Indulging in delicious baked donuts is a simple pleasure that warms the soul, especially when they’re infused with the delightful flavors of autumn. These donuts are soft, moist, and bursting with the cozy richness of apple cider, making them perfect for a crisp morning or an inviting afternoon treat with a cup of tea. The delightful combination of spices evokes the essence of fall, creating an irresistible snack that friends and family will adore. Plus, baking instead of frying means you’ll enjoy all the flavor with a bit less guilt!
Why you’ll love this dish
One of the main reasons to try these delightful treats is their unique flavor profile. The apple cider adds a depth of sweetness, while a blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives each bite a warm, comforting appeal. They’re perfect for autumn gatherings or enjoy them as a special breakfast when the leaves start to change.
"These donuts taste just like fall! Absolutely delicious and perfect with my morning coffee."
The combination of tender texture and aromatic spices makes them hard to resist. They are not just delicious but also bring a cozy sense of nostalgia. Baking them at home fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma, turning an ordinary day into something truly special.
How it comes together
Creating these baked delights is a seamless experience. First, you’ll prep your ingredients, including the apple cider, which is the star of the show. The dry and wet ingredients come together quickly, ensuring a smooth dough. Once mixed, the batter is piped into a donut pan, ready to be baked until golden brown. The final touch is a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, elevating these donuts to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min
What you’ll need
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glazing, optional)
Gathering fresh apple cider will enhance the flavor, so try to find some from a local market if possible. Feel free to swap in whole wheat flour for a heartier texture!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
- In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/2 cup, then let it cool.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the egg, reduced apple cider, applesauce, and melted butter until combined.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Mix the remaining cinnamon with sugar in a shallow dish, and roll each warm donut in the mixture before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
These baked goodies are delightful on their own, but they can also be enhanced in various ways. Serve them warm with a drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of apple cider for an extra treat. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a spicy chai tea to balance their sweetness. For an autumn brunch, consider serving them with fruit preserves or a selection of cheese for a unique flavor combination.
Storage and reheating tips
To preserve freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the donuts, layered between sheets of parchment paper, for up to one month. To reheat, simply pop them in a warm oven or microwave for a few seconds until they are just heated through; avoid overheating to keep them from becoming dry.
Helpful cooking tips
For an even more pronounced flavor, let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes after mixing—this allows the flavors to meld together. Ensure your apple cider is fresh and ideally from a local source for the best results. Lastly, when reducing the cider, keep an eye on it to avoid burning; a gentle simmer is key to concentrating its natural sweetness without caramelizing too much.
Creative twists
Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or dried apple pieces to the batter for added texture. For a seasonal flair, you can also sprinkle a bit of pumpkin spice into the mix or swap out the applesauce for pureed pumpkin. Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for an indulgent treat!
FAQ
What can I substitute for apple cider?
You can use apple juice as a substitute, but the flavor will be less concentrated. For a similar depth, try mixing apple juice with a splash of vinegar to mimic cider’s tang.
Can these donuts be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend you choose includes xanthan gum for structure.
How do I make them vegan?
To make these donuts vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter for the recipe. Enjoy your delicious vegan treats!
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
- In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/2 cup, then let it cool.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the egg, reduced apple cider, applesauce, and melted butter until combined.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Mix the remaining cinnamon with sugar in a shallow dish, and roll each warm donut in the mixture before serving.
