Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar (No Frying!)
There is something special about the smell of warm apple cider donuts. They are a favorite treat during the fall season. Making them at home is easier than you might think.
This recipe will guide you through each step. You will learn how to make soft, cakey donuts with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. These homemade donuts are perfect for a weekend breakfast or a cozy dessert.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This apple cider donut recipe is a must try for several reasons.
First, the flavor is amazing. The reduced apple cider gives a deep, spiced apple taste. The cinnamon sugar topping is sweet and crunchy.
Second, these donuts are baked, not fried. This makes them a bit healthier and less messy to prepare. Finally, the recipe is straightforward. Even if you are new to baking, you can succeed with these instructions.
Your kitchen will smell wonderful, and you will have a delicious treat to share.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Donuts
Using the right ingredients is key to great donuts. Here is what you will need.
For the Reduced Apple Cider
- 2 cups apple cider
For the Donut Batter
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Essential Equipment
Having the right tools makes the process smooth. You will need:
- A donut pan
- A medium saucepan
- A large mixing bowl
- A whisk
- A spatula
- A cooling rack
Step by Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make your apple cider donuts.
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour the 2 cups of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Place it over medium high heat. Bring it to a simmer. Let it cook until it reduces to about 1/2 cup.
This will take about 15 to 20 minutes. It will become thicker and more syrupy. This step is important for a strong apple flavor. Let the reduced cider cool completely before using it.
Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Donut Pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease your donut pan well with butter or non stick cooking spray. This prevents the donuts from sticking.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this bowl aside.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and brown sugar together. Add the milk, cooled reduced apple cider, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Make the Donut Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold them together.
Mix just until no large streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the donuts tough.
Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan. You can also put the batter into a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off. This makes it neat to fill each cavity. Fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The donuts are done when they spring back lightly when touched. A toothpick inserted should come out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Coat the Donuts
While the donuts are still warm, prepare the cinnamon sugar. In a shallow bowl, mix the 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Place the 4 tablespoons of melted butter in another bowl.
Brush each warm donut with melted butter. Then, dip it into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Turn it to coat all sides. Place the coated donut back on the cooling rack.
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Donuts
- Do not overmix the batter. This is the most common mistake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Ensure your reduced apple cider is cool. If it is too warm, it can start to cook the eggs when you mix it in.
- Use room temperature ingredients. This helps them combine evenly and creates a smoother batter.
- Do not overbake. Keep a close eye on the oven. Overbaked donuts will be dry.
- Coat the donuts while they are warm. The cinnamon sugar will stick better to a warm, buttered surface.
How to Store Homemade Donuts
These donuts are best eaten the day they are made. However, you can store them if you have leftovers.
Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
You can also freeze them. Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
It is not recommended. Apple cider has a stronger, spicier flavor than apple juice. Reducing the cider concentrates its taste, which is vital for this recipe.
What if I do not have a donut pan?
You can use a muffin tin. The baking time may be slightly longer, about 15 to 18 minutes. They will be apple cider muffins instead of donuts, but they will still taste great.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It is best to bake the batter right away. The baking powder begins to work as soon as it gets wet. Letting the batter sit can result in less fluffy donuts.
Why are my donuts dry?
This usually means they were overbaked. Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Also, be sure to measure your flour correctly. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off. Do not scoop the cup into the flour bag, as this packs too much flour in.
Can I make these donuts gluten free?
Yes, you can try using a 1 to 1 gluten free all purpose flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they should still be delicious.
Can I use a different spice?
Yes, you can experiment. Allspice or a small amount of cloves would work well with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar
Soft, cakey baked apple cider donuts coated in cinnamon sugar. Reduced apple cider delivers deep apple flavor, and baking (not frying) keeps them simple and less messy, perfect for a cozy fall breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Reduced Apple Cider
- 2 cups apple cider
Donut Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup reduced apple cider (from above, cooled)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Add 2 cups apple cider to a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook until reduced to about 1/2 cup, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a donut pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk granulated sugar and brown sugar. Whisk in milk, cooled reduced apple cider, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- Spoon or pipe batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until donuts spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer donuts to a cooling rack.
- In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Place 4 tablespoons melted butter in another bowl.
- Brush warm donuts with melted butter, then dip and roll in cinnamon sugar to coat all sides. Return to rack to set.
Notes
- For best texture, avoid overmixing and overbaking.
- Ensure the reduced cider is fully cooled before adding to the batter.
- Use room-temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
- No donut pan? Bake in a muffin tin for 15 to 18 minutes for apple cider muffins.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 283Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 171mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 1gSugar: 30gProtein: 4g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.
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