple cider

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– ½ teaspoon baking soda

– ½ teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

– ½ cup granulated sugar

– ½ cup packed brown sugar

– 2 large eggs

– ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

– ⅓ cup vegetable oil

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

– ½ cup cinnamon sugar (for coating)

I love using fresh apple cider for these donuts. It gives them a rich taste. The spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and flavor. Don’t skip the brown sugar; it adds moisture and depth. As for the eggs, they help bind everything together. The applesauce keeps the donuts soft and tender.

Equipment Needed

– Donut pan

– Mixing bowls

– Whisk and spatula

– Saucepan

– Piping bag or zip-top bag

To make these donuts, you need a donut pan. This pan gives them their fun shape. Mixing bowls help you combine ingredients easily. A whisk works well for blending, and a spatula ensures you get every bit of batter out. A saucepan is a must for reducing the cider. Lastly, a piping bag or zip-top bag helps fill the donut pan without mess.

With these ingredients and tools, you are set to make baked apple cider donuts. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Oven and Donut Pan

– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

– Grease the donut pan with cooking spray or oil.

Start by setting your oven to the right temperature. This step is key for even baking. Grab your donut pan and give it a light coat of cooking spray. This will help the donuts slide out easily after baking.

Reducing Apple Cider

– Heat apple cider in a saucepan.

– Simmer until reduced to ¾ cup.

Next, pour the apple cider into a small saucepan. Turn the heat to medium and bring it to a boil. After it boils, lower the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want it to reduce down to about ¾ cup. This step concentrates the flavor and makes the donuts taste amazing.

Combining Ingredients

– Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.

– Blend wet ingredients in another bowl.

– Combine both mixtures without overmixing.

In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: sugars, eggs, applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla, and the cooled apple cider. Make sure both mixtures are well combined. Then, slowly pour the wet mix into the dry bowl. Stir gently. You want to mix them just enough—let some lumps stay. Too much mixing can make the donuts tough.

Filling and Baking

– Fill donut pan cavities with batter.

– Bake for 12-15 minutes until done.

Now, it’s time to fill the donut pan. You can use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner cut off. Fill each cavity about ¾ full. This gives them room to rise. Slide the pan into your preheated oven. Set a timer for 12 to 15 minutes. To check if they’re done, stick a toothpick in a donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready!

Cooling and Coating

– Cool donuts in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

– Brush with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar.

Once they’re baked, take the pan out and let the donuts cool for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re still warm, brush each donut with melted butter. This makes the cinnamon sugar stick. Next, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step adds a sweet crunch that you will love. Enjoy warm or save them for later. You can find the full recipe above for more details!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Perfect Texture

To get the best texture, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined. A few lumps are okay. Mix too much, and your donuts may turn out dense. Also, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. This step helps them blend well, creating a light and fluffy donut.

Flavor Enhancements

For a flavor boost, add spices like cloves or ginger. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also incorporate chopped apples or nuts for added texture. Chopped apples will give a fresh crunch, while nuts add a delightful bite. Both options enhance the taste and make each bite exciting.

Serving Suggestions

Baked apple cider donuts taste great with coffee or hot apple cider. The warm drinks pair perfectly with the sweet, spiced donuts. For the best flavor, serve them warm or at room temperature. Warm donuts melt in your mouth, making for a cozy treat. Enjoy them fresh, or share with friends for a delightful snack.

Variations

You can easily tweak this baked apple cider donut recipe to suit your needs. Here are some fun variations to try.

Gluten-Free Option

To make these donuts gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that works well for baking. This swap keeps the texture light and fluffy, just like the original.

Vegan Alternative

If you want a vegan version, it’s simple! Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. You can also use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk instead of regular ones. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats!

Flavored Glazes

Add a fun twist with flavored glazes! A maple glaze is perfect for that sweet, fall vibe. Mix powdered sugar with a bit of maple syrup and some non-dairy milk until smooth. You can also try chocolate or caramel drizzles for a richer taste. These glazes make your donuts even more special.

For the full recipe, check out the details above and start baking!

Storage Info

Storing Leftover Donuts

To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their soft texture and delightful taste. They will stay good for about three days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them.

Freezing for Later

You can freeze these donuts for up to 2 months. Make sure they are completely cool before wrapping them tightly. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Tips

To warm up your donuts, you can use a microwave or oven. If using the microwave, heat them for about 10-15 seconds. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and warm the donuts for about 5-7 minutes. Warming brings back that fresh-baked flavor. Enjoy them as if they just came out of the oven!

FAQs

How long do Baked Apple Cider Donuts last?

Baked apple cider donuts stay fresh for 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each donut well in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature.

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider! It works well in this recipe. Homemade cider gives a deeper flavor, but store-bought is a great option if you are short on time. Just make sure to choose a quality cider. Look for one that is pure with no added sugars.

How do I know when the donuts are done baking?

To check if your donuts are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a donut. If the toothpick comes out clean, your donuts are fully baked. If it comes out with batter on it, let them bake for a few more minutes. The baking time is usually around 12 to 15 minutes, but always check early.

In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious baked apple cider donuts. We covered essential ingredients, equipment needed, and provided a clear step-by-step guide. I shared tips for perfect texture and flavor enhancements to elevate your baking. You can even tweak the recipe for dietary needs or add fun glaze options. Enjoy storing your leftovers and reheating them for a tasty treat. Now, gather your ingredients and get baking! These donuts will bring warmth and joy to your kitchen.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with homemade Baked Apple Cider Donuts! These delightful treats are easy to make and bursting with cinnamon and nutmeg goodness. From reducing apple cider to coating them in sweet cinnamon sugar, this recipe guides you every step of the way. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, click through to discover how to make these delicious donuts that will impress your family and friends!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

1 ½ cups apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

⅓ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

½ cup cinnamon sugar (for coating)

Instructions

 

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Prepare a donut pan by greasing it with cooking spray or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.

Reduce Cider: In a small saucepan, pour in the apple cider. Heat it over medium flame and allow it to come to a full boil. Then reduce the heat—let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until it reduces down to roughly ¾ cup. Once reduced, set it aside to cool slightly.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be mindful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. Fill each cavity of the donut pan about ¾ full with the batter to allow room for rising.

Bake: Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean.

Cool Down: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Afterward, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool further.

Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the donuts are still warm, use a pastry brush to apply melted butter on top of each donut. Immediately dip each one into the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are well coated.

Serve: Enjoy the donuts warm for the best flavor experience, or let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?