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- 1 cup apple cider - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating) I love using fresh apple cider in this recipe. It adds a rich flavor that makes the donuts special. The unsweetened applesauce keeps them moist and adds more apple goodness. Vegetable oil helps the donuts rise well and keeps them soft. Brown sugar gives a hint of caramel flavor that pairs nicely with spices. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg create a warm, inviting aroma. These spices remind me of cozy autumn days. You will need a large egg to bind everything together. The vanilla extract adds a sweet, fragrant note that enhances the apple flavors. The all-purpose flour is your base. It gives the donuts structure. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise, creating a fluffy texture. Salt is a must. It enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. Finally, the granulated sugar and cinnamon mix for coating adds a delightful crunch. Tossing the warm donuts in this mix makes them irresistible. For the full recipe, check the details on how to put this all together! 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of apple cider to a boil. Keep an eye on it! Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it shrinks to about 1/2 cup. This concentrates the flavor. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit. 3. In a large bowl, mix together 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider. Whisk until smooth. 4. In another bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This helps mix everything nicely. 1. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful! Overmixing can ruin the texture. The batter should be thick but smooth. 2. Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner cut off. This makes filling the donut pan easy. Pipe the batter into the molds, filling them about 3/4 full. 3. Bake the donuts in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. They should turn golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. 4. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool fully. 5. While still warm, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Toss the donuts in this mix until they are fully coated. Enjoy this tasty Baked Apple Cider Donuts recipe! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. To make the best baked apple cider donuts, you need to pay close attention to a few key steps. First, avoid overmixing the batter. This can make the donuts tough instead of fluffy. Mix just until the dry ingredients blend with the wet ones. Next, check for doneness with a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, your donuts are ready. Lastly, cool donuts adequately before coating. If you coat them while hot, the sugar won’t stick well. You can enhance the flavor of your donuts in many ways. Experiment with spices like ginger or cloves for a warm, cozy touch. You can also mix in a dash of allspice for extra depth. For toppings, consider drizzling maple glaze or adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts. These little touches make your donuts stand out. You can find the full recipe for making these delicious treats in the previous section. {{image_4}} You can make baked apple cider donuts even more exciting with a few simple tweaks. Here are some fun ways to change up the flavor: - Adding nuts or chocolate chips: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy bite. You can also add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Both options add a new layer of flavor and texture. - Substituting different spices: Instead of just cinnamon and nutmeg, try adding ginger or allspice. These spices bring warmth and depth. You can mix and match to find your favorite flavor combo. - Using different apple varieties: Different apples change the taste of your donuts. Try using Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Each apple brings its own unique flavor to the mix. If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy these donuts. Here are some easy swaps: - Gluten-free options: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. This keeps the donuts soft and tasty without gluten. - Vegan adaptations: Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture or applesauce. Use plant-based oil and ensure your apple cider is vegan-friendly. These swaps keep the flavor while making the recipe plant-based. Feel free to get creative with these variations. Each change can lead to a new favorite recipe. For the complete process, check out the Full Recipe! To keep your baked apple cider donuts fresh, store them in a cool place. Use an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and tasty. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap for extra safety. - How to store leftovers: Place the cooled donuts in a container. If you want to freeze them, wrap each donut in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. - Recommended storage duration: Donuts can last at room temperature for about 2 days. In the fridge, they stay good for up to a week. If you freeze them, they can last for about 3 months. If you want to enjoy warm donuts again, here are some great ways to reheat them. - Best ways to reheat donuts: To reheat, place the donuts in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You can also warm them in an oven set to 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will help restore their softness. - Serving suggestions after storage: Serve the warmed donuts with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey. Fresh apple slices on the side add a nice touch. Enjoy your delightful treat! How do I know when the donuts are done baking? Donuts are done when they turn a golden brown color. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. This takes about 12-15 minutes in the oven. Can I make the batter in advance? Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before baking to mix any settled ingredients. How can I make these donuts healthier? You can swap out some oil for applesauce to cut fat. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener. Where can I find similar apple cider donuts? You can find similar apple cider donuts at local bakeries or farmers' markets in the fall. Many online recipes, like the Full Recipe here, offer great options for making them at home. You learned how to make delicious apple cider donuts from scratch. We covered the key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips to ensure they come out perfect every time. You can add your twist with various flavors and dietary options. Remember to store them right and reheat for the best taste. Enjoy sharing these treats with family and friends. Your homemade apple cider donuts can be a tasty hit!

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Indulge in the delightful flavor of homemade baked apple cider donuts! With a perfect blend of apple cider, applesauce, and warm spices, these treats are sure to please. Easy to make and perfect for fall gatherings or cozy mornings, these donuts are coated in cinnamon sugar for an extra special touch. Click through to explore the full recipe and savor the taste of autumn with every bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup apple cider

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan to prevent sticking.

    In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/2 cup, which will concentrate the flavor. Once reduced, remove from heat and cool slightly.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

        In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This will ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.

          Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick yet smooth and free of large lumps.

            Transfer the batter into a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off) for easy filling. Pipe the batter into the donut molds until they are about 3/4 full.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  While the donuts are still warm, mix the granulated sugar with the 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Generously toss the donuts in this mixture until they are fully coated.

                    - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the donuts warm on a rustic wooden platter, garnished with fresh apple slices and a light drizzle of honey. This creates a charming autumn-inspired display that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat!