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To make baked apple cider donuts, you need these ingredients: - 1 ½ cups apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - ½ cup unsweetened applesauce - ¼ cup melted unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup cinnamon sugar (for coating) You can swap a few ingredients if needed: - Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for more fiber. - Maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a unique flavor. - For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter. - Applesauce is great for moisture, but you can use yogurt as a substitute. Select fresh apple cider for the best taste. Look for a brand with no added sugars. Choose all-purpose flour with a fine texture for light donuts. Check the dates on your spices to ensure they are fresh. Fresh spices enhance the flavors in your donuts. When buying eggs, look for organic or free-range for better quality. Start by boiling the apple cider. Pour 1 ½ cups of cider into a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it boils. Lower the heat and let it simmer. You want it to reduce to about ¾ cup. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Once it thickens, set it aside to cool a bit. Grab a large mixing bowl for the dry stuff. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir it all together until combined. In another bowl, whisk ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Crack in 2 large eggs and mix well. Add ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce, ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Finally, pour in the cooled apple cider. Mix until smooth. Now, gently fold this mixture into the dry ingredients. Do not overmix; just combine until you see no dry flour. Get a donut pan and grease it well with cooking spray or butter. Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag. Snip off a corner of the bag. Pipe the batter into the donut pan. Fill each cavity about ¾ full. This ensures they have room to rise. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled donut pan in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The donuts are done when they spring back when touched. You can also insert a toothpick to check; it should come out clean. Once done, take them out and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. When making baked apple cider donuts, avoid overmixing the batter. It can make the donuts tough. Instead, mix until just combined. Another mistake is not reducing the apple cider enough. This step adds deep flavor, so take your time. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated. An unheated oven can lead to uneven baking. To get the best shape, fill your donut pan about three-quarters full. This allows the donuts to rise perfectly without overflowing. Use a piping bag for neat filling. If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag works, too. Just snip a small corner off and pipe the batter in. To boost flavor, use fresh spices instead of pre-ground ones. Freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon will make a big difference. You can also add a splash of apple juice for extra sweetness. For a fun twist, mix in chopped apples for texture. Tossing the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar right after baking adds a delightful crunch. {{image_2}} You can add fun flavors to your baked apple cider donuts. Try mixing in some chopped apples or even caramel bits. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of ginger or cloves. If you love chocolate, fold in mini chocolate chips. You can also switch apple cider for other fruit juices like pear or cranberry. Each choice gives a new twist to this classic treat. The cinnamon sugar coating is tasty, but you can get creative. Drizzle your donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. For a crunch, add crushed nuts or sprinkles. You can also dust them with cocoa powder for a chocolatey finish. If you like a fruity touch, coat them in powdered sugar mixed with lemon zest. Making these donuts gluten-free is easy. Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. For a vegan version, replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. You can also use a plant-based butter and unsweetened almond milk instead of regular butter and milk. These swaps keep the flavors intact while catering to different diets. To keep your baked apple cider donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can stack them carefully but separate layers with parchment paper. This method keeps them moist and tasty for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them. Just be aware that chilling might change their texture slightly. Freezing is a great option if you have extra donuts. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag or container. This keeps air out and prevents freezer burn. Frozen donuts can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw overnight in the fridge. To enjoy your donuts warm, reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes. This method restores their soft texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they will become tough. Baked apple cider donuts stay fresh for about three days. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them. They last up to three months in the freezer. Yes, you can make the batter ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, just pipe it into the pan and bake. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings. Baked donuts are lighter and fluffier. They use less oil than fried donuts. Fried donuts have a richer taste and are often denser. Baking is a healthier option, and the flavor of apple cider shines through in both types. You can use apple juice instead of apple cider. The flavor will be sweeter and less complex. Using buttermilk adds a tangy taste, which can also be nice. Experiment to see what you like best! Check for doneness by gently touching the tops. They should spring back when done. You can also insert a toothpick into a donut. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready. We explored how to make delicious baked apple cider donuts. First, we covered essential ingredients and how to pick the best. Then, we walked through each step of the baking process. Tips and tricks helped avoid common mistakes and improve shape and taste. I also shared fun variations and storage methods to keep your donuts fresh. Enjoy baking and tasting these donuts with your loved ones. You’ll create fun memories and tasty treats!

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these Baked Apple Cider Donuts! This simple recipe combines warm spices and fresh apple cider for a sweet treat perfect for any occasion. In just 50 minutes, you can whip up 12 delicious donuts, coated in cinnamon sugar for that extra touch of sweetness. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this cozy, tasty treat to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

¼ cup melted unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup cinnamon sugar (for coating)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter.

    In a saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reduces to about ¾ cup, approximately 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.

        In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, applesauce, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider until smooth.

          Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

            Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, then pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

              Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they spring back when lightly touched. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

                Remove from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Once cool, toss each donut in cinnamon sugar until well coated.

                    Prep Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts