Name: Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486813H1M58S
Total time: PT-486813H1M58S
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: • 2 cups all-purpose flour• 1 teaspoon baking powder• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda• 1/2 teaspoon salt• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg• 1/2 cup granulated sugar• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted• 1 large egg• 3/4 cup apple cider• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

There’s something utterly irresistible about the aroma of freshly baked donuts, especially when they’re infused with the warm, comforting flavors of apple cider and autumn spices. This baked apple cider donuts recipe is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat, delivering all the indulgence you crave without the mess and hassle of frying.

These baked beauties are a perennial favorite, beloved for their tender, cakey texture and the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weekend brunch, packing them in lunchboxes, or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these donuts are sure to delight and satisfy.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

What makes these baked apple cider donuts so special? For starters, the combination of fresh apple cider, ground cinnamon, and fragrant nutmeg creates a flavor profile that’s quintessentially autumnal. The baking method ensures a light, fluffy interior with a delicate crisp on the outside, providing a wonderful textural contrast in every bite.

Beyond the irresistible taste, this recipe is also remarkably accessible, with ingredients that are easy to find and preparation steps that are simple to follow. And the best part? These donuts can be made ahead of time and frozen, making them a convenient and delicious option for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings.

🛒 What You Need to Prepare Baked Apple Cider Donuts ❓

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup apple cider
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The beauty of this baked apple cider donuts recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of warm spices, sweet apple cider, and rich butter creates the cozy, autumnal-inspired flavor profile that has made donut recipes perennially popular.

📝 How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Step-by-Step ❓

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cavity donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
• Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, apple cider, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended.
• Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Step 5: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
• Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
• Total time: 27-30 minutes

Compared to traditional fried donuts which can take up to 30 minutes to prepare, this baked apple cider donuts recipe saves you 10% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 170
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 210mg

These baked apple cider donuts provide approximately 8% of your daily carbohydrate requirements and 3% of your daily sodium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduced-fat option: Use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt in place of the butter, and substitute a sugar-free sweetener for the granulated sugar.
• Lower-carb version: Replace 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a low-carb sweetener instead of granulated sugar.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute coconut oil or vegetable oil for the butter, and use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in place of the apple cider.
• Added protein: Fold in 1/4 cup of unflavored protein powder to the dry ingredients for an extra nutritional boost.
• Boost vegetables: Grate in 1/2 cup of peeled, shredded apple or zucchini to the batter for added moisture and fiber.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the baked apple cider donuts.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Pair with a hot cup of apple cider or spiced chai tea for a cozy autumn pairing.
• Complement with a crisp fall salad or a bowl of hearty soup for a complete meal.
• For a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs, sausage, and fresh fruit.
• Create a festive autumn platter with the donuts, apple slices, and spiced nuts for a delightful presentation.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter: This can result in tough, dense donuts. Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined, being careful not to overstir.
• Underbaking: Undercooked donuts will be doughy and unappetizing. Keep a close eye on the baking time and use a toothpick to check for doneness.
• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too much batter in each cavity can cause the donuts to stick together and bake unevenly. Fill the cavities only 3/4 full.
• Forgetting to grease the pan: This can lead to the donuts sticking and becoming difficult to remove. Be sure to thoroughly grease the pan before filling it with batter.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the donuts to cool completely before handling or glazing is crucial for maintaining their shape and texture.

🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe

These baked apple cider donuts retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Store the cooled donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the batter, scoop it into the donut pan, and freeze the unbaked donuts for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply transfer the frozen donuts to the oven and add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked donuts to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the crisp exterior.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the donuts in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the exterior is lightly crisp.

❓ FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time and bake the donuts later?

Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply scoop the batter into the donut pan and proceed with the baking instructions. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh, hot donuts on demand.

Can I substitute other types of fruit juice for the apple cider?

Absolutely! While apple cider provides the quintessential autumnal flavor, you can experiment with other fruit juices like pear, cranberry, or orange. Just keep in mind that the final flavor profile may vary slightly depending on the juice you choose.

Are these donuts suitable for a gluten-free diet?

To make these donuts gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Many brands, such as Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur, offer excellent gluten-free flour options that work well in baking recipes like this one.

What should I do if my donuts come out dry or crumbly?

If your baked apple cider donuts turn out dry or crumbly, it’s likely due to overbaking or using too much flour in the batter. Next time, be sure to check the donuts a minute or two earlier and consider reducing the flour by 1-2 tablespoons. You can also try adding an extra tablespoon of apple cider or a splash of milk to keep the batter moist.

Can I add any mix-ins or toppings to the donuts?

Absolutely! These baked apple cider donuts are a fantastic canvas for all sorts of creative additions. Try folding in chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries to the batter. For a finishing touch, you can also dip the cooled donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mixture or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider.

Conclusion

These baked apple cider donuts represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weekend breakfast or packing them in lunchboxes, they’re sure to impress with their tender, cakey texture and delightful autumnal notes. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these baked donuts demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking process. So, gather your family and friends, pour a steaming mug of apple cider, and indulge in the warmth and comfort of these irresistible baked apple cider donuts.