Craving a taste of autumn? Look no further! This baked apple cider donuts recipe delivers all the cozy flavors of fall right in your kitchen. Forget deep-fried guilt – these donuts are baked to perfection, making them a healthier and equally delicious treat.
What are Baked Apple Cider Donuts?
Have you ever wondered how the humble donut inherited the noble title of “apple cider”? It’s a bit of a puzzle, isn’t it? Are there tiny apples secretly infusing their essence into the dough, or is it the mischievous cider fairies adding a splash of autumn magic? Maybe it stems from the old saying, ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ and someone cleverly figured out that combining donuts with the irresistible flavor of apple cider was a guaranteed win.
Whatever the origin, the name sparks joy and conjures images of crisp fall days and cozy sweaters. Why just imagine how impressed your family and friends will be when you whip up a batch of these delightful treats! So gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you straight to an orchard in full bloom!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe:
These baked apple cider donuts are a fall dream come true! The incredibly moist and tender crumb infused with the warm spice of apple cider is the main highlight that makes these a crowd-pleaser. Forget spending a fortune at the bakery because making these at home is incredibly cost-effective. Plus, the cinnamon-sugar coating adds the perfect touch of sweetness and a delightful crunch.
It’s also a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts because you avoid excessive oil. And if you haven’t tried our Apple Crumble recipe yet, this is a close cousin of it with the added benefit of being a donut! So, ditch the store-bought donuts and bake up a batch of fall happiness today!
Key Ingredients for Baked Apple Cider Donuts:
Here’s a comprehensive list of what you need to get these donuts baking:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, ensures a tender crumb.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons, for lift and a light texture.
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon, helps with browning and flavor.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, enhances the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, adds warmth and spice.
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon, complements the apple cider flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted, provides moisture and richness.
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup, for sweetness and structure.
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
- Eggs: 2 large, bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Apple Cider: 1 cup, the star of the show, providing authentic flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances all the flavors.
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
This recipe makes it easy to enjoy the delightful taste of fall with perfectly spiced, tender donuts. What sets it apart is the convenience baking and the wonderful apple cider flavor.
All this only takes around 30 minutes.
The preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and the baking time is around 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Donut Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan thoroughly with cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent the donuts from sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Make sure to break up any clumps of flour or spices.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. The mixture should be smooth.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Ensure the eggs are fully incorporated before adding the next one.
5. Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
6. Fill the Donut Pan:
- Transfer the batter to a large piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
7. Bake the Donuts:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched.
8. Cool the Donuts:
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.
10. Coat Donuts:
- While the donuts are still slightly warm, dip each donut into the melted butter (if you want a thicker coating) or directly into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating both sides.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the baked apple cider donuts immediately and enjoy! They are best enjoyed fresh.
What to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts With:
These donuts are fantastic on their own, but here are some pairings that elevate the experience:
- Hot Apple Cider: A classic combination that enhances the apple flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess complements the warm, spiced donuts.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle some maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Coffee or Tea: A comforting pairing for a cozy morning treat.
Top Tips for Perfecting Baked Apple Cider Donuts:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in tough donuts. Mix only until just combined.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs ensures they incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother mixture and better texture. Cold eggs can cause the butter to seize up, leading to a less uniform batter.
- Grease Your Donut Pan Well: This prevents the donuts from sticking and ensures they come out easily.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaked donuts will be dry. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet donut, reduce the granulated sugar slightly.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices like ginger, cloves, or allspice to create your custom flavor profile.
- Apple Cider Reduction: For an even richer apple cider flavor, reduce the apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens slightly Before adding to the wet ingredients.
- Ingredient Substitutions: if you are out of brown sugar, you can add instead molasses to the refined sugar. Use ¼ teaspoon of molasses for every 1/4 cup of white sugar.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Store leftover baked apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze the donuts, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes until they are firm. Transfer the partially frozen donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: For reheating refrigerated or frozen donuts, try placing them in a preheated over at around 350 degrees for about 7-10 minutes. if you desire less time, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Final Thoughts:
These baked apple cider donuts are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. They are easy to make, delicious, and sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of autumn in every bite!
FAQs:
Q: Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
A: While apple cider enhances the flavor, apple juice can be used as a substitute.
Q: Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check that your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum, or add it separately according to the package instructions.
Q: Can I add a glaze to these donuts?
A: Absolutely! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or apple cider would be delicious.
Q: Can I use a different type of sugar for the coating?
A: Yes, you can use turbinado sugar for a coarser, crunchier coating.
Q: Can I add chopped apples to the batter?
A: Yes, adding 1/2 cup of finely chopped apples to the batter will add extra texture and flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?
A: Make sure to grease the donut pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter. You can also dust it with flour.
Q: Can I make this recipe without a donut pan?
A: If you don’t have a donut pan, you could try making muffins instead. Fill muffin tins about two-thirds full and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: What is the best way to measure flour for this recipe?
A: The best way to measure flour accurately is by using the “spoon and level” method. Lightly spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it’s overflowing, then level it off with the back of a knife. This prevents the flour from being packed tightly, which can result in dry or dense donuts.
Q: Are these donuts suitable for kids to make?
A: Yes, with adult supervision, this recipe is great for kids to help with. They can assist with mixing ingredients, filling the donut pan, and coating the donuts.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest