Baked Apple Cider Donuts – Tender Autumn Bliss

Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar are the ultimate autumn treat, and let me tell you, making them at home is even more rewarding than you can imagine! There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm, spiced aroma that fills your kitchen as these delightful baked donuts bake to perfection. We all know and love the classic fried apple cider donut, but these baked versions offer all the same beloved flavors with a slightly lighter touch, making them a perfect indulgence for any time of day. What makes these Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar truly special is the way the rich, concentrated apple cider flavor infuses every bite, complemented by that irresistible sparkle of cinnamon sugar coating. Forget the fuss of deep frying; this recipe delivers pure, unadulterated donut joy, straight from your oven to your happy mouth!

Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

There’s something incredibly comforting and nostalgic about apple cider donuts. The warm spices, the subtle sweetness of the apple, and that delightful cinnamon-sugar coating – it’s pure autumn bliss. While the fried versions are undeniably delicious, sometimes a baked alternative is just the ticket. These baked apple cider donuts are wonderfully tender, packed with flavor, and a little bit lighter, making them perfect for a weekend breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or even a treat for a bake sale. We’re going to infuse them with the essence of apple cider, giving them a depth of flavor that’s truly special.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup apple cider
• 2 cups (8 1/2 oz) cake flour, (or all-purpose flour, measured by spoon and sweep (see note))
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp table salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, (melted and cooled)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, (melted and cooled)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preparation and Baking:

1. Preheat and Prepare: First things first, let’s get our oven ready for some donut magic. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Now, it’s time to prepare your donut pans. You’ll need a donut pan or two for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can fashion rings out of parchment paper, or even bake them as mini bundt cakes. Lightly grease and flour your donut pan(s). This is crucial to ensure your beautiful donuts release easily after baking, keeping their perfect shape. A light spray of non-stick cooking spray followed by a dusting of flour works wonders.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures that all our leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, which will lead to a consistently light and flavorful donut. If you’re using all-purpose flour, make sure to measure it correctly by gently spooning the flour into your measuring cup and then sweeping off the excess with a straight edge. Packing it down can lead to denser donuts.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled butter, eggs, vanilla extract, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth. The brown sugar will add a lovely caramel note and contribute to the tenderness of the donuts. Ensure the butter has cooled a bit so it doesn’t cook the eggs. Whisking these ingredients together thoroughly will create a rich base for our donut batter.

4. Incorporate the Cider and Dry Ingredients: Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Gradually add the apple cider to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined. Next, add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough donuts. A few small lumps are perfectly fine. The batter should be thick but pourable. You can use a spatula or a whisk for this. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a luscious donut batter.

5. Fill and Bake: Carefully spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan(s), filling each cavity about two-thirds to three-quarters full. Using a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off makes this process neat and easy. This ensures they have enough room to puff up without overflowing. Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your donuts. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-baking.

6. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While your donuts are baking, it’s time to prepare the irresistible cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow dish or pie plate, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. In a separate shallow dish, combine the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir well to distribute the cinnamon evenly throughout the sugar. This is going to be the glorious, sparkly finish for our warm donuts.

7. Coat the Donuts: Once the donuts are baked, let them cool in the pan for just a minute or two. Then, carefully invert them onto a wire rack to cool slightly more. While they are still warm (but not piping hot), dip each donut into the melted butter, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately transfer the buttered donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, turning to coat both sides evenly. The warmth of the donut will help the cinnamon sugar adhere beautifully. Place the coated donuts back on the wire rack to cool completely.

These baked apple cider donuts are a delightful twist on a classic. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is simply divine, and the taste lives up to the promise. Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a truly satisfying treat. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. If they start to lose their crispness, you can briefly warm them in a low oven. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These baked apple cider donuts with cinnamon sugar are truly a triumph. They offer all the comforting flavors of fall in a wonderfully light and airy donut, without the mess or fuss of frying. The rich sweetness of reduced apple cider blends beautifully with the warm spices, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. I love serving these warm, straight from the oven, as a delightful breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. They also make a fantastic addition to a dessert platter or a cozy gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations; a pinch of nutmeg or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate them even further! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this baked apple cider donut recipe a try. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with their homemade charm and delicious taste!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the donuts a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For the best texture, I recommend tossing them in the cinnamon sugar mixture just before serving.

What kind of apple cider should I use?

For the most intense apple flavor, I recommend using 100% pure, unfiltered apple cider. Avoid apple juice, as it won’t provide the same depth of flavor. You can also reduce your favorite store-bought cider to concentrate its taste.

How do I ensure my baked donuts aren’t dry?

The key to moist baked donuts is not to overbake them. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Reducing the apple cider also adds moisture and flavor.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

Delicious baked donuts infused with apple cider and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar topping.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
12 Minutes

Total Time
27 Minutes

Servings
12 donuts

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup apple cider
• 2 cups (8 1/2 oz) cake flour, or all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp table salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a donut pan.
2. Step 2
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Step 3
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, 3 tablespoons melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
4. Step 4
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Step 5
   Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
6. Step 6
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7
   While the donuts are baking, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. In a shallow dish, combine the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for the topping.
8. Step 8
   Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack.
9. Step 9
   Dip each warm donut into the melted butter, then coat generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.