Why Make This Recipe

Imagine biting into a soft, warm donut that captures the essence of autumn in every mouthful. Sounds heavenly, right? Baked Apple Cider Donuts are not just a seasonal treat; they are a delightful way to elevate your snacking game. Plus, they’re baked, which means you can indulge without the guilt of deep frying. Who doesn’t love that?

These donuts are packed with flavors that scream fall: think apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg. They’re perfect for cozy gatherings, brunch with friends, or simply to brighten your day (because, who needs a reason?). Grab a warm cuppa, and let’s get to it!

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Making these donuts is easier than you might think! With a few manageable steps, you’ll have a batch of deliciousness to share (or not — no judgment here!).

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and grease that donut pan.
Let’s talk apple cider! Boil it down in a saucepan until it reduces to about a cup. Cool it down while you prep the other ingredients. 🍏
In one bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Get those flavors mingling!
In a separate bowl, mix together the cooled apple cider, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. It’s like a party in there!
Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are totally fine.
Fill the donut pan about 2/3 full with your batter. We’re not going for donuts that overflow and cause a mess, am I right? 😄
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
While those beauties cool, whip together sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
Brush each donut with melted butter (more flavor, please!) and then dunk them in the cinnamon sugar.
Serve ‘em warm and enjoy!

Ingredients

2 cups apple cider
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for coating)

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts

These donuts shine when served warm, right out of the oven. For an extra touch, pair them with a side of hot apple cider (because why not?). They also make great gifts for friends or family, just wrap them up and watch the smiles unfold. Serve them up with a cozy blanket and a Netflix binge, and you’ve got the perfect night in!

How to Store Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Keep those leftovers (if you have any) in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. Want them to stay fresh longer? Pop them in the fridge! They’ll last a whole week—if you can resist snacking!

Tips to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Always reduce the apple cider for that concentrated flavor. Don’t skip this step!
Be gentle when mixing wet and dry ingredients; you don’t want chewy donuts.
A donut pan is essential here. If you don’t have one, just get one—they’re a game-changer!
Experiment with different spices if you’re feeling adventurous! A little ginger or cloves could add some zing.

Variation

Feeling creative? Try adding chopped apples or walnuts to the batter for an extra crunch. Want to jazz it up even more? Drizzle a light glaze on top instead of cinnamon sugar! The donut world is your oyster!

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of apple cider?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s pure apple cider without added sugars. You want all that natural goodness.

2. What if I don’t have a donut pan?
You can use a muffin tin! Just keep an eye on the baking time because they may need a bit longer.

3. How can I make them vegan?
Swap out the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based oil instead. Simple swap, same yum!

So there you have it! Now get your baking game on, and may the Baked Apple Cider Donuts bring you joy. 🍩✨