Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delicious and easy fall treat. Made with reduced apple cider and a blend of warm spices, these donuts are soft, cakey, and bursting with autumnal flavor. Baked instead of fried, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional donuts and perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea on a crisp fall day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Baked Apple Cider Donuts:

• Apple cider: Reduced on the stovetop to concentrate its flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient, provides structure.
• Baking soda: Helps the donuts rise and become light and airy.
• Baking powder: Also helps with leavening.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic spice flavor.
• Apple pie spice: A blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Melted, adds richness and flavor.
• Egg: At room temperature, binds the ingredients together.
• Brown sugar: Packed, adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness.
• Milk: At room temperature, adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.

For the Topping:

• Granulated sugar: For coating the donuts.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds extra warmth and spice to the coating.
• Apple pie spice: Adds a blend of warm spices to the coating.
• Unsalted butter: Melted, used for coating the donuts before rolling in the sugar mixture.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. This will take approximately 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. Add the cooled reduced apple cider and whisk until combined.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about halfway.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges and tops are lightly browned. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Coat the Donuts

Combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice in a medium bowl. Dip each donut in the melted butter, then generously coat in the apple spice sugar mixture.

How to Serve

• Freshly Baked: These donuts are best served immediately after baking and coating.
• Warm Up: Leftovers can be warmed up slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Pair with Beverages: Enjoy these donuts with a cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover donuts can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze baked donuts (coated or uncoated) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up as needed.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can make donut muffins in a standard muffin pan. Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Can I make mini donuts?

Yes, you can make mini donuts using a mini muffin pan. Fill each mini muffin cup about 3/4 full and bake for 8-9 minutes.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work. For a denser crumb, use yogurt or sour cream.

Can I add other flavors to the batter?

Yes, you can add other flavors like vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest to the batter.

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