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- 1 cup apple cider - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating) You can switch out the brown sugar for coconut sugar if you want a deeper flavor. Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but expect a denser donut. If you are dairy-free, swap unsalted butter with coconut oil. You can also use flax eggs instead of a regular egg for a vegan choice. Each baked apple cider donut has around 140 calories. They contain 3 grams of fat and 24 grams of carbs. You will also find about 1 gram of protein in each donut. If you use substitutions, the nutrient values will change. Using whole wheat flour will add fiber. Reducing sugar can lower calories too. {{ingredient_image_2}} Making baked apple cider donuts is simple and fun. First, gather all your ingredients. You need apple cider, butter, eggs, sugars, flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and 40 minutes total. You will get 12 tasty donuts. 1. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan well. This will help the donuts pop out easily. 2. Reduce the Cider: Heat the apple cider in a small pot over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle boil. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. You want it to reduce to about 1/2 cup. This step boosts the flavor. Let it cool a bit after. 3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a big bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, and the cooled cider. Whisk until smooth. 4. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Sifting makes the flour light and fluffy. 5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently with a spatula. Stop mixing when it's just combined. A few lumps are okay. 6. Pipe the Batter: Put the batter in a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off. Fill each donut cavity halfway with the batter. 7. Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in your oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they’re ready. 8. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the donuts bake, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow bowl. 9. Cooling Down: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. 10. Coat the Donuts: While still warm, dip each donut into the cinnamon-sugar mix. Roll them to coat evenly. - Use fresh apple cider for the best taste. - Don’t overmix the batter to keep the donuts light. - Experiment with the spice amounts for your preferred flavor. - Serve them with coffee or tea for a perfect fall treat. To achieve light and fluffy donuts, follow these key tips: - Sift Your Flour: Always sift your flour before measuring. This helps to aerate it and adds lightness. - Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Stop as soon as you see no dry flour. Lumpy batter is okay! - Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg and melted butter are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix better and rise. Flavors make these donuts special. Here are a few ways to boost taste: - Reduce the Cider: Simmer apple cider until it thickens. This intensifies the apple flavor and adds sweetness. - Spices Matter: Don’t skip the spices! Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add warmth and depth. - Quality Vanilla: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. It makes a noticeable difference. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure success: - Skipping the Grease: Always grease your donut pan well. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal. - Underbaking: Always check with a toothpick. Donuts should be golden and cooked through. - Forgetting the Coating: Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar coating! It adds sweetness and texture that you’ll love. Pro Tips Reduce Cider for Intensity: Ensure to simmer the apple cider until it's reduced to half. This concentration enhances the flavor of your donuts, making them taste rich and delicious. Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, so keep the batter slightly lumpy for a light texture. Use a Piping Bag: For easy and mess-free filling of the donut pan, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. This helps you achieve uniform donut shapes. Coat While Warm: Dip the warm donuts into the cinnamon-sugar mixture immediately after cooling. This allows the sugar to adhere better, creating a delightful sweet crust. {{image_4}} You can mix up the flavor of your baked apple cider donuts easily. Here are some tasty ideas: - Maple: Replace some sugar with maple syrup. This adds a warm, sweet taste. - Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin puree and a bit of pumpkin spice. This gives a cozy fall flavor. - Chocolate: Stir in cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist. This makes the donuts richer. If you need gluten-free donuts, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that can be swapped cup for cup with regular flour. Make sure to check the baking powder too. Some contain gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy these treats. You can enhance your donuts with fun add-ins. Here are some suggestions: - Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Mix them into the batter before baking. - Dried Fruits: Try adding raisins or dried cranberries. They bring extra sweetness and chewiness. - Fresh Apples: Small chunks of fresh apples can add moisture and a fruity bite. Just be sure to chop them finely. These variations make your baked apple cider donuts special. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures! To keep your baked apple cider donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any extra moisture. You can store them at room temperature for about three days. For longer storage, the fridge is a good option. Just remember, the colder air can sometimes dry them out. Freezing is a great way to keep donuts for later. First, let the donuts cool completely. Then, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap. Afterward, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature. To bring your donuts back to life, reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This warms them and makes them soft again. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds if you want a quick fix. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they may get tough. Yes, you can use apple juice. However, apple cider gives a richer flavor. Cider has a deeper taste from the whole apple. If you opt for juice, choose a 100% pure version. This will help you get the best flavor. To check if the donuts are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready. The edges should also look firm and slightly golden. Remember, overbaking can make them dry. You can get creative with toppings! Here are some ideas: - Glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider - Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans - Shredded coconut - Drizzled caramel sauce - Fresh apple slices for garnish These add fun flavors and textures to your donuts. Enjoy mixing and matching! In this blog post, I shared how to make delicious baked apple cider donuts. We covered the key ingredients and offered fun substitutions for those with dietary needs. I explained step-by-step how to prepare, bake, and ensure your donuts come out light and fluffy. I included tips for flavor twists and essential storage advice. Finally, I answered common questions about baking these tasty treats. Enjoy making your donuts, share them with friends, and try different flavors! Happy baking!

Spiced Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Deliciously spiced donuts made with apple cider, perfect for a cozy treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan generously.
  • In a small saucepan, heat the apple cider over medium until it boils, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Allow to cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cooled reduced apple cider. Whisk until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt.
  • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
  • Transfer the batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag and pipe into the donut pan, filling each cavity halfway.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • While the donuts bake, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl for coating.
  • Allow the baked donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • While warm, dip each donut into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for even coverage.

Notes

Serve on a decorative platter and consider drizzling with icing for an extra touch.
Keyword apple cider, baked, donuts, spiced