When the leaves start to change and the air gets that crisp autumn chill, there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a warm Baked Apple Cider Donut with Cinnamon Sugar. These donuts are fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, making them the ultimate treat for fall gatherings or cozy family breakfasts. What’s even better? They’re baked, not fried, which means you can enjoy these guiltless delights without worrying about the extra calories.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of visiting the local orchard for apple picking every September. After our day of fun, we’d always treat ourselves to fresh apple cider donuts, which inspired me to recreate this memory in my kitchen. This recipe brings that nostalgia to life, all while being quick to whip up and easy enough for the kids to help! Plus, if you love these, you might also enjoy my recipe for Pumpkin Spice Muffins—you can never have too much fall flavor! So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make this delicious, family-friendly recipe.
What Are Baked Apple Cider Donuts?
Have you ever wonder how a simple donut could carry the weight of an entire season’s worth of flavor? Well, that’s what Baked Apple Cider Donuts are all about! Essentially, these treats are soft, cake-like donuts infused with rich apple cider and warm spices, coated in a sugary cinnamon topping that just screams comfort.
But let’s talk about the name! It’s as if the donut itself wanted to be dressed for a party, and apple cider was the perfect accessory! You see, it might just be a classic saying—“the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but I believe that with these donuts, you can win over anyone’s heart, be it a friend, family member, or even a curious neighbor! With all the fall flavors packed into these baked goodies, you’ll be calling out, “Who’s ready for donuts?” in no time!
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Cider Donuts:
There are three fabulous reasons to fall in love with Baked Apple Cider Donuts. Firstly, the main highlight of these donuts is undeniably their mouth-watering flavor. The rich apple cider combined with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates an unforgettable taste that encapsulates the essence of fall.
Secondly, making these donuts at home can save you money! No need to spend a small fortune at the local bakery when you can whip up a batch for your family—plus, nothing beats the smell of fresh-baked treats wafting through your kitchen!
Lastly, let’s not forget the scrumptious cinnamon sugar coating that takes these donuts to the next level! Imagine biting into a fluffy donut that’s been kissed by cinnamon sugar perfection. While you’re at it, why not check out my recipe for Glazed Lemon Donuts? It’s another delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth!
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts:
Quick Overview
Making Baked Apple Cider Donuts is a breeze! In less than an hour, you can have a delicious batch of these delightful treats ready for your family. With a few simple ingredients and a quick baking time, you’ll be enjoying the warm spices and sweet apple flavor sooner than you think!
Key Ingredients for Baked Apple Cider Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup apple cider
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted, for topping)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar topping)
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the apple cider, granulated sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Allow them to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.
- In a separate bowl, melt the butter. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in another bowl.
- Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip the tops in the melted butter and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts With:
Baked Apple Cider Donuts are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a few delicious options can elevate your breakfast or snack time! Consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of creamy vanilla yogurt. A cozy mug of hot apple cider or a spiced chai tea will complete the autumn ambiance. And for a touch of festivity, why not add a slice of warm apple pie? The flavors blend beautifully together!
Top Tips for Perfecting Baked Apple Cider Donuts:
- Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-sensitive, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend—just make sure it’s a 1:1 swap.
- Storage Tips: Keep your donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), they can be frozen for up to a month. Just allow them to thaw before enjoying.
- Avoiding Overmixing: Mix the batter just until combined; this ensures a light, fluffy texture rather than dense and chewy donuts.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
These delightful donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days. If you’re looking to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to one month. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth again. And if you happen to lose your apple cider donuts to the freezer, just know they’re worth every second of waiting to pull them out!
Get ready to impress everyone at your next gathering with these scrumptious Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar. They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and certain to bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces. Enjoy!
Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup apple cider
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted, for topping)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar topping)
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the apple cider, granulated sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
Baking
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Allow them to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.
Coating
- In a separate bowl, melt the butter. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in another bowl.
- Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip the tops in the melted butter and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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