Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a perfect way to embrace the fall season, bringing warmth and comfort to your kitchen. Imagine biting into a fluffy, spiced donut that perfectly balances sweetness and a hint of tang from apple cider. Whether you’re enjoying these with a warm cup of coffee during a crisp morning or sharing them with friends at a gathering, they are sure to bring smiles all around. The enticing aroma fills your home, wrapping everyone in a cozy embrace. The fun part? You don’t need to fry them to get that delicious donut experience! Baking these treats means you can savor each bite a little more guilt-free. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on this delightful journey into the world of Baked Apple Cider Donuts!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe serves the perfect blend of flavors and textures. By reducing apple cider, you concentrate its natural sweetness, which enhances both the taste and aroma of the donuts. The spices work harmoniously together, creating that beloved fall flavor profile. Baking, rather than frying, keeps the process straightforward and less messy, making it easy to whip up a batch any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Aside from being utterly delicious, there are several reasons you’ll adore these Baked Apple Cider Donuts. They’re soft, moist, and full of seasonal flavors. Plus, making donuts at home means you can control the ingredients. No preservatives or overly sugary frostings—you get to enjoy a fresh treat that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re sharing them with family or keeping them all to yourself, these donuts make for a delightful indulgence during chilly weather.
Ingredients for Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Gather these ingredients to create your loving batch of Baked Apple Cider Donuts:
- 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) apple cider
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients
To add some extra sweetness, here’s what you’ll need for the topping:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
The Process of Making Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Making these donuts will fill your kitchen with delightful aromas and joyful anticipation. Follow these steps for success!
Reducing the Apple Cider
Start by simmering the apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat. Watch as it reduces to about 1/2 cup, which takes around 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once reduced, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.
Preheating the Oven
Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While it heats up, spray a donut pan with non-stick spray and set it aside. This ensures your donuts will slide out easily once baked.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. Make sure everything is combined well, then set this mixture aside.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, both types of sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Now, add your cooled, reduced apple cider and mix until everything is smooth and blended nicely.
Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures
Carefully pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a whisk to combine until fully mixed, making sure not to overmix. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly how you want it.
Filling the Donut Pan
Take a large zipped-top bag and scoop your batter into it. Cut off one corner of the bag. Now, pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about halfway. This allows the donuts to rise without spilling over.
Baking the Donuts
Bake for about 10-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. To check, gently poke the donuts; they should spring back. Once done, let them cool in the pan for 2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack.
Coating the Donuts
As the donuts cool, prepare the topping mixture. In a medium bowl, mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice together. After the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip each one in the melted butter. Then, roll or dunk them in the sugar mixture, coating generously.
Serving Suggestions
For the best taste, enjoy your Baked Apple Cider Donuts right away. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of apple cider or your favorite coffee. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft donut while sipping a hot drink—it’s a fall fantasy come true!
Tips for Success
- Measure ingredients accurately with a kitchen scale for best results.
- Allow the apple cider to reduce fully for a richer flavor.
- Don’t skip the melted butter dunk—it adds that irresistible finish!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Glazed Version: Instead of sugar coating, drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for a different taste.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Add more spices or finely chopped apples to the batter for a delightful twist.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but it can happen!), store your Baked Apple Cider Donuts tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For a fresh taste, reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying!
FAQs
1. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, you can use apple juice, but the flavor may not be as strong. Reducing the juice helps intensify its taste.
2. Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be a good substitute, but expect a slightly different texture.
3. How do I know if donuts are baked correctly?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean, and the donut should bounce back when pressed lightly.
4. What other spices can I add?
Consider adding nutmeg or cloves to enhance warmth in flavor.
5. Are these donuts freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze these donuts for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven before serving!
Baked Apple Cider Donuts are an absolute dream for anyone looking to indulge in autumn flavors. With their fluffy texture and delightful sweetness, they make for a perfect treat any time of year. Not to mention the easy steps involved make it simple for anyone to try their hand at baking these delicious bites. So, gather your loved ones, bake a batch, and create cozy moments full of warmth and laughter!
Print
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Baked Apple Cider Donuts are soft, moist, and bursting with fall flavors. These delightful treats are easy to make and perfect for cozy moments.
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) apple cider
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for topping)
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice (for topping)
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Simmer apple cider in a saucepan over low heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 20 minutes. Allow cooling.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray donut pan with non-stick spray.
- Whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk wet ingredients: melted butter, egg, sugars, milk, vanilla, and cooled apple cider.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures until fully blended, avoiding overmixing.
- Scoop batter into a zipped-top bag, cut a corner, and pipe into donut cavities halfway.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes or until lightly browned, then cool for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Mix topping ingredients and coat cooled donuts in melted butter followed by the sugar mixture.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Measure ingredients accurately using a kitchen scale for best results.
Allow the apple cider to reduce fully for enhanced flavor.
Complete the melted butter dunk for an irresistible finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 7.5
- Saturated Fat: 4.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 30
