Welcome to your new fall obsession! These baked apple cider donuts are the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and everything nice. With a moist interior and a slightly crisp exterior, they’re a must-make this season.
Why This Recipe Works
- The reduction of apple cider concentrates the flavor, ensuring your donuts are packed with apple goodness.
- Baking instead of frying makes these donuts a lighter option without sacrificing texture or taste.
- A combination of cinnamon and nutmeg gives these donuts that classic fall spice flavor we all love.
- The simple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and makes them irresistibly shiny.
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider, reduced to 1/2 cup
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- Donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the cider is reduced to 1/2 cup, about 20 minutes. This step is crucial for intensifying the apple flavor in your donuts.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Ensuring these ingredients are well combined will help your donuts rise evenly and have a uniform flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider until smooth. The key here is to mix until just combined to keep the donuts tender.
Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spoon the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This ensures your donuts will have the perfect shape without overflowing.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra flavor boost, try reducing the apple cider with a cinnamon stick or a few cloves. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin, though the cooking time may vary slightly. To ensure your donuts are perfectly moist, don’t overmix the batter. For a crispier exterior, brush the baked donuts with melted butter and dip them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm.
Recipe Variations
- Add a handful of chopped nuts or dried apples to the batter for extra texture.
- Swap the glaze for a caramel drizzle for a decadent twist.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of bourbon into the reduced apple cider for an adult version.
- Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution blend to ensure the texture remains similar.
How should I store these donuts?
These donuts are best enjoyed the day they’re made but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the oven when ready to eat.
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly fine. However, for the best flavor, look for a high-quality, unfiltered apple cider.
Summary
These baked apple cider donuts are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re sure to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen.