Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Baked apple cider donuts are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of fall. They are moist, flavorful, and packed with the sweet and spicy notes of apple cider, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these baked versions offer a lighter texture and a healthier twist to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re perfect for cozy mornings or as an afternoon snack with tea. With a lovely crumb and a sweet topping, these donuts will have everyone coming back for seconds. They are easy to make and incredibly delicious, making them a favorite for gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying at home.

With their warm spices and rich apple flavor, baked apple cider donuts evoke the essence of autumn. Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch or just enjoying a quiet moment, these treats bring warmth and comfort to your table. Now, let’s dive into how to make and enjoy these baked delights.

Ingredients about Baked Apple Cider Donuts

List of ingredients with measurements

• 1 and 1/2 cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
• 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice (for topping)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you want to customize your baked apple cider donuts, there are several substitutions you can consider. For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. You can also use coconut sugar or honey in place of granulated sugar for a different sweetness profile. Unsweetened applesauce can be a great alternative for butter if you’re aiming for a dairy-free option. Additionally, if you don’t have apple pie spice on hand, you can create your own blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Reduce the apple cider

Begin by reducing the apple cider to concentrate the flavor. Pour 1 and 1/2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Place the pan over low heat and let the cider simmer gently. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it as it cooks down. You want to reduce it until about 1/2 cup remains, which should take around 20 minutes. This step is essential because it intensifies the apple flavor in your donuts. Once reduced, remove it from heat, and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Step 2: Preheat the oven and prepare the pan

While the apple cider is cooling, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This temperature is just right for baking these donuts to a perfect golden brown. While the oven heats, take your donut pan and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray. This will help ensure that your donuts come out easily after baking.

Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything is well mixed so that the baking agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step is vital as it helps in achieving a uniform rise and flavor in your donuts.

Step 4: Combine wet ingredients and create the batter

In another bowl, mix together the wet ingredients. Whisk 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter with 1 large egg (make sure it’s at room temperature), 1/2 cup of packed light or dark brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Add in the 1/2 cup of milk (also at room temperature) and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Once this mixture is smooth, pour in the cooled reduced apple cider. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. Then slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and well incorporated. Don’t overmix; just blend until you see no dry flour.

Step 5: Fill the donut pan and bake

Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan. Fill each cavity halfway, ensuring that there’s enough room for the donuts to rise without overflowing. This should yield about 12 donuts. Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 11 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the donuts rest for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the topping

While the donuts cool on the rack, it’s time to get the topping ready. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 3/4 teaspoon of apple pie spice. This mixture will give the donuts a delightful sweet and spicy coating.

Step 7: Coat the donuts

After the donuts have cooled slightly, take each donut and dunk it in the 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter first. This will help the sugar mixture adhere to the donut. Then, coat each donut in the sugar and spice mixture. Make sure each donut is fully covered for that sugary crunch and flavor enhancement.

Step 8: Enjoy

Serve your delicious baked apple cider donuts immediately for the best taste and texture. Everyone will surely love these flavorful treats, and they make for a charming snack at any time of day.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Best ways to serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Baked apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they can also be a wonderful addition to your breakfast or brunch table. They are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate the experience even more. For an extra touch, try serving them warm with a side of apple butter or a drizzle of maple syrup. For a beverage pairing, hot apple cider, coffee, or chai tea complements these donuts beautifully.

Serving suggestions or pairings

These donuts are incredibly versatile. Create a cozy fall ambiance by serving them alongside pumpkin spice lattes or warm spiced chai. If you’re hosting a gathering, place them on a platter with an assortment of other baked goods, fruits, and cheeses for a delightful brunch spread. They also pair nicely with ice cream for a more indulgent dessert option.

How to Store Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Proper storage methods

If you have leftovers (if you can resist), it’s essential to store them properly to keep them fresh. Place your baked apple cider donuts in an airtight container, and store them at room temperature. They will stay good for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to 5 days.

Tips for reheating or freezing

If you want to enjoy your donuts later, you can freeze them for an extended period. To freeze, wrap each cooled donut in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back their soft texture.

Tips to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is overmixing the batter. It’s crucial to mix just until incorporated to keep the donuts light and fluffy. Another mistake is not allowing the apple cider to reduce sufficiently; this could result in a bland flavor. Also, be careful not to overfill the donut cavities, as this can lead to flat or uneven shapes.

Helpful tips for better results

To achieve the best results, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This helps with the mixing process and ensures an even texture. Consider using a kitchen scale for precise measurements, as this can impact the outcome of your donuts. Lastly, if you want to boost the flavor, feel free to add chopped apples or nuts to the batter.

Variation of Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

While the classic baked apple cider donut is delightful on its own, there are many variations you can try. Consider adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nutty crunch. You could also mix in some chopped apples or swap out some of the apple cider for pumpkin puree for a unique pumpkin spice flavor.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For those with dietary restrictions, it is easy to adjust the recipe. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk for a dairy-free version. To make it vegan, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). You can reduce sugar by using natural sweeteners like agave syrup or maple syrup if you prefer less sweetness.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your donuts don’t rise as expected, it might be due to old or expired baking powder or baking soda. Always check the expiration dates on your baking agents for the best results. If the flavor is lacking, ensure you’ve fully reduced the apple cider, as this is crucial for optimal flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. However, it is best to bake the donuts fresh for the best texture. If you want to bake them in advance, consider freezing the cooled donuts and reheating them as needed.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

If you’re looking for substitutions, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier variation. If you cannot find apple pie spice, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice will work well. Additionally, for a different flavor profile, you could incorporate fresh ginger or lemon zest for a unique twist.

Baked apple cider donuts are a delightful blend of flavors that capture the essence of fall. They are easy to make, tasty, and perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring this wonderful treat to your kitchen. Enjoy!

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