Baked Apple Cider Donuts have become my ultimate fall obsession, ever since I stumbled upon a local orchard’s recipe. I remember the crisp autumn air, the scent of cinnamon and apples, and biting into that warm, tender doughnut. It was pure magic! These delightful treats capture all the cozy flavors of autumn without the fuss of deep frying. If you’re looking for an easy baked apple cider donuts recipe that delivers on taste and texture, you’ve found it. My family devours these every time I make them, and I’m sure yours will too. They’re so much simpler than traditional fried doughnuts, and just as satisfying. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Cider Donuts
I genuinely believe these baked apple cider donuts will become a new favorite in your home. They offer everything you could want in a fall treat, and then some!
- They’re incredibly flavorful, bursting with concentrated apple cider and warm spices.
- Making homemade baked apple cider donuts is surprisingly quick, perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon treat.
- Since they’re no-fry apple cider donuts, they’re a lighter option than their deep-fried counterparts.
- You’ll save money by making these delicious treats at home instead of buying them from a bakery.
- The recipe is straightforward, making it a fun and easy baking project for the whole family.
- These donuts are perfectly moist and tender, a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients for Baked Apple Cider Donuts
To make this delightful baked apple cider donut recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients. I’ve found that using high-quality components really elevates the flavor of these autumn treats.
- 1.5 cups Apple cider – for reducing to an intense syrup, which is crucial for flavor.
- 1 Large Egg – at room temperature, it mixes more evenly into the batter.
- 1/3 cup Granulated sugar – for sweetness in the donut batter.
- 1/3 cup Brown sugar – adds moisture and a subtle molasses note.
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter, Melted – or melted coconut oil, for richness and tender texture.
- 1/2 cup Whole or 2% Milk – contributes to the moistness of the donuts.
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract – a classic flavor enhancer.
- 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour – the base for our donut structure.
- 1 tsp Baking powder – for lift and a tender crumb.
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda – works with the cider’s acidity for rise.
- 1 tsp Cinnamon powder – a quintessential fall spice.
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg powder – adds warmth and depth to the spice profile.
- 1/8 tsp Cardamom powder – a secret ingredient for an extra aromatic kick.
- 1 cup Granulated sugar (for coating) – the base for our sweet and spiced exterior.
- 1 tsp Cinnamon powder (for coating) – for that iconic cinnamon sugar finish.
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg powder (for coating) – complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp Cardamom powder (for coating) – for an elevated, fragrant coating.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, Melted (for coating) – helps the sugar adhere to the donuts.
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Making these delightful baked apple cider donuts is a straightforward process, and I’ll walk you through each step to ensure you get the best results. This truly is the best baked apple cider donut recipe I’ve found, and you’ll love how easy it is!
- Step 1: First, you’ll want to concentrate that apple cider flavor. Pour 1.5 cups of apple cider into a nonstick saucepan and cook it over medium heat without a lid. Let it simmer gently until it reduces down to about 1/3 cup, becoming a thick, syrupy consistency. This step is crucial for an intense apple flavor. Once reduced, set it aside to cool completely.
- Step 2: While the cider cools, prepare your wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the large egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter (or coconut oil), milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together all of your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, and cardamom powder. This ensures all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Now, it’s time to combine everything. Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture, along with your cooled, reduced apple cider. Mix gently until just combined. It’s important not to over-mix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will lead to a tender crumb. This is how to make baked apple cider donuts that are light and fluffy.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan. For a neater process, I highly recommend pouring your donut batter into a piping bag (or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) and piping it into the donut cavities, filling each about halfway.
- Step 6: Bake the donuts for approximately 10 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed.
- Step 7: Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly more.
- Step 8: While the donuts are cooling, prepare the delicious spiced sugar coating. In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon powder, 1/2 tsp nutmeg powder, and 1/2 tsp cardamom powder.
- Step 9: Brush each donut generously with melted unsalted butter. While they are still warm, roll them immediately in the spiced sugar mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated on all sides. The warmth helps the sugar adhere perfectly.
- Step 10: Serve your homemade baked apple cider donuts immediately and savor every bite of this fall favorite!
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that truly elevate these baked apple cider donuts from good to absolutely amazing. These simple tips will ensure your donuts are perfectly moist, flavorful, and have that ideal texture every time.
- Always reduce your apple cider significantly. This concentrates the apple flavor, making your donuts taste intensely like fall. Don’t skip this step!
- Avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense donuts. Mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
- Ensure your donut pan is well-greased, even if it’s non-stick, to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
- Coat the donuts with the spiced sugar while they are still warm but not hot. This allows the melted butter and sugar to adhere beautifully.
- Use room temperature ingredients. This helps them combine more smoothly and creates a more uniform batter.
What’s the secret to perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts?
The real secret lies in the reduced apple cider. By simmering the cider down, you create an intensely flavored syrup that infuses every bite of these baked apple cider donuts with pure apple essence. This also makes for delicious apple cider donut holes baked perfectly.
Can I make Baked Apple Cider Donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can bake these baked apple cider donuts a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness, I recommend coating them with the spiced sugar just before serving.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Apple Cider Donuts?
To avoid common pitfalls, don’t over-bake them; they dry out quickly. Also, ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for proper rise. Lastly, make sure your reduced cider is completely cool before adding it to the batter to prevent cooking the eggs.
Best Ways to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Once your irresistible batch of baked apple cider donuts is ready, you might wonder how best to enjoy them. I love serving these warm, fresh from the oven, as they’re truly at their peak in terms of aroma and texture. They’re perfect on their own for a simple treat, but I’ve discovered a few ways to make them even more special.
