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This recipe needs a few key items to make the donuts tasty. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup apple cider - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating) To make the donuts even better, you can add some fun toppings. Consider these options: - Light icing made from powdered sugar and apple cider - Thin apple slices for garnish - Extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are some ideas: - Use fresh apple juice if you don't have cider. - Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free mix. - Swap the egg with a flax egg for a vegan option. - Try using coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free choice. These tips help you customize the donuts to fit your taste and needs. Enjoy making your baked apple cider donuts! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven warms up, grab your donut pan. Grease it well with baking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Next, pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small pot. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer. You want to reduce it to about 1/2 cup. This process takes about 10-15 minutes. After reducing, let it cool slightly before using. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and your reduced apple cider. Whisk these together until they blend well. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This helps mix the dry ingredients evenly. Now it’s time to mix the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay. To fill the donut pan, you can use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Fill each cavity about halfway with batter. Place the filled donut pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready. Once they’re baked, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. To get the best texture in your baked apple cider donuts, focus on the mixing. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently. You want to mix just until everything is combined. If you overmix, the donuts will be tough. A few lumps are okay; they make your donuts light and airy. The batter should be thick but pourable. Make sure to fill the donut pan only halfway. This allows space for the donuts to rise without spilling over. One common mistake is not reducing the apple cider enough. You want it to be about half a cup. If it’s too watery, your donuts won’t have strong flavor. Another mistake is overbaking. Keep an eye on your donuts. They only need 12-15 minutes in the oven. A toothpick should come out clean when they’re done. Lastly, don’t skip the coating. The cinnamon-sugar mix adds a nice crunch and great taste. Coating your donuts while they are warm is key. This helps the cinnamon-sugar stick better. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. When the donuts come out of the oven, let them cool for five minutes. Then, toss them gently in the mixture. Make sure to coat all sides. For an extra touch, add a light icing made from powdered sugar and apple cider on top. This makes them even more delicious! Pro Tips Use Fresh Apple Cider: For the best flavor, opt for fresh, unfiltered apple cider rather than store-bought. It enhances the taste of your donuts significantly. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing the batter just until combined will ensure your donuts are light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Cool Before Coating: Allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes before rolling them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This helps the coating stick better. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like allspice or cloves to customize the flavor profile of your donuts to your liking. {{image_2}} You can spice up your donuts by adding fun flavors. Consider mixing in chopped apples, which add great texture. You can also fold in some walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch. If you like chocolate, add mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. For a zesty kick, try adding a bit of orange zest. Each of these options can change the flavor and make your donuts unique. While the classic cinnamon-sugar coating is fantastic, you can try other toppings too. For a sweet twist, glaze the donuts with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and apple cider. If you're feeling bold, you can even dip them in melted chocolate. For a healthier option, dust them with unsweetened cocoa powder or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Each coating gives the donuts a new look and taste. These donuts pair perfectly with several drinks. Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee for a cozy morning treat. If you prefer tea, a spiced chai complements the flavors well. For something fun, serve them with hot apple cider, enhancing the apple flavor. You could even enjoy them with milk for a classic touch. Each drink choice brings out the best in your baked apple cider donuts. To keep your baked apple cider donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. A container will help maintain their softness and flavor. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If your home is warm or humid, you may want to refrigerate them. However, this can change their texture slightly. You can freeze these donuts for later enjoyment. Allow them to cool completely first. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply take out the desired number of donuts. To reheat the donuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-8 minutes until warm. You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. This method keeps them soft and tasty. Enjoy them fresh as if they were just baked! Yes, you can use fresh apple juice. However, cider has a stronger flavor. This stronger flavor gives the donuts a richer taste. If you use juice, you may want to add more spices to boost the flavor. To keep donuts from sticking, grease the pan well. Use butter or baking spray. Make sure you coat every crevice of the pan. Let the donuts cool for a few minutes before removing them. This helps them release easily. Yes, you can make these donuts gluten-free. Just use a gluten-free flour blend. For vegan donuts, swap the egg for a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. These baked apple cider donuts last about 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. You can also keep them in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to save them longer, freeze the donuts. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. You learned how to make baked apple cider donuts from scratch. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect texture. I shared variations and storage info to keep your donuts fresh. Remember, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste. With these insights, you can create yummy treats that your friends and family will love. Enjoy the process and happy baking!

Spiced Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Deliciously spiced baked donuts made with apple cider, perfect for a cozy treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with baking spray or butter.
  • In a small pot, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider until well combined.
  • In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix; it's okay if the batter is a bit lumpy.
  • Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for easier filling. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • While the donuts are baking, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl for coating.
  • Once baked, let the donuts cool for about 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.
  • While still warm, coat the donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered.

Notes

Serve the baked donuts on a beautiful platter, possibly drizzled with a light icing made from powdered sugar and apple cider for an extra touch of sweetness. Garnish with thin apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea!
Keyword apple cider, baked, donuts, spiced