baked apple cider donuts are the perfect fall treat! They’re baked in the oven and can be whipped up in under an hour. I have a feeling you’ll be making these year after year.
A couple of weeks ago we took our annual trip to the north Georgia mountains to visit an apple orchard. We picked apples, pet and fed several cute farm animals and of course loaded our cart with yummy treats to bring home.
One of my favorite things to purchase when we’re there is apple cider. Fresh apple cider is a staple in our home this time of the year. Aside from a warm delicious glass of mulled cider, it’s especially delicious to use in baking. If you like cinnamon rolls, give our apple cider cinnamon rolls a try.
Today, is all about apple cider donuts! These donuts are baked in the oven and are incredibly easy to whip up. It’s the perfect recipe for that last little bit of cider in your fridge.
Baking Your Donuts
This recipe can be baked in a large donut pan or in a mini donut pan. The bake time does not differ very much either way. For even, consistent looking donuts, use a piping bag to add your batter to your pan. Be sure to not overfill your wells. Just over halfway full is the perfect amount.
Donuts will spring back when lightly touched when they’re baked and ready to come out of the oven. Turn them out of the pan immediately onto a cooling rack to cool.
Sugar Coating
The cinnamon sugar combination really make these donuts. It adds just the right amount of sweetness and flavor. The donuts are coated in melted butter first (coconut oil also works) and then rolled in the cinnamon sugar mixture. I flip each donut several times to coat them well and then place them back onto the cooling rack for them to rest.
The Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups Apple cider
- 2 cups All purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 1 tsp. Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. Baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. Salt
- 1 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. Ground cardamom
- 1/3 cup Unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 Lg. Eggs
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
- 3 Tbsp. Unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
Reduce The Apple Cider
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Place cider in a sauce pan over medium heat until it comes to a low boil. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer until reduced to 1 cup, about 20 minutes or so.
Donut Batter
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom until combined. Set aside.
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In a stand mixer, beat the cooled apple cider, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the flour mixture and mix until completely combined.
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Lightly grease your muffin pan of choice. Using a piping bag, fill each well on your pan just over half way full. Be sure to not over fill. This will cause the hole in the center to close up once the dough has risen and baked.
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Bake for 10-13 minutes or until the donuts are light golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Turn out of pan onto a cooling rack to cool.
Sugar Coating
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Once donuts are completely cooled, melt butter and set aside. Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
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Dunk the donuts in the melted butter or brush them with the melted butter. Roll all sides in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Set back onto the cooling rack until all the donuts are done.
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These donuts are best fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days or in the fridge for 4 days. Just pop in the microwave for 10 seconds to warm.
This recipe will make 12 large donuts or 24-30 mini donuts. I think the mini donuts are extra fun and for those of us that don’t have the biggest sweet tooth, it’s the perfect amount.
Store them in an air-tight container on the counter for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 4 days, just pop in the microwave for a few seconds to warm.
If you like to take seasonal treats to neighbors and loved ones, these are a great option. I don’t know anyone that would turn down fresh donuts!
Do you bake with apple cider? If so, what’s your favorite recipe? I just love the recipes this time of the year. There’s just so many amazing delicious flavors. Whatever you’re baking this fall, I wish you a lovely season. Happy baking!
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