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- 2 cups apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/4 cup milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon for coating I love using fresh apple cider in this recipe. It brings a rich flavor that makes the donuts special. Using both granulated and brown sugar adds depth to the taste. The brown sugar also helps keep the donuts moist. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg provide warm spices that make each bite cozy. Make sure you measure each ingredient carefully for the best results. Eggs and applesauce add moisture and help the donuts rise. The milk and melted butter give the donuts a tender crumb. Finally, the cinnamon sugar mixture adds a sweet and spicy coating. This final touch makes these donuts irresistible. You will want to eat them right away! To make the best apple cider donuts, start with reducing the cider. Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan. Heat it on medium-high until it boils. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer. The goal is to reduce it to about 1 cup. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. This step is key. It makes the flavor richer. Next, whisk the dry ingredients together. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure to measure carefully. This ensures your donuts rise perfectly and taste great. Now, it’s time to mix your wet ingredients. In another bowl, add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Crack in 2 large eggs. Beat them together until well mixed. Then, stir in 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of milk, and the cooled apple cider. Mix until the batter is smooth. This step brings all the flavors together. It's time to combine the dry and wet mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay. This keeps your donuts light and fluffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease your donut pan with cooking spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking. Next, fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full with the batter. You can use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The tops should be lightly golden, and a toothpick should come out clean. Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they are still slightly warm, dip the tops of each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Coat them generously for that sweet finish. Enjoy the warm, cozy flavors of your apple cider donuts! To get the best texture, use room temperature ingredients. Cold eggs or milk can make the batter dense. For moist donuts, applesauce is key. It adds moisture and flavor. You want your donuts light and fluffy, not heavy. You can boost flavor by adding spices like ginger or cloves. These spices pair well with apple cider. For a sweet touch, try a maple glaze instead of cinnamon sugar. A glaze adds shine and a fun twist. Overmixing can ruin your donuts. It makes them tough. Mix just until combined, and it's okay if there are lumps. Also, watch your baking time. If you bake too long, they may dry out. Aim for a light golden color and check with a toothpick. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your apple cider donuts to keep things exciting! - Pumpkin spice variation: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the dry mix. This gives your donuts a warm, fall flavor. - Maple-infused donuts: Replace the granulated sugar with maple sugar. This adds a sweet, rich taste that pairs well with the apple cider. You can make these donuts fit different diets easily! - Gluten-free options: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This keeps the texture soft. - Vegan alternatives: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Use almond milk instead of regular milk. Think about how you will serve these tasty treats! - Pairing with beverages: These donuts go great with warm apple cider or coffee. The flavors blend well and create a cozy vibe. - Serving at events or gatherings: Present donuts on a pretty platter. Add a few fresh apples for color. This makes a lovely display for any occasion. Store your apple cider donuts at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. You can refrigerate the donuts, but they may become a bit dry. If you choose to refrigerate, wrap each donut in plastic wrap first. To keep your donuts fresh, reheat them in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5 minutes. This method helps maintain their soft texture. You can also use a microwave, but heat them for only 10-15 seconds to avoid making them chewy. To freeze your donuts, first let them cool completely. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. When you're ready to enjoy, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. You can warm them again in the oven for a few minutes before serving. Apple cider donuts last about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. They may dry out in the fridge, so be sure to cover them well. Yes, you can substitute some ingredients. For flour, use gluten-free flour if needed. You can swap out eggs with applesauce for a vegan option. If you don't have granulated sugar, use coconut sugar or honey. Just remember, these swaps can change the flavor and texture a bit. If you don't have a donut pan, don't worry! Use a muffin pan instead. Just fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full. Bake them for a few extra minutes. You'll end up with delicious apple cider muffins instead of donuts! The donuts are done when they look lightly golden. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, they are ready. Don’t open the oven door too early, as this can cause them to sink. Yes, homemade apple cider works great for this recipe! Just make sure it's reduced to the right amount. The flavor from fresh cider can make your donuts taste even better. Enjoy the process of making cider and then use it in your baking! In this guide, we explored how to make delicious apple cider donuts. We covered key ingredients and provided step-by-step instructions to perfect your baking skills. I shared tips to enhance texture and flavor while helping you avoid common mistakes. You also learned about variations and best storage practices to keep your donuts fresh. These sweet treats are a joy to make and share. Don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors or baking techniques. Enjoy baking and delighting taste buds with your apple cider donuts!

Apple Cider Donuts Bakery Style

Indulge in the fall flavors with homemade Apple Cider Donuts! Perfectly spiced and oh-so-soft, these donuts are made with fresh apple cider and rolled in cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat. Follow our easy step-by-step recipe to impress your family and friends. Get ready to enjoy this delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Click to discover how to make these scrumptious donuts today! #AppleCiderDonuts #BakingRecipes #FallTreats #DessertLovers
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Ingredients
  

2 cups apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon for coating)

Instructions
 

Reduce Apple Cider: In a saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reduces to about 1 cup (approximately 15-20 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

    Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

      Mix Sugars and Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Beat until well combined. Stir in the applesauce, milk, melted butter, and cooled apple cider reduction until the mixture is smooth.

        Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's fine if there are a few lumps.

          Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan (or two) with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

            Fill the Donut Pan: Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full with the batter.

              Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

                Cool and Coat: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool but still slightly warm, dip the tops of each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating generously.

                  Serve and Enjoy: Serve them warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat!

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 donuts