Baked apple cider donuts are a delightful treat that brings the essence of autumn right to your kitchen. With the warm flavors of apple cider and spices, these donuts make for a perfect snack or breakfast option. Unlike their fried counterparts, these baked versions are lighter and easier to make, allowing you to enjoy the comforting taste of fall without the fuss.
how to make Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- Pinch ground cloves
- Pinch salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for coating)
- About 2 tbsp reduced cider (reserved from above)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Directions:
- Begin by boiling the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. This should take around 10-15 minutes. Allow it to cool.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and sugar until combined.
- Add the egg, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider to the mixture. Stir until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While the donuts are baking, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in one bowl, and mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon in another bowl.
- Once the donuts are done, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before removing them from the pan. Dip each warm donut in the melted butter and then coat it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
how to serve Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Serve these baked apple cider donuts fresh out of the oven for the best taste. You can enjoy them plain, or top them with a drizzle of glaze if you prefer a sweeter finish. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or apple cider for a cozy treat.
how to store Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts
To store leftover donuts, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. You can reheat them in the oven for a warm treat later!
tips to make Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Make sure to properly reduce the apple cider; this intensifies the flavor of your donuts.
- Keep an eye on the baking time, as every oven is different. Test for doneness with a toothpick.
- For added texture, you might include chopped nuts or dried apple pieces into the batter.
variation
You can easily change this recipe by adding different spices, like ginger, or using pumpkin spice for a fall twist. If you’d like a healthier version, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of apple cider?
Yes, you can use any type of apple cider, but using fresh apple cider will give the best flavor!
2. How can I tell when the donuts are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, your donuts are done!
3. Is it okay to make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the donuts right after mixing the batter for the best texture. If you need to prepare ahead, you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by boiling the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it reduces to about 1/4 cup, roughly 10-15 minutes. Allow it to cool.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and sugar until combined.
- Add the egg, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider to the mixture. Stir until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While the donuts are baking, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in one bowl, and mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon in another bowl.
- Once the donuts are done, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before removing them from the pan.
- Dip each warm donut in the melted butter and then coat it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.