- Serve them with a hot mug of coffee or, even better, a warm glass of apple cider. The pairing of the donut’s spice with the cider’s tartness is a match made in heaven.
- For a more indulgent experience, try them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced donut.
- These delightful treats also make a fantastic addition to any fall brunch spread. They fit right in with other fall donut recipes baked and are always a crowd-pleaser.
However you choose to serve them, these donuts are sure to bring smiles and a taste of autumn to your table.
Nutrition Facts for Baked Apple Cider Donuts
I know many of you are curious about the nutritional breakdown of these delightful treats. Here’s a general estimate per serving for our delicious baked apple cider donuts, which helps keep them a healthier alternative to fried versions.
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
Please remember that these nutritional values are estimates and may vary slightly based on the specific brands and precise measurements of ingredients used in your kitchen.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Apple Cider Donuts
One of the best things about these baked apple cider donuts is that they store quite well, meaning you can enjoy them for days after baking! For optimal freshness, always allow your donuts to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Once cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, these healthy baked apple cider donuts freeze beautifully. Simply wrap individual donuts in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
To reheat, I recommend popping them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm. This brings back that fresh-baked tenderness and makes them taste almost as good as new!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Apple Cider Donuts
What are baked apple cider donuts?
Baked apple cider donuts are a delightful fall pastry made with reduced apple cider in the batter, giving them a concentrated apple flavor. Unlike traditional donuts, they are baked in a special donut pan instead of being deep-fried, making them a lighter, less greasy treat. I love that they capture all the cozy flavors of autumn without the mess of frying!
Why bake apple cider donuts instead of frying?
There are several great reasons to bake these baked apple cider donuts! Primarily, baking eliminates the need for large amounts of oil, making them a healthier alternative to their fried counterparts. I find them much easier to make at home since there’s no hot oil to manage, and cleanup is a breeze. Plus, they still achieve a wonderfully moist and tender crumb, especially with that delicious spiced sugar coating.
Can I use fresh apple cider or does it need to be reduced?
While you technically could use unreduced apple cider, I strongly recommend reducing it for these baked apple cider donuts. Reducing the cider concentrates its flavor significantly, giving your donuts that intense, rich apple taste that makes them truly special. Without this step, the apple flavor would be much more subtle, and you’d miss out on that signature autumn punch.
Do I need a special donut pan for baked apple cider donuts?
Yes, to make perfectly shaped baked apple cider donuts, you will need a donut pan. These pans have donut-shaped molds that allow the batter to bake into the classic ring shape. They are widely available at most kitchen supply stores or online. I’ve found that a good non-stick donut pan makes all the difference for easy release and beautifully formed donuts.
Variations of Baked Apple Cider Donuts You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic baked apple cider donuts, you might be eager to experiment with new flavors or dietary needs. I’ve played around with a few variations that are equally delicious and keep things exciting in the kitchen.
- Gluten-Free Version: You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture in your donut pan apple cider donuts.
- Cinnamon-Apple Baked Donuts: For an extra boost of apple goodness, consider adding 1/4 cup of finely grated apple (like a Granny Smith) to the batter along with a little extra cinnamon apple baked donuts spice. It adds moisture and a lovely texture.
- Donut Holes: Instead of traditional donuts, you can make these into delicious mini donut holes! Just use a mini muffin tin, fill each cavity halfway, and bake for a slightly shorter time (around 8-10 minutes). They’re perfect for popping.
- Maple Glaze: Instead of the spiced sugar coating, try a simple maple glaze. Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and a splash of milk until smooth. Dip the cooled baked apple cider donuts for a different kind of sweetness.
These variations prove just how versatile this base recipe for baked apple cider donuts can be!
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Baked Apple Cider Donuts: A 10-Minute Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These baked apple cider donuts are a delightful fall treat. They are easy to make and do not require frying, offering a healthier alternative to traditional donuts. The recipe features a concentrated apple cider flavor and a spiced sugar coating.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Apple cider
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup Brown sugar
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter, Melted (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup Whole or 2% Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg powder
- 1/8 tsp Cardamom powder
- 1 cup Granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp Cinnamon powder (for coating)
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg powder (for coating)
- 1/2 tsp Cardamom powder (for coating)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, Melted (for coating)
Instructions
- Pour apple cider in a nonstick saucepan and cook over medium heat without a lid until it’s reduced to 1/3 cup. It will become a thick syrup. Keep aside and allow it to cool down.
- In a large mixing bowl, add egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Keep aside.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
- Dump this dry mixture into the wet mixture, along with the reduced apple cider, and mix until just combined. Don’t over-mix the apple cider donut batter!
- Pour the batter into a greased donut pan, filling halfway through. Tip: Pour batter in a piping bag and pipe the batter into the donut pan. It’s easier and neater to make these baked apple donuts.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the baked apple cider donuts to cool down for 5 minutes at room temperature and then remove them from the pan.
- While the donuts are cooling, mix together 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp cardamom in a wide bowl. This creates your spiced sugar coating for the homemade baked apple cider donuts.
- Brush melted butter all over each donut and roll in the bowl of spiced sugar until fully coated.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious baked apple cider donuts!
Notes
- Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor in these baked apple cider donuts.
- Do not over-mix the batter to ensure light and fluffy donuts.
- Using a piping bag makes filling the donut pan much easier and cleaner.
- Make sure the toothpick comes out clean to confirm the apple cider donut holes are fully baked.
- Coat the baked apple donuts while they are still warm for best adherence of the sugar mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
