Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of fall spices filling your kitchen, especially when those warm notes come from a batch of irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donuts!. These tender, cake-like beauties, with their delicate crumb and a delightful crunch from a cinnamon sugar coating, truly capture the essence of cozy autumn days. It’s a treat that feels both classic and magically easy to whip up right at home.
I can still recall those crisp September afternoons, sitting at my grandmother’s old wooden table, watching her reduce apple cider. That sweet, concentrated scent was the promise of something wonderful, a tradition I’ve carried into my own kitchen, eager to share that homemade joy.
This recipe isn’t just easy, making it family-friendly; it’s an incredibly rewarding way to bring people together. My practical tip for truly fluffy donuts? Don’t overmix – a light hand yields the most tender results every time!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Creating these delightful Baked Apple Cider Donuts! starts with simple ingredients. Reduced apple cider brings deep flavor, while a blend of flour and spices like cinnamon ensures their tender, cake-like texture. I always use a touch of vanilla extract for a truly comforting aroma. You’ll find the full list in the recipe card below!
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts!
Crafting these glorious Baked Apple Cider Donuts! is a truly rewarding journey. You’ll gently reduce apple cider to intensify its flavor, then combine dry and wet ingredients for a luscious batter. After a quick bake, a warm roll in cinnamon sugar completes these golden beauties. It’s a process that builds anticipation, leading to pure delight!
Baked Apple Cider Donuts!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the cider has reduced to about 1/2 cup. This will take about 15-20 minutes. The cider will be darker and more concentrated. Set aside to cool completely.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two standard 6-cavity donut pans (or one 12-cavity pan) with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice until well combined.
- In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of cooled reduced apple cider, milk, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a whisk or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. For easier filling, you can transfer the batter to a piping bag (or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) and pipe it into the molds.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- While the donuts are still warm, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small shallow dish, whisk together the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
- In another small dish, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Dip each warm donut into the melted butter, coating both sides, then immediately transfer it to the cinnamon sugar mixture, turning to coat evenly.
- Serve the Baked Apple Cider Donuts! warm and enjoy!
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Baked Apple Cider Donuts!
After countless hours perfecting my craft, I’ve gathered a few cherished secrets for making these Baked Apple Cider Donuts! absolutely perfect every time. These insights transform a good recipe into an unforgettable one.
My Secret Trick: Don’t Skimp on the Reduction!
I always stress this: properly reduce your apple cider. This concentrates that incredible, tangy-sweet apple flavor, making these donuts sing! A slow simmer infuses every bite with authentic autumn goodness.
Gentle Hands for a Tender Crumb
When mixing, less is more. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough donuts. I always recommend mixing just until combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and bake out into a wonderfully tender crumb.
The Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating
For that irresistible crunch, make sure your donuts are still warm when you toss them in the cinnamon sugar. The residual heat helps the butter melt and the sugar adhere beautifully, creating that iconic, sparkly finish.
Fun Variations for Your Apple Cider Donuts
One of the most joyful parts of baking is getting creative! These Baked Apple Cider Donuts! are wonderfully versatile, just waiting for your personal touch. My kitchen is a place for experimentation.
Glaze It Up!
If you prefer a glaze over sugar, a simple powdered sugar glaze is divine! Whisk powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of milk or, for an extra apple kick, use reduced apple cider. My sister loves a tiny bit of maple syrup for a “maple-apple” twist – a delightful change!
Spice It Your Way
While cinnamon and nutmeg are classics, adjust your spice blend as you like. A pinch of ground ginger adds lovely warmth, or a touch of cardamom provides an unexpected, elegant note. Find what makes your taste buds happy!
Autumnal Toppings
Beyond cinnamon sugar, consider finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for texture. A friend loves a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce just before serving – a truly decadent touch perfect for a special occasion.
What to Serve With Baked Apple Cider Donuts!
These comforting donuts are a star on their own, but pairing them elevates the experience. For me, creating sweet memories often involves thinking about the whole spread, making the dessert feel complete.
A Warm Beverage Companion
There’s nothing quite like a freshly brewed coffee or a steaming mug of spiced chai alongside your Baked Apple Cider Donuts!. The warmth and slight bitterness complement the sweet, spiced apple flavors beautifully. My mom always pairs them with hot cocoa in winter.
A Scoop of Creamy Indulgence
For decadence, a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream provides a lovely contrast. The cool creaminess against the warm, fluffy donut is pure bliss, especially if the donuts are still slightly warm.
Fresh Fruit Brightness
To add freshness and balance, a side of sliced apples or a small bowl of fresh berries can be wonderful. The natural sweetness and slight tartness provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors.
Keeping Your Treats Fresh
You’ve poured your heart into creating these treats, so let’s ensure your delicious Baked Apple Cider Donuts! stay fresh and delightful! Proper storage is key to preserving their tender crumb and lovely flavor.
At Room Temperature
If enjoying within a day or two, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft. My grandmother’s tip: if they seem dry the next day, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave works wonders!
Freezing for Future Enjoyment
For longer storage, these donuts freeze beautifully! Once cooled, freeze in a single layer until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag, separated by parchment, for up to 2-3 months. I use this for quick morning delights.
Reheating for Freshness
To enjoy frozen donuts, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. For room temperature donuts, a minute or two in the oven brings back warmth. A light dusting of fresh cinnamon sugar after reheating truly revives them!
Nutritional Benefits
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts! offer a delightful blend of flavor and simple goodness. Apple cider provides natural antioxidants, and baking instead of frying makes for a lighter treat. It’s a satisfying indulgence, crafted with wholesome ingredients that make sharing them even sweeter.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, the apple cider reduction can be made in advance. While best fresh, store baked Baked Apple Cider Donuts! (uncoated) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Coat with cinnamon sugar just before serving for ideal texture.
Faq 2
Do I need a special donut pan for these?
A donut pan is ideal for the classic ring shape of these Baked Apple Cider Donuts!. They are widely available and worth the investment. You could use a muffin tin in a pinch, but the treats would resemble muffin tops.
Faq 3
What’s the best way to get that perfect cinnamon sugar coating?
For that ideal coating on your Baked Apple Cider Donuts!, toss them in melted butter and then cinnamon sugar while they are still warm. The warmth helps both adhere perfectly. My tip: work quickly, coating a few at a time for the best finish!
Faq 4
Can I use store-bought apple cider for the reduction?
Yes, store-bought apple cider is perfect for these Baked Apple Cider Donuts!. Ensure it’s unsweetened for optimal flavor concentration during reduction. Avoid using apple juice, as its higher sugar content won’t yield the same delicious, authentic results.
Conclusion
And there you have it, sweet friends – a recipe for Baked Apple Cider Donuts! that promises to fill your home with warmth and joy. These fluffy, spiced delights are more than a treat; they’re an invitation to savor the season and create beautiful memories. Whether for a quiet morning or a bustling brunch, these homemade wonders bring smiles and pure comfort. Embrace the magic of home baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with love!