Introduction
Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate taste of autumn: Apple Cider Doughnuts! These delightful treats capture all the cozy warmth of fall in every single bite. Imagine soft, tender doughnuts bursting with real apple cider flavor and coated in a sweet, spiced sugar or a tangy apple cider glaze. They are truly special and incredibly delicious!
You might think making doughnuts is complicated, but I promise you, these baked apple cider doughnuts are surprisingly easy to whip up right in your own kitchen. There’s no deep-frying involved, which means less mess and a much quicker process. If you have a doughnut pan, you’re halfway there!
So, gather your ingredients and get ready for your home to smell absolutely divine. This recipe is perfect for a weekend breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or to share with loved ones. Let’s bake some magic together!
Cooking Time & Prep Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
Small tip: The total time does not include the 15-20 minutes needed to reduce the apple cider, so plan for that step first!
Ingredients
Makes 12 doughnuts
For the Reduced Apple Cider
- 2 cups (480ml) unsweetened apple cider
For the Doughnuts
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice/vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Apple Cider Glaze (Optional)
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons reduced apple cider (from the first step)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer gently until the cider has reduced to about ½ cup. This concentrates the apple flavor. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Let it cool completely.
Small tip: Watch it carefully towards the end to prevent it from reducing too much or burning.
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Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cavity doughnut pan with cooking spray or butter. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
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Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps and all ingredients are well combined. Set this aside for a moment.
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Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and whisk until fully incorporated. Stir in the buttermilk, the cooled ½ cup of reduced apple cider, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is just combined.
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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough doughnuts.
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Step 6: Fill the Doughnut Pan
Spoon the batter into a large piping bag or a large Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into each doughnut cavity, filling them about two-thirds full. Alternatively, you can spoon the batter carefully into the cavities.
Small tip: Piping makes for much neater doughnuts and is easier than spooning.
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Step 7: Bake the Doughnuts
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the doughnuts are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
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Step 8: Cool the Doughnuts
Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents sticking. While they cool, prepare your toppings.
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Step 9: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a shallow bowl, combine the ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Mix well. While the doughnuts are still warm (but not hot), gently dip each one into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides. Place back on the wire rack.
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Step 10: Prepare Apple Cider Glaze (Optional)
In another shallow bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of the remaining reduced apple cider, and optional ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon until smooth. Add more cider a teaspoon at a time if the glaze is too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin. Dip the cooled doughnuts into the glaze, letting any excess drip off, then place on the wire rack to set.
Small tip: For a thicker glaze, use less cider. For a thinner, more translucent glaze, add a little more.
Tips & Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for best results.
- Vegan Option: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 mins) instead of a chicken egg. Substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk (like almond or soy) mixed with 1 tsp apple cider vinegar. Use vegan butter.
- Add More “Goodness”: For a subtle boost, you can finely grate about ¼ cup of carrot or zucchini into the wet ingredients. It adds moisture and a tiny bit of nutrition, similar to a muffin!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch (about ⅛ teaspoon) of cayenne pepper or black pepper to your cinnamon sugar topping. It creates a surprising and delightful warmth that complements the apple and cinnamon beautifully.
- Maple Glaze Variation: Instead of an apple cider glaze, make a simple maple glaze by whisking powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and a splash of milk until smooth.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (based on 12 servings, with cinnamon sugar topping):
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 8g
Please note: Values may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used, and whether you choose the glaze or cinnamon sugar.
Health Benefits
While these are a treat, they do contain some ingredients with beneficial properties!
Apples, the star of our cider, are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. They also contain antioxidants like quercetin, which may help protect your cells from damage.
Cinnamon is not just for flavor; it’s a powerful spice known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some studies suggest it may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
Nutmeg and ginger also contribute to the antioxidant profile of these doughnuts. Ginger is particularly known for its digestive benefits and ability to soothe upset stomachs.
By baking instead of frying, we also significantly reduce the amount of unhealthy fats typically found in traditional doughnuts. This makes them a slightly lighter and often preferred option.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a mug of homemade hot apple cider for the ultimate fall experience.
- These doughnuts make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread, alongside eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit.
- For a decadent dessert, serve a warm doughnut with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- They are perfect for school lunchboxes or as an after-school snack.
Storage Tips
Store leftover apple cider doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, arrange cooled doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat frozen doughnuts in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm and soft.
Conclusion
There you have it – a recipe for the most delightful baked Apple Cider Doughnuts that are sure to become a cherished fall tradition in your home. Their soft texture, rich apple flavor, and warm spice coating make them absolutely irresistible. Plus, the ease of baking means you can enjoy fresh, homemade doughnuts without any fuss.
Don’t wait for a special occasion; these doughnuts are simple enough to make any day you crave a taste of autumn. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with joy and comfort.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try! Share these warm, spiced treats with your family and friends, and watch their faces light up with every delicious bite. Happy baking!
