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Baked apple cider donuts are that cozy Fall treat everyone craves when chilly mornings roll in. These donuts capture the warmth of spiced apples and make any breakfast feel like a seasonal celebration. What I love is how simple they are to whip up and how your kitchen smells like an orchard bakery all morning.
My first batch disappeared before they had time to cool a kitchen win that had everyone reaching for seconds on a crisp Saturday morning.
Ingredients
- Apple cider: gives true apple flavor and sweetness choose fresh unfiltered cider for the most depth
- White vinegar or apple cider vinegar: helps activate the baking powder for a fluffy rise
- Pure vanilla extract: brings warm bakery notes to the batter seek out high quality for best results
- Oil almond butter applesauce or pumpkin puree: adds moisture and richness use whatever fits your pantry or dietary preference
- Pure maple syrup honey or agave: provides natural sweetness and lovely color real maple syrup elevates the flavor
- Flour: structure and tenderness regular white flour works great but you can swap in spelt oat or certain gluten free blends for your needs
- Baking powder: ensures the donuts rise tall and light check it’s fresh for best lift
- Salt: balances all the sweet and spice so flavors pop choose fine sea salt for the dough to dissolve evenly
- Ground cinnamon: delivers classic apple donut aroma use freshly ground if possible for the brightest flavor
- Ground nutmeg: gentle warmth and autumn spice go with freshly grated for a punchier taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Whisk The Liquid Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl combine apple cider vinegar vanilla extract oil or almond butter or applesauce or pumpkin puree and your choice of sweetener whisk until completely smooth and well blended
- Prepare The Pan and Oven:
- Generously grease your donut pan or mini muffin pan to prevent sticking then set aside Preheat your oven to 350 F for an even bake
- Mix The Batter:
- Add the flour baking powder salt cinnamon and nutmeg to your wet mixture use a spatula to fold everything together gently until you see no streaks of flour avoid overmixing for the tenderest texture
- Fill The Pan:
- Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the donut pans or mini muffin tins filling each well about three quarters full this helps them rise without spilling over
- Bake To Soft Perfection:
- Place the pan on the center rack and bake for eight minutes check with a toothpick in the thickest part it should come out clean when done watch closely as oven times may vary
- Cool and Add The Topping:
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for about five minutes before gently removing them for a clean release cool completely on a wire rack before rolling in cinnamon sugar or drizzling with apple cider glaze if you like an extra special touch
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The apple cider really makes these donuts pop I always use a fresh jug from the farmers market The way my kids jump up and down when they see the first donut batch of the season is something I look forward to every year
Storage Tips
Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five days Place parchment between layers to keep them from sticking For longer storage freeze them for up to a month thawing as needed
Ingredient Substitutions
No apple cider Try pear juice or even orange juice for a new twist Out of maple syrup both honey and agave work equally well For gluten free swap in a reputable one for one all purpose blend Oat flour brings a lovely chew if you do not need them to be grain free
Serving Suggestions
Freshly baked donuts are fantastic on their own but rolling them in cinnamon sugar or adding a quick apple cider glaze takes them over the top Serve with hot coffee spiced chai or a homemade pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate Fall brunch
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A Little Apple Cider Donut History
Apple cider donuts date back to early Northeastern American orchards where leftover cider was a staple ingredient at harvest festivals While traditionally fried this baked version lets you enjoy all that nostalgia with less mess and a lighter bite My family always ties donut making to the start of sweater weather
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of flour works best for these donuts?
White, spelt, oat, or select gluten free all purpose flours give the best results. Almond or whole wheat flour is not recommended.
- → Can I use a mini muffin pan instead of a donut pan?
Yes, a mini muffin pan creates bite-sized treats with a similar texture and flavor to the original version.
- → What sweeteners are suitable for this method?
Pure maple syrup, honey, agave, or even granulated sugar can be used, depending on your taste preference.
- → How do I enhance the apple flavor?
Use high-quality apple cider and add a touch more cinnamon or a sprinkle of diced apple for extra flavor.
- → How should these donuts be served?
They're delicious warm, either plain, coated in cinnamon sugar, or lightly glazed. Enjoy them with coffee or cider.