Baked Apple Cider Donuts: 6 Reasons to Love Them

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Baked Apple Cider Donuts are your new favorite fall treat! These delightful donuts combine the rich flavors of apple cider with a tender, cake-like texture. Each bite offers the essence of autumn, making them perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple snack. With a lighter twist, they’re a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Here are just a few reasons to love these Baked Apple Cider Donuts:

Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings.
Healthier than traditional fried donuts, thanks to baking.
Can be made gluten-free or vegan, catering to various diets.
Infused with rich apple cider for a true autumn flavor.
Perfect for sharing with friends and family during fall festivities.
Endless variations like cinnamon apple cider donuts or apple cider donuts with brown sugar.

Ingredients for Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Gather these items:

1 cup apple cider
3 tbsp unsalted butter (for batter), melted and cooled
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for batter)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
Pinch ground nutmeg
Pinch ground cloves
Pinch salt
3 tbsp unsalted butter (for coating), melted
2 tbsp reduced apple cider (for coating)

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a saucepan, simmer 1 cup apple cider over medium heat until reduced to about 1/4 cup (4 tbsp), approximately 20-30 minutes. Let cool completely. Reserve 2 tbsp of the cooled reduced cider for the coating; the remaining 2 tbsp will be used in the donut batter.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter and flour a 6-cavity donut pan.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, pinch ground nutmeg, pinch ground cloves, and pinch salt.
Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk 1 large egg, 3 tbsp melted and cooled unsalted butter, 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and the 2 tbsp of cooled reduced apple cider (for the batter).
Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, fold until just combined; do not overmix. A few lumps are fine.
Step 6: Transfer batter into a piping bag or Ziploc bag with a snipped corner, or spoon into prepared donut cavities, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool slightly (they should still be warm).
Step 7: While donuts cool, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter. In a separate shallow dish, place the reserved 2 tbsp reduced apple cider (for coating). Dip each warm donut into the melted butter, ensuring both sides are coated. Immediately after, dip the donut into the reduced apple cider, coating both sides. Place back on the wire rack. Serve immediately while warm.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts: 6 Reasons to Love Them - Baked Apple Cider Donuts - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Keep these in mind:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a microwave for a few seconds for warmth.
Experiment with spices for different flavors in your homemade apple cider donuts.

Best Ways to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts

These donuts are delightful on their own, but you can enhance them with:

A drizzle of glaze for a sweet touch.
Pairing with a hot cup of cider or coffee.
Sprinkling with powdered sugar for a fun twist.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Apple Cider Donuts

After enjoying your donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm. This way, they retain their soft, cake-like texture, making them perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Apple Cider Donuts

What’s the secret to perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts?

The secret lies in reducing the apple cider properly to concentrate its flavor, creating those delicious cinnamon apple cider donuts that everyone loves!

Can I make Baked Apple Cider Donuts ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just remember to bake them fresh when you’re ready for a warm treat!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Apple Cider Donuts?

To prevent dense donuts, avoid overmixing the batter and ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh. Lightly fold the ingredients together for the best results.

Variations of Baked Apple Cider Donuts You Can Try

Here are some fun twists on this classic recipe:

Make them vegan by substituting the egg with flaxseed or applesauce.
Use whole wheat flour for a healthier version, perfect for healthy baked apple cider donuts.
Try adding chopped nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Gingerbread Tiramisu or Honey Roasted Root Vegetables. You can also explore Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes for a delightful dessert option!

For more information on the health benefits of apples, visit Healthline.