Description
Recreate the magic of a crisp autumn day at home with these Baked Apple Cider Donuts. This simple recipe delivers all the cozy, spiced flavor of the orchard classic in a lighter, cake-like form. The secret is an intense apple cider reduction that infuses the batter with flavor, all finished with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating. They’re the perfect companion to a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning.
Ingredients
For Donuts:
2 cups fresh apple cider
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground cardamom
1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
½ cup white sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup warm milk
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
For Coating:
1 cup white sugar, or as needed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, or as needed
Instructions
Reduce the Apple Cider:
Pour the 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it has reduced down to about ½ cup. Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Donut Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and generously grease a donut pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugars, warm milk, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, vanilla, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, add the cooled apple cider reduction, and whisk until just combined.
Bake the Donuts:
Pipe or spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
In a shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in another bowl. Brush each donut with melted butter, then immediately dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. Serve immediately.
Notes
Intense Apple Flavor:
The most crucial step for a deep, authentic apple flavor is reducing the apple cider. Simmering the cider concentrates its flavor into a potent syrup that makes the donuts shine.
No Donut Pan?
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake this batter in a standard muffin tin to make delicious “donut muffins.” Adjust the baking time as needed; they may take a few minutes longer.
Storage:
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days but may soften slightly.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: apple cider donuts, baked donuts, fall baking, cinnamon sugar donuts, breakfast recipe, dessert recipe