Fall is finally here. You can feel the crisp air outside. It is the perfect time for baked apple cider donuts. These treats bring the orchard right to your kitchen.
They are soft and full of spice. You will love how simple they are. Your kitchen will feel so warm and inviting. This recipe is a must for the season.
You do not need a deep fryer. There is no messy oil to clean up. You just need a few simple ingredients. The result is a light and airy donut.
Why You Will Love These Baked Apple Cider Donuts
These donuts are a total game-changer for you. You get to skip the messy oil. There is no heavy frying involved here. They bake to perfection in just 10 minutes.
The secret is the reduced apple cider. It creates a deep and concentrated fruit flavor. Your entire house will smell like an orchard. They are the ultimate comfort food for you.
You can make these on a busy morning. They are much healthier than fried versions. The texture is tender and perfectly cakey. Everyone in your family will ask for more.
The Easy Process
The process is very straightforward and easy. You start by simmering the cider on the stove. This step makes the apple flavor truly shine. It is the most important part of the recipe.
Then you whisk your wet and dry ingredients. A piping bag helps you fill the pan. It keeps the process clean and fast. You will feel like a professional baker today.
Simple Ingredients
You only need a few pantry staples. These ingredients create a perfectly spiced batter.
- 1.5 cups apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these steps for the best results. You will have warm donuts in no time.
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, simmer the apple cider until it reduces to 0.5 cup, approximately 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease a 12-count donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons melted butter, egg, brown sugar, 0.5 cup granulated sugar, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and cooled reduced apple cider.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined, ensuring no large lumps of flour remain while avoiding overmixing.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, and pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling them about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the donuts are springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining 0.5 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Brush each warm donut lightly with the 3 tablespoons of melted butter and toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Best Ways to Enjoy Them
Serve these treats while they are still warm. The cinnamon sugar coating is best right then. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee. It is a wonderful way to start your day.
They are perfect for a festive fall brunch. Your friends will be so impressed with you. Kids will reach for these as a snack. You can even serve them with cold cider.
Add some fresh fruit on the side. Or serve them with a dollop of cream. They look beautiful on a wooden serving board. Your guests will love the rustic feel.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container today. They stay fresh at room temperature for two days. You can keep them in the fridge for four. This helps them last throughout the whole week.
Reheat them in the microwave for ten seconds. This makes the texture soft and pillowy again. It brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling. You can also freeze them for two months.
Wrap them tightly before placing in the freezer. Thaw them at room temperature when you are ready. The sugar might melt slightly when frozen. You can always add a fresh coating later.
Tips for Best Results
These tips ensure your donuts are perfect. Follow them for a bakery-quality treat.
- Don’t skip reducing the apple cider first for flavor.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep it very light.
- Use a zip-top bag to pipe the batter easily.
- Brush the butter lightly to avoid any soggy donuts.
- Pick a high-quality local cider for the best results.
- Dip them in sugar while they are still warm.
- Ensure your egg is at room temperature before you mix.
- Use a non-stick spray to make removal very easy.
Make It Your Own
You can easily customize this simple recipe. Try these ideas to make it your own.
- Add a pinch of cardamom for some extra warmth.
- Try a simple maple glaze instead of the sugar.
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour for a dietary swap.
- Sprinkle with coarse sparkling sugar for a festive look.
- Add finely diced dried apples to your donut batter.
Quick Answers
Here are answers to your common questions. I want you to feel completely confident baking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them one day early. Just wait to add the sugar until you serve. This keeps the coating fresh and crisp for you.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
You can use a standard muffin tin instead. Bake them for a few extra minutes until golden. They will taste just as delicious this way.
How do I know when they are done?
They should spring back when you touch the top. A toothpick should also come out clean and dry. This ensures they are perfectly baked inside.
Enjoy these cozy treats with your favorite people. Fall baking is all about sharing the warmth. I hope these become a new family tradition.
— Emily
Ingredients
Method
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, simmer the apple cider until it reduces to 0.5 cup, approximately 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease a 12-count donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons melted butter, egg, brown sugar, 0.5 cup granulated sugar, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and cooled reduced apple cider.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined, ensuring no large lumps of flour remain while avoiding overmixing.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, and pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling them about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the donuts are springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining 0.5 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Brush each warm donut lightly with the 3 tablespoons of melted butter and toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
