If you’ve never tried making donuts at home, let me tell you, it’s easier than you might think! Plus, these baked apple cider donuts are so much healthier than their deep-fried cousins. That means you can indulge a little more guilt-free. They’re the perfect blend of cake-like texture and apple sweetness with just a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg to keep things interesting. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
I usually whip these up on a lazy weekend morning, enjoying the process as much as the result. Each step, from reducing the apple cider to the final sugar-cinnamon coating, adds a layer of love to these donuts. Not to mention the delightful anticipation they build as they fill the house with their inviting aroma.
So, roll up your sleeves and join me in making these scrumptious baked apple cider donuts. Whether you’re looking to add a sweet touch to a family gathering or simply want to brighten up your breakfast with a homemade treat, these donuts will hit the spot. Let’s dive into the recipe, and I’ll guide you every step of the way!
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
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Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups apple cider
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons melted butter (your choice of salted/unsalted)
- 2-3 teaspoons cinnamon (for coating)
Directions:
- Start by boiling the apple cider in a small saucepan over high heat. After a minute, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook until it reduces to ½ cup. This typically takes 10-15 minutes. Let it cool completely.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare a donut pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray, preferably one with flour.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake flour, baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the cooled apple cider with the milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a large zip-top bag, snipping a corner to pipe the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling them halfway.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack once done.
- Mix the granulated sugar with cinnamon in a shallow dish. Brush each warm donut with melted butter before dipping it into the sugar-cinnamon mixture until fully coated. Enjoy your delicious homemade donuts!
Ingredient Tweaks for Your Pantry
If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour. Just remove two tablespoons of flour from each cup and replace it with two tablespoons of cornstarch. For a dairy-free version, try using almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. You can also experiment with other spices like allspice or cardamom for a different flavor twist.
Storage Solutions for Your Baked Apple Cider Donuts
To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw them and pop them in the oven at a low temperature or microwave briefly before serving.
Perfect Pairings for Baked Apple Cider Donuts
These donuts are delightful on their own, but for an extra treat, serve them with a mug of hot apple cider or a steaming cup of coffee. They also pair wonderfully with a bowl of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. If you’re hosting brunch, consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a platter of assorted cheeses.
Secrets to Perfecting Apple Cider Donuts
Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavors, so don’t rush this step. A thick, syrupy consistency is ideal. Be patient when mixing the batter; overmixing can result in dense donuts. Use a piping bag to fill the donut cavities evenly, ensuring consistent baking. For a crunchy exterior, be generous when coating the donuts with the cinnamon-sugar mix.
Adding a Seasonal Spin to Baked Apple Cider Donuts
In the fall, consider adding some pumpkin puree to the batter for an extra seasonal touch. During the winter holidays, a sprinkle of gingerbread spices can make these donuts festive. In spring or summer, top them with fresh fruit or a light glaze infused with lemon or orange zest for a refreshing twist.
FAQs:
How do I ensure the donuts are fluffy?
To achieve fluffy donuts, make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense donuts. Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Additionally, using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour contributes to a lighter texture.
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe. However, if you have access to fresh or homemade apple cider, it may offer a more robust flavor profile. Regardless, reducing the cider will concentrate its flavors, making your donuts delicious either way.
What’s the best way to pipe the batter into the donut pan?
Using a large zip-top bag is a quick and easy method to pipe batter. Fill the bag with the batter, seal it, and snip off a small corner. Then, pipe the batter into each donut cavity, ensuring you fill them evenly to avoid uneven baking.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free apple cider donuts, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is formulated to replace all-purpose flour in baking recipes. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well for a safe and enjoyable treat.
Is it necessary to coat the donuts in cinnamon sugar?
While it’s not strictly necessary, the cinnamon-sugar coating adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor that complements the apple cider beautifully. However, if you prefer a less sweet option, you can skip this step or dust the donuts with powdered sugar instead.
How can I add more apple flavor to the donuts?
For an extra apple punch, consider adding some finely chopped apple pieces to the batter. You can also incorporate a few tablespoons of applesauce, which will enhance the moistness and flavor of the donuts. Be sure to adjust the dry ingredients to maintain the right batter consistency.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Equipment
- donut pan
- medium bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- whisk
- Wire Rack
- zip-top bag
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups apple cider
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 2 Tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 5 Tablespoons melted butter your choice of salted/unsalted
- 2-3 teaspoons cinnamon for coating
Instructions
- Begin by gathering your ingredients.
For the Donuts:
- In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil on high heat. Allow it to boil for about a minute before reducing the heat to a simmer.
- Continue to simmer the cider until it reduces to ½ cup, which will take about 10-15 minutes until it appears slightly thicker and darker. Once done, let it cool completely.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and apply non-stick cooking spray to a donut pan, preferably one with flour for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Then set this dry mixture aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix the cooled apple cider, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until well combined.
- Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just blended.
- Transfer the batter into a large zip-top bag and cut off a corner. Use this to pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each section about halfway.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until they are firm. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
- Let the donuts cool on a wire rack.
For Coating:
- In a shallow dish, mix granulated sugar with cinnamon. Brush each warm donut with melted butter and roll it in the sugar mixture until well coated on all sides.
