Baked Apple Cider Donuts: A Fall Favorite That’s Light, Fluffy, and Irresistible

Introduction

When the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves begin to turn, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm Baked Apple Cider Donut. These soft, fluffy treats infused with the sweet, tangy flavor of apple cider are a fall favorite, and they offer a perfect balance between indulgence and comfort. Unlike their fried counterparts, baked apple cider donuts are lighter and less greasy, making them an ideal breakfast, snack, or dessert that everyone can enjoy.

Apple cider donuts are a beloved tradition in many parts of the world, especially in the Northeast U.S., where apple orchards thrive. These donuts typically feature the rich, deep flavor of apple cider that’s reduced to concentrate the flavor, and they’re often spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for that quintessential fall aroma. When baked, they transform into soft, pillowy donuts that capture the essence of autumn in every bite.

In this article, we’ll guide you through making Baked Apple Cider Donuts from scratch, share tips for achieving the perfect texture, and offer a few creative variations to personalize your donuts. Whether you’re baking for a cozy fall brunch, a festive gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, these apple cider donuts are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Autumn Flavors in Every Bite: The sweet and tangy flavor of apple cider is the star of this recipe, bringing the essence of fall into your kitchen.
• Baked, Not Fried: These donuts are lighter and less greasy than traditional fried donuts, but they’re still soft, fluffy, and delicious.
• Perfectly Spiced: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice adds a cozy, warm depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the apple cider.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these donuts are easy to prepare and require minimal effort. Plus, you don’t need a deep fryer!
• Customizable: Whether you prefer your donuts dusted with cinnamon sugar, drizzled with glaze, or served plain, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (20 minutes for prep, 30 minutes for baking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 12 donuts, depending on the size of your donut pan.
• Nutrition Facts (per donut): Calories: 200, Protein: 2g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 8g.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup apple cider: The base flavor for these donuts. Reduce the apple cider down to concentrate its flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the donuts.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works in tandem with the baking powder for a light, airy texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that signature spice that complements the apple cider.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives the donuts a warm, cozy flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice: Adds complexity to the flavor profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and spices.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Provides richness and flavor for the donut batter.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the donut batter and helps create a soft texture.
• 2 large eggs: For structure and moisture.
• 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture to the donut batter, making it soft.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the donuts.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the donuts after baking.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: For the perfect amount of spice in the coating.

Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar: Forms the base of the glaze.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider: Adds flavor and makes the glaze smooth.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Optional, for a bit of vanilla flavor in the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1st Step : Reduce the Apple Cider

1. Reduce the Cider: Begin by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, and then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cider has reduced to about 1/4 cup. This concentrates the apple flavor and removes some of the water content. Set it aside to cool.

2nd Step : Prepare the Donut Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or brush it with melted butter to ensure the donuts don’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Set this bowl aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This creates air pockets in the batter, helping the donuts rise and become fluffy.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and reduced apple cider. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense donuts.

3rd Step : Fill the Donut Pan

1. Fill the Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. If you prefer, you can use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the tip cut off to pipe the batter into the pan for a cleaner result.
2. Smooth the Batter: Gently tap the pan on the counter to settle the batter and smooth the tops with a spatula or spoon.

4th Step : Bake the Donuts

1. Bake the Donuts: Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the donuts comes out clean. The donuts should be slightly golden around the edges and puffed up.
2. Cool the Donuts: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5th Step : Coat the Donuts

1. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the donuts are cooling, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides.
2. Optional Glaze: If you prefer a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled donuts for an extra sweet touch.

6th Step : Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Donuts: Serve your baked apple cider donuts immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. These donuts are perfect with a cup of hot cider, coffee, or tea, making them an ideal fall snack.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some serving ideas:

1. As a Fall Breakfast or Brunch

These donuts make the perfect start to a fall morning. Serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or apple cider for a cozy, comforting breakfast or brunch. Add a side of scrambled eggs or yogurt to balance out the sweetness and make it a more substantial meal.

2. For a Festive Dessert Table

Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, Thanksgiving dinner, or a Halloween party, baked apple cider donuts are a crowd-pleasing dessert. Arrange them on a platter, alongside other fall treats like pumpkin bread, pecan pie, or apple crisp, for a seasonal dessert spread.

3. As a Snack for Any Occasion

Baked apple cider donuts are an excellent choice for an afternoon snack, a road trip treat, or a sweet pick-me-up during a fall hike. Their light, airy texture makes them easy to enjoy without feeling overly full.

4. Pair with Ice Cream

For an indulgent dessert, serve baked apple cider donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel ice cream. The warm, soft donuts and the cold, creamy ice cream create a perfect contrast in texture and temperature.

Recipe Variations

While Baked Apple Cider Donuts are delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to personalize the recipe:

1. Make It Gluten-Free

To make gluten-free baked apple cider donuts, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to also check that your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free.

2. Add Chopped Apples

For an extra apple boost, fold in small pieces of fresh apple or even dried apples into the batter. The apple pieces will add

a delightful burst of flavor and texture.

3. Make Mini Donuts

If you don’t have a regular-sized donut pan, you can make mini donuts using a mini donut pan. Just reduce the baking time by a few minutes, as the smaller donuts will bake faster.

4. Try Different Coatings

While cinnamon sugar is classic, you can experiment with different coatings or toppings, such as a streusel topping, powdered sugar, or a maple glaze.

Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts

1. Reduce the Cider Properly: Make sure you reduce the apple cider to concentrate the flavor. This step is crucial for achieving a deep apple flavor in the donuts. Don’t skip it!
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until combined to ensure your donuts are light and fluffy.
3. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This will help the ingredients combine more smoothly.
4. Serve Fresh: While these donuts can be stored, they’re best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave to bring back their softness.

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Conclusion

Baked Apple Cider Donuts capture the essence of fall in every bite. With the sweet, tangy flavor of reduced apple cider and the perfect blend of warm spices, these donuts are a seasonal treat that you’ll want to enjoy year after year. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a festive gathering, or just as a cozy afternoon snack, these donuts are sure to impress. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, baked apple cider donuts are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Try this recipe today, and indulge in the warm, comforting taste of autumn!