Baked Apple Cider Donuts-Easy Fall Treat

Baked apple cider donuts with cinnamon sugar are truly a magical treat, capturing the essence of autumn in every bite. Forget the deep fryer; this recipe brings that cozy bakery flavor right into your own kitchen, and it’s surprisingly simple! We all know and love classic donuts, but there’s something uniquely comforting and nostalgic about the rich, warm notes of apple cider infused into a tender, cake-like dough. It’s that perfect blend of sweet apple and warming cinnamon, kissed with a delicate sugary crust, that makes these baked apple cider donuts with cinnamon sugar so utterly irresistible. They’re lighter than their fried counterparts, making them feel a little more virtuous, yet they deliver all the indulgence. Get ready to fill your home with an aroma that will have everyone asking, “What’s baking?” because these baked apple cider donuts with cinnamon sugar are destined to become a family favorite.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

There’s something incredibly comforting about the flavors of fall, and what better way to embrace it than with a batch of warm, spiced apple cider donuts? Forget the deep fryer; these baked beauties capture all the deliciousness of traditional donuts with a fraction of the fuss. They’re lighter, less greasy, and packed with the vibrant taste of apple cider, all coated in a sweet and fragrant cinnamon sugar glaze. These are perfect for a weekend brunch, an afternoon treat with a hot cup of coffee, or even a simple indulgence that brightens any day. Making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and the freshness, ensuring every bite is pure deliciousness. The aroma that fills your kitchen as these bake is simply divine, a true testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together.

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the donuts bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior. You’ll also need a donut pan (or two, depending on the size of your batch). Grease the cavities of your donut pan generously with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This is a crucial step to prevent the donuts from sticking, which can be frustrating and lead to a less-than-perfect presentation. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can improvise by using a muffin tin, though the shape will be different.

2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking these ingredients together ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is important for a consistent rise and flavor in your donuts. If you’re using all-purpose flour instead of cake flour, make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge like a knife. This method, known as “spoon and sweep,” prevents you from packing too much flour into the cup, which can result in dense donuts.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and the sugar is mostly dissolved. Next, gradually whisk in the apple cider. It’s important to add the apple cider slowly to the wet ingredients to prevent the batter from becoming too liquidy or separating. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar will contribute to a lovely sweetness and tender crumb.

4. Form the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough donuts. A few small lumps are perfectly fine. The batter should be thick but pourable, similar to pancake batter. You can use a whisk or a spatula for this step. Once the batter is ready, carefully spoon it into the prepared donut cavities. Fill each cavity about two-thirds of the way full. Using a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off can make this process neater and more precise, especially for filling the donut holes.

5. Bake and Cool: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The baking time will vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your donuts. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent them from overbaking, which can make them dry. Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool slightly in the pan makes them easier to remove without breaking.

6. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the donuts are cooling, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the 3 tablespoons of melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter with the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir well to create a well-mixed coating. Ensure the butter is melted but not hot, as you don’t want to melt the donuts.

7. Coat the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled enough to handle, but are still slightly warm, it’s time to coat them. Dip each donut, top-side down, into the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring it’s generously coated. You can also use a brush to paint the melted butter onto the donuts and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar if you prefer a more even coating. Alternatively, if you want a less intense butter flavor, you can just roll the slightly warm donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture without the melted butter – the residual warmth will help it adhere. Place the coated donuts back on the wire rack to set. Enjoy these delightful baked apple cider donuts while they are still slightly warm for the ultimate treat!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited to bake these Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar as I am to share them with you! This recipe truly captures the cozy essence of fall without the mess or fuss of traditional frying. The result is a perfectly tender, cake-like donut bursting with warm apple cider flavor, all coated in a delightful cinnamon sugar crunch. They are wonderfully forgiving and incredibly rewarding, making them a fantastic project for bakers of all levels. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as they bake – pure autumnal bliss!

These donuts are fantastic served warm, straight from the oven, with a steaming mug of hot apple cider or a rich cup of coffee. For an extra special treat, try drizzling them with a simple apple cider glaze or a caramel sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a touch of ground ginger to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a deeper spice profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

I truly encourage you to give these Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar a try. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful way to bring a taste of autumn into your home. You won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Absolutely! While fresh pressed apple cider will give the most intense flavor, any good quality store-bought apple cider will work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure it’s not too diluted.

How should I store these donuts?

For the best texture, I recommend enjoying these donuts the day they are baked. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They might lose a little of their crispness over time.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

You can prepare the donut batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. However, it’s best to toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture immediately after they come out of the oven, so that part is best done fresh.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

Delicious baked donuts infused with apple cider and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. A healthier alternative to fried donuts, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
30 Minutes

Servings
12 donuts

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup apple cider
• 2 cups (8 1/2 oz) cake 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 or a mini muffin tin.
2. Step 2
   In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Step 3
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until well combined.
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 10-14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Step 7
   While the donuts are cooling, melt the remaining 3 tbsp butter in a small bowl. In another small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon for the coating.
8. Step 8
   Once the donuts are completely cool, dip each donut into the melted butter, allowing excess to drip off, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

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.