There’s something utterly magical about the arrival of fall, isn’t there? The crisp air, the crunch of leaves beneath our boots, and the sweet scent of apples mingling with cinnamon—it’s a season that feels like a warm hug. One of my favorite ways to embrace autumn is by making a batch of homemade Baked Apple Cider Donuts. I remember the first time I whipped these up; it was a chilly October afternoon, and the house quickly filled with the comforting aroma of spiced apple cider. As the donuts baked, I could hardly wait for them to cool before diving in! Each bite is like a cozy evening by the fireplace, and I knew I had to share this heartwarming recipe with you all.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients.
• Perfectly spiced for that cozy autumn vibe.
• A delightful treat that pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Baked, not fried, for a lighter take on a classic.
• These donuts freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead snack!

Ingredients

Gathering the ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh and unfiltered)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or you can use all-purpose if you prefer)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For coating: 1/4 cup melted butter and a mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Notes:

• Using fresh apple cider will give these donuts a lovely tartness.
• Feel free to experiment with other spices like ginger for an extra kick!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful donuts! Follow these simple steps for the best results:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan generously. A well-greased pan is key to keeping your donuts intact!
2. Reduce the Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/3 cup, which intensifies the flavor. This will take about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps for a smooth batter!
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and then mix in the reduced apple cider, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine & Mix: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this is a common pitfall that can lead to dense donuts!
6. Fill the Pan: Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill the donut pan about 3/4 full. Let the batter be generous, but don’t go all the way to the top! This allows the donuts to puff up perfectly.
7. Bake Away: Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You want them to be just golden brown, embracing that beautiful autumn hue!
8. Cool & Coat: Let the donuts cool for about 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they’re cool enough to handle, dip each donut in the melted butter and then coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth from the donuts will make the sugar adhere beautifully!

As you stand there, covered in flour and cinnamon sugar, you’ll marvel at how the whole kitchen smells of autumn. I recommend tasting one while they’re still warm; there’s truly nothing better!

Pro Tips & Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few playful ideas:

• For a savory twist, try adding a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat!
• Substitute half the flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor.
• Top with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and apple cider for an extra sweet treat.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries into the batter for texture!

Serving Suggestions

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts make a marvelous addition to your fall brunch spreads. Serve them warm with a side of spiced apple butter, or enjoy them with a frothy latte or a cup of chai tea. If you’re hosting friends, you can create a delightful centerpiece featuring a platter of these donuts alongside some fresh apples and cinnamon sticks. Trust me; it will feel like a warm embrace on a chilly day!

Storage Tips

Want to save some for later? These donuts are excellent for freezing! Here’s what you need to know:

• Refrigerating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll still be delicious!
• Freezing: Freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once frozen. They can last for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: To enjoy, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a toaster oven until warmed through. Just like fresh!

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free.

How do I prevent my donuts from sticking to the pan?

Greasing your donut pan well is crucial. If you want to be extra safe, you can also dust the pan with a bit of flour after greasing to create a non-stick barrier.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

No donut pan? No problem! You can use a muffin tin instead—just adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes, and you’ll have delicious apple cider muffins!

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Definitely! Store-bought apple cider works wonderfully, especially if it’s a good quality brand. Just make sure to reduce it as mentioned in the recipe to really bring out the flavor.

How can I add more flavor to my donuts?

Experimenting with spices is the way to go! You might want to add a touch of ground ginger for warmth, or even some citrus zest for brightness. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

There you have it, my dear friends! A cozy recipe for Baked Apple Cider Donuts that brings all the warm feelings of fall right to your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, I hope you find as much joy in baking and sharing them as I do. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite way to enjoy these delightful donuts. Happy baking!

Irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donuts for Fall Bliss

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts 1x

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Description

Savor the taste of fall with our Baked Cider Donuts Enjoy this irresistible treatperfect for crisp autumn days Experience bliss in every bite

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup apple cider

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup melted butter

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan generously.

In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/3 cup, which takes about 10-15 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.

In another bowl, beat the eggs and then mix in the reduced apple cider, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and gently fold them together until just combined.

Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill the donut pan about 3/4 full.

Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the donuts cool for about 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. Dip each donut in the melted butter and then coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Notes

Delight in the warmth of fall with these homemade Baked Apple Cider Donuts, perfectly spiced and baked to golden perfection.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12 donuts
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g

Keywords: Apple Cider, Donuts, Baked Donuts, Fall Recipes, Autumn Baking