Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 130mg
Baked apple cider donuts are a delightful seasonal treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. With their warm spices and sweet apple flavor, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just a cozy afternoon snack. The best part? They are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option without sacrificing taste. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut, the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through your kitchen—these donuts will be a hit with everyone!
Why Make This Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Baked apple cider donuts are not only simple to make, but they also offer a fantastic way to use up that leftover apple cider from your autumn gatherings. These donuts remain moist and flavorful thanks to the reduction of apple cider, intensifying their sweetness. Plus, they are baked in a donut pan, making them healthier than traditional fried versions. Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch, treating your family, or just looking for something sweet, these donuts will surely brighten your day.
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
## Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
## Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy release after baking.
Step 2: Reducing the Cider
In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Allow it to simmer until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. This process concentrates the flavor. Once reduced, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step creates a uniform mixture that ensures even rising and flavor distribution.
Step 4: Combining Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the cooled apple cider, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until well combined.
Step 5: Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense donuts.
Step 6: Filling the Donut Pan
Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each cavity of the donut pan about two-thirds full. This allows enough room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
Step 7: Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts will be lightly golden and firm to the touch.
Step 8: Cooling
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove them from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts
These delicious donuts taste great on their own, but you can enhance your experience by dusting them with powdered sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider for a delightful autumn treat. They also make a wonderful addition to dessert tables and holiday gatherings.
How to Store Baked Apple Cider Donuts
To keep your baked apple cider donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but they’re best enjoyed fresh. For longer storage, freeze them by placing the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Ensure your apple cider is fresh for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the step of reducing the cider; this concentration of flavor is crucial.
- For an extra flavor punch, add a dash of allspice or cloves to your dry ingredients.
- Use a piping bag for easy filling of the donut molds for a neater presentation.
- Keep an eye on the baking time as ovens can vary; you want the donuts to be lightly golden.
Delicious Variations
- Glazed Donuts: Top your cooled donuts with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup for an added sweetness.
- Apple Cinnamon Crumble: Add a crunchy topping of crushed graham crackers or oats mixed with cinnamon to the donut batter before baking.
- Pumpkin Spice Version: Substitute half of the apple cider with pumpkin puree and add a bit of pumpkin pie spice to the dry mix for a seasonal twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that this might alter the texture slightly, making them denser, but they’ll still taste great!
What can I use if I don’t have apple cider?
If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice as a substitute, though the flavor may be less intense. You could also try a mixture of water and a bit of apple flavoring.
Can these donuts be frozen?
Absolutely! After baking and cooling, place the donuts in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
How can I make these donuts vegan?
You can replace the egg with a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter substitute for the unsalted butter.
How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
The donuts are done when they spring back when touched lightly in the center and when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Conclusion
Baked apple cider donuts are a heartwarming, delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Their soft, cake-like texture paired with warm spices brings comfort in every bite. Easy to prepare and irresistible, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and enjoy making these delightful treats your family and friends will love!
