Here’s your guide to creating the perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts – a delightful fall treat that’s easier to make than you might think! This recipe brings the cozy flavors of autumn right to your kitchen, offering a healthier baked alternative to traditional fried donuts. Get ready to indulge in warm, spice-infused goodness that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack.
What are Baked Apple Cider Donuts?
“Baked Apple Cider Donuts,” eh? Makes you wonder how they came up with that name, doesn’t it? Did a particularly inventive baker have an apple cider-induced epiphany? Or perhaps they just really, really liked apple cider and donuts, and decided to combine the two in the most delicious way possible? Maybe it was a happy accident involving a spilled glass of cider and a batch of donut batter!
Who knows! Sometimes the best things in life spring from the silliest origins. After all, as they say, ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’ (and maybe the way to his heart is through apple cider donuts, too!). So, put on your apron, preheat that oven, and prepare to fall in love with this fall-inspired dessert. You won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Cider Donuts:
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a real treat because they capture the essence of fall in every bite! The highlight is undoubtedly the intense apple cider flavor, which is infused throughout the donut, making each mouthful warm and comforting. Secondly, making these at home is a budget-friendly alternative to buying them at a bakery. You can enjoy a batch of delicious donuts for a fraction of the price!
Finally, the cinnamon-sugar coating adds the perfect touch of sweetness and spice. Think of these as a healthier, more manageable younger sibling of the apple pie – still delicious, but with a bit more convenience. Ready to dive into autumnal bliss? Grab your ingredients and bake a batch today!
Key Ingredients for Baked Apple Cider Donuts:
Here’s a visual guide to what you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g). Provides the structure for the donuts.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons. Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon. Another leavening agent for extra lift.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. Adds warmth and spice.
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the apple cider flavor.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g), melted. Adds richness and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup (150g). Sweetens the donuts.
- Large Eggs: 2. Bind the ingredients and add moisture.
- Apple Cider: 1 cup (240ml). The key ingredient for that apple cider flavor!
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the other flavors.
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g).
- Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons.
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts:
These donuts are surprisingly easy to whip up and will fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of fall! The entire process, from mixing to baking, takes about 30 minutes. The donuts are incredibly moist and have a delightful crumb, complemented by the sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan (or pans) very well. A non-stick donut pan is highly recommended!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps of baking powder or soda.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, apple cider, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough donuts. A few streaks of flour are okay.
Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a large piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. This prevents overflow during baking.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden brown.
Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: While the donuts are cooling, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a shallow dish, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
Coat the Donuts: While the donuts are still slightly warm (but not hot or they will melt the sugar excessively), dip each donut into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating it evenly. Place the coated donuts back on the wire rack to allow the coating to set.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked apple cider donuts immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts With:
These donuts are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to enhance your experience:
- Coffee or Tea: A classic pairing! The warm, spiced donuts go perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Iced Apple Cider: Enhance the apple flavor with a glass of chilled apple cider.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent treat, serve warm donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy finish.
Top Tips for Perfecting Baked Apple Cider Donuts:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs will help the batter come together more easily.
- Reduce the Apple Cider: For a more intense apple flavor, simmer the apple cider in a saucepan until it’s reduced by half. Let it cool before adding it to the batter. This concentrates the apple flavor.
- Grease the Donut Pan Well: This prevents the donuts from sticking to the pan. You can also use a cooking spray with flour in it.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaked donuts will be dry. Check them after 10 minutes and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
- Spice Variations: Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
- Add Apple Pieces: For extra texture and flavor, fold in small diced apples into the donut batter.
- Milk Substitute: If you don’t have apple cider, you can substitute it with regular apple juice plus 1/4 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Room Temperature: Store the baked apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture may change slightly.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat individual donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
- Oven: For a slightly crisper donut, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze the baked donuts without the cinnamon-sugar coating. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and then reheat them and add the cinnamon-sugar coating before serving.
Final Thoughts:
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall, bringing a touch of cozy homemade goodness to your table. With their warm spices and intense apple cider flavor, they’re perfect for a weekend brunch, a special breakfast treat, or a simple afternoon snack. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the best baked donuts you’ve ever tasted!
FAQs:
Q: Can I use apple cider drink mix instead of apple cider?
A: No, apple cider drink mix won’t provide the same flavor or moisture. Real apple cider is essential for the best results.
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure to use a blend that’s designed for baking and contains xanthan gum for binding.
Q: Can I make these without a donut pan?
A: While a donut pan is recommended for the classic shape, you can also bake these as muffins. Simply fill muffin tins instead of a donut pan and adjust the baking time accordingly (usually a few minutes longer).
Q: My donuts are dry. What did I do wrong?
A: Dry donuts are often the result of overbaking or overmixing the batter. Be sure to measure the ingredients accurately, mix until just combined, and check the donuts for doneness after 10 minutes.
Q: Can I add a glaze instead of cinnamon sugar?
A: Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar glaze made with apple cider is a delicious alternative. Simply mix powdered sugar with enough apple cider to create a smooth glaze and drizzle over the cooled donuts.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the donuts a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and add the cinnamon-sugar coating just before serving.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest