Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the warm, cozy flavors of baked apple cider donuts! These donuts are not only delicious but also easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can bring the taste of autumn right into your kitchen. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this tasty fall treat that will have everyone asking for seconds! Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make baked apple cider donuts. Each ingredient adds to the flavor and texture.
– 1 cup apple cider
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Cinnamon sugar for coating: mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Using fresh apple cider gives these donuts a rich taste. The spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make them warm and cozy. The applesauce keeps them moist. You can find the full recipe along with tips to make them perfect. Enjoy your baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a donut pan by greasing it well.
– Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Heat on medium until it boils. Reduce to low and let it simmer. This will take about 10-15 minutes. You want the cider to reduce to about 1/2 cup. Remove from heat and let it cool.
– In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients well.
Combine Wet Ingredients
– In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
– Add the cooled, reduced apple cider to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is blended.
Mix and Bake
– Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
– Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each space about 3/4 full.
– Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The donuts are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
– While still warm, roll each donut in cinnamon sugar for a delightful coating.
These simple steps will lead to delicious Baked Apple Cider Donuts. For the full recipe, check the original instructions. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
– Avoiding overmixing: Mixing too much makes donuts tough. Mix just until wet and dry ingredients blend. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy.
– Ensuring even cooking: Fill each donut cavity to about 3/4 full. This helps them bake evenly. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for best results.
Presentation Tips
– Arranging donuts beautifully: Place the donuts on a decorative platter. You can stack them or spread them out for a lovely look.
– Garnishing suggestions: Drizzle leftover apple cider reduction over the donuts. Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for a nice touch.
Flavor Enhancement
– Additional spices and toppings: Try adding nutmeg or cloves for more flavor. Chopped nuts or chocolate chips also make great toppings.
– Pairing suggestions with drinks: Serve these donuts with hot coffee or spiced tea. The warm drinks balance the sweet taste of the donuts perfectly.
For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can get creative with baked apple cider donuts. One fun idea is to add chocolate chips. The sweetness of the chocolate pairs well with the spices. Just fold in a cup of chocolate chips into your batter before spooning it into the pan. For a different twist, try glazed apple cider donuts. After baking, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk to make a glaze. Dip each warm donut in the glaze for a sweet finish.
Dietary Variations
If you need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. This swap keeps the taste while making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities. You can also replace the eggs with flaxseed meal for a vegan option. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes, and then add it to your wet ingredients. For butter-free options, substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil. These changes let everyone enjoy these tasty treats!
For the full recipe, check out the details above!
Storage Info
How to Store
You can store baked apple cider donuts at room temperature or in the fridge. If you choose room temperature, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for a few days. For longer storage, use the fridge. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap before placing them in a container. This helps prevent them from drying out.
Shelf Life
Baked apple cider donuts last about 3 days at room temperature. In the fridge, they can last up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This keeps them warm and soft. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This method makes them slightly crispy on the outside. These tips will help you savor every bite of your delicious treats! For the full recipe, check out the details above.
FAQs
Common Questions
What is the best way to measure flour?
To measure flour, use the spoon and level method. First, spoon flour into your measuring cup. Then, level it off with a straight edge. This prevents too much flour in your mix.
Can I use fresh apple juice instead of cider?
Yes, you can use fresh apple juice. However, cider has a deeper flavor. You may need to add a bit more spice to match the taste.
How can I tell when my donuts are done baking?
Donuts are done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center. They should also spring back when touched lightly.
How to prevent sticking in the donut pan?
To prevent sticking, grease the donut pan well. You can use cooking spray or butter. Ensure you cover every part of the pan.
Can these donuts be frozen?
Yes, these donuts can be frozen. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for about three months.
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious apple cider donuts. We covered the key ingredients, the step-by-step baking process, and tips for the best results. We also discussed flavor variations and how to store your donuts.
Now you’re ready to enjoy fresh apple cider donuts at home. Baking can be fun and rewarding. Share your creations with family and friends!
