Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Donuts have long been a beloved treat, celebrated for their delightful flavors and soft, chewy textures. Whether enjoyed with a morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, these sweet pastries have a special place in the hearts of many. Among the myriad varieties of donuts, one stands out for its seasonal charm and comforting flavors: cinnamon-spiced baked apple cider donuts.

Indulge in the warmth of autumn with these cinnamon-spiced baked apple cider donuts. Perfect for cozy mornings or as a sweet snack, these delightful treats combine the flavors of apple cider and spices to create a soft, tender texture. Made with wholesome ingredients like applesauce and all-purpose flour, they’re easy to prepare at home. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, coated in cinnamon-sugar, and pair with your favorite warm beverage for a truly delightful experience!

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

⅓ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Coating:

½ cup melted butter

½ cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, pour in the apple cider and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quantity reduces to approximately ¾ cup. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cider to cool slightly.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy release after baking.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Combine thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Add in the applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider. Mix until the wet ingredients are smooth and well blended.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Carefully pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, fold the ingredients together gently until just combined. Do not overmix; it’s fine if there are a few lumps in the batter.

Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with a corner snipped off. Fill each cavity of the donut pan about ¾ full with the batter to allow for rising.

Bake the Donuts: Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The donuts are ready when they spring back upon touch and have a light golden color.

Cool and Coat: After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for approximately 5 minutes. Gently remove them from the pan and set them on a wire rack. While the donuts are still warm, dip each one first into the melted butter and then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a delightful coating.

Serve and Enjoy: Allow the donuts to cool completely on the wire rack before serving. Enjoy these warm, cinnamon-spiced delights alongside a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite tea!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, arrange the donuts on a decorative plate and sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top. You could also serve them with a side of warm apple cider for dipping!