If you’re craving the warm, comforting flavors of autumn, these Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a must-try! Soft, fluffy, and brimming with spices, these donuts are infused with the rich essence of reduced apple cider, making them a delightful treat for cozy mornings or a fall-inspired dessert. Coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, these donuts bring the essence of fall right to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
1 ½ cups apple cider
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
Reduce the Apple Cider:
In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the cider reduces to about ½ cup, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and the cooled reduced apple cider until smooth.
Combine:
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure your donuts stay light and fluffy.
Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush each donut with melted butter and then dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Serve:
Enjoy your baked apple cider donuts warm or at room temperature.
Serving Tips:
Warm and Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, enjoy the donuts fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm. They’re particularly delightful with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: If you’re not serving all the donuts immediately, coat them in cinnamon sugar just before serving to ensure they stay crispy and flavorful.
Presentation: Arrange the donuts on a decorative plate or a cake stand for an appealing presentation. You can also garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch.
Pairings: These donuts pair wonderfully with autumnal flavors like apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, or hot cocoa. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread or a fall-themed dessert table.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will keep them soft and fresh.
Refrigeration: If you need to store them for a longer period, place the donuts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Freezing: For extended storage, you can freeze the donuts. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven.
Refreshing: To refresh refrigerated or frozen donuts, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their softness and warmth.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use store-bought apple cider instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider for this recipe. Just make sure to reduce it as directed in the recipe to concentrate the flavor. This step is crucial for achieving the rich apple taste in your donuts.
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the donuts ahead of time and store them. For the best freshness, bake them a day or two before serving. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to keep them for longer, consider freezing them and reheating as needed.
What can I use as a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use a mixture of milk and an acid. Combine ½ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, then let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. This mixture will work as a substitute for buttermilk in the recipe.
How can I make these donuts gluten-free?
To make these donuts gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or guar gum, which helps mimic the texture of gluten. You might also need to adjust the baking powder and baking soda amounts slightly based on the blend you use.
Conclusion:
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of fall with minimal effort. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich taste of apple cider and the cozy warmth of cinnamon sugar in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a perfect fall treat, offering a soft and fluffy texture with a rich apple cider flavor and warm spices. Baked to perfection and coated in cinnamon sugar, these donuts are ideal for cozy mornings or as a delightful autumn-inspired dessert. Enjoy the taste of fall in every bite with this easy recipe!
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
1 ½ cups apple cider
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until reduced to about ½ cup (10-15 minutes). Let cool.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and cooled apple cider until smooth.
- Combine: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with a snipped corner. Pipe batter into donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush each donut with melted butter, then dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For a richer flavor, ensure the apple cider is well-reduced.
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 donuts
- Calories: 250 kcal
