As the cool breeze of autumn sweeps in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked apple cider donuts wafting through your kitchen. This baked apple cider donuts recipe captures the essence of fall with its delightful combination of warm spices and sweet apple flavor. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these baked treats are lighter, making them perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. Featuring a delicious cinnamon sugar coating, they are sure to become a beloved addition to your fall dessert recipes! These donuts not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring nostalgia for cozy autumn days filled with apple picking and warm cider. The simplicity of the recipe allows you to enjoy the baking process while filling your home with irresistible scents.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

• ½ cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the best flavor, use fresh apple cider, ideally from a local orchard, as it enhances the taste profile of your baked apple cider donuts. High-quality spices make a significant difference, so opt for fresh ground spices instead of pre-packaged ones to elevate the overall flavor. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if desired—just ensure it has a good binding agent to maintain the texture and prevent crumbling. Additionally, consider using organic sugar for a more natural sweetness. You can learn more about this topic.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later. Make sure to coat each cavity well, as this will help prevent sticking and ensure your donuts maintain their perfect shape.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined. This step is crucial to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, which will help the donuts rise beautifully.
3. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: apple cider, sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth, ensuring the sugar is well dissolved. A smooth mixture will lead to a more uniform texture in your donuts.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense donuts! Look for a batter that is slightly lumpy; this is ideal for light and fluffy baked donuts.
5. Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each cavity of the donut pan about halfway with the batter to allow room for rising. This ensures that the donuts have enough space to expand while baking without overflowing.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when touched and are lightly golden brown on the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, confirming they are done. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to prevent over-baking.
7. While the donuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will create a delightful outer crunch that adds texture and sweetness to each bite.
8. Once baked, allow the donuts to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them firm up, making them easier to handle when coating.
9. While still warm, coat each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating for that perfect sweet crunch. You can gently shake off any excess sugar to avoid a too-sweet experience.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your delicious baked apple cider donuts with a cup of coffee or tea! These donuts are perfect for a cozy gathering or as a sweet treat to brighten your day.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure your donuts are light and fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and create a tough texture. If you want to make these ahead of time, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for up to a month. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving to restore their fresh taste. Common mistakes include not greasing the pan adequately, which can cause the donuts to stick, and using old spices which may not provide the desired flavor. For a special touch, consider glazing the donuts with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and a splash of apple cider. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. Check out our related guide for more tips on perfecting your baking skills, and remember, practice makes perfect!

Conclusion

With their delightful flavor and tender texture, these baked apple cider donuts are a must-try this season. They embody the warm and cozy feelings of autumn, making them a perfect dessert for gatherings or just a sweet breakfast idea to kickstart your day. Let the delightful scent of cinnamon and apples fill your home as you whip up this easy apple dessert recipe! Your family and friends will surely ask for seconds, and you might just find yourself making these delicious donuts a regular feature in your fall baking repertoire. Enjoy the process and the nostalgia that comes with each bite!

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Delicious Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Recipe by itachi sarah

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 12 +

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

12 min

🔥

Calories

—

This baked apple cider donuts recipe captures the essence of fall with its delightful combination of warm spices and sweet apple flavor. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these baked treats are lighter, making them perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.

2.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined.

3.

In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: apple cider, sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

4.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.

5.

Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each cavity of the donut pan about halfway with the batter.

6.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when touched.

7.

While the donuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

8.

Once baked, allow the donuts to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9.

While still warm, coat each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

10.

Serve warm or at room temperature.