Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh apple cider (reduced to 1/3 cup)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Simmer the liquid until it reduces to exactly 1/3 cup. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. This step is crucial because it concentrates the apple flavor. Once reduced, set it aside to cool completely.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 24-count mini-muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of butter. Ensure you coat the top surface of the pan as well, as the donut holes may rise slightly above the cups.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the egg with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and the cooled, reduced apple cider. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix the batter.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared mini-muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the donut holes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- While the donut holes are still warm, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix the 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Dip each donut hole into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Arrange them on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the salted caramel sauce.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes