Autumn brings the sweet scent of baked apple cider doughnuts, perfect for crisp days. If you love warm, spiced treats, these doughnuts will delight your taste buds. You only need simple ingredients like apple cider, cinnamon, and applesauce. In this blog, I’ll guide you through easy steps to create these tasty fall treats. Let’s dive into this fall favorite and make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fall Flavor: The warm spices and apple cider create a delightful autumn-inspired taste that’s perfect for any season.
- Healthier Option: Using whole wheat flour and applesauce makes these doughnuts a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and can be whipped up in no time, making it a great choice for any level of baker.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 delicious doughnuts, they’re ideal for gatherings, brunches, or simply treating yourself and loved ones!
Ingredients
To make baked apple cider doughnuts, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. The apple cider brings a sweet, tangy note. Using both all-purpose and whole wheat flour gives a nice balance of lightness and heartiness. Sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder and baking soda help the doughnuts rise. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give warmth, making these treats perfect for fall. The applesauce adds moisture and a hint of apple flavor. Eggs bind everything together, while vegetable oil keeps the doughnuts tender. Finally, the vanilla extract rounds out the taste.
With these ingredients, you're set to create delicious baked apple cider doughnuts that are sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your doughnut pan lightly with oil. This helps the doughnuts come out easily.
2. Next, take a saucepan and bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat. Let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. This takes about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool a bit.
3. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they blend well.
4. In another bowl, crack the eggs and beat them. Add the slightly cooled apple cider, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients until they are well combined.
5. Gradually pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps your doughnuts light and fluffy.
6. Now, take a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off. Fill it with the batter. Pipe it into the doughnut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.
Baking the Doughnuts
1. Place the filled pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a doughnut. It should come out clean.
2. Once baked, let the doughnuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Coating the Doughnuts
1. While the doughnuts cool, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. This will be your cinnamon sugar coating.
2. When the doughnuts are warm, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mix. Make sure to coat all sides. This gives them a lovely sweet crunch.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Doughnuts
To make the best baked apple cider doughnuts, pay attention to the batter. Avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients blend. Overmixing can make your doughnuts tough.
Ensure even baking by filling each doughnut mold about 2/3 full. This way, they rise nicely and bake evenly. Also, rotate your pan halfway through baking. This can help them bake more uniformly.
Serving Suggestions
For a lovely presentation, stack your doughnuts on a nice plate. Sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar around the base for extra flair. You can also add a side of fresh apple slices. This adds a nice crunch and freshness. Warm apple compote is another great option for dipping. It makes each bite even more delightful. Enjoy these tasty treats with friends or family!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Cider: For the best flavor, use freshly pressed apple cider instead of store-bought. This enhances the apple taste in your doughnuts.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense doughnuts.
- Cool Before Coating: Allow the doughnuts to cool for a few minutes before coating them in cinnamon sugar. This helps the sugar stick better.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding a drizzle of caramel or icing on top for a sweet twist, or add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can make your baked apple cider doughnuts even tastier by adding nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch and rich flavor. Just mix about 1/2 cup of nuts into the batter before baking.
You can also spice things up by adding more flavors. For a warm kick, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger or a pinch of cloves. This adds depth to your doughnuts, making them unique and tasty.
Glazing Options
If you want something different, consider using an alternative glaze. Instead of the classic cinnamon sugar, you can create a sweet maple or caramel glaze. For a quick maple glaze, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and a splash of milk.
For a caramel glaze, warm up caramel sauce and dip the doughnuts right after they come out of the oven. This will add a sweet and gooey touch to your treats!
Storage Info
How to Store Baked Doughnuts
To keep your baked apple cider doughnuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents them from drying out. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
Freezing Doughnuts
Freezing is a great option for longer storage. To freeze your doughnuts, first cool them completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the doughnuts to a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them from sticking together.
For thawing, take out the desired number of doughnuts. Leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also warm them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will bring back their soft texture and delicious taste.
FAQs
What is the best way to store baked apple cider doughnuts?
To keep your baked apple cider doughnuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. Make sure they are completely cool before storing. If you stack them, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Can I make these doughnuts gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these doughnuts gluten-free! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Check the blend for xanthan gum; if it does not have it, add about 1 teaspoon. This will help the doughnuts hold their shape.
How long do baked doughnuts last?
Baked apple cider doughnuts stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. They can last up to a week if stored in the fridge. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Can I use a different type of cider?
You can use any type of cider you like! Try pear cider for a twist. You can also use spiced cider for extra flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly.
You now know how to make baked apple cider doughnuts. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for best results. You can even explore different flavors and storage options. Baking these doughnuts is fun and rewarding. Enjoy them fresh or share them with friends. Your kitchen will smell great, and everyone will love them. Try these tips and enjoy your delicious treats. Happy baking!
