Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Print Version)

Warm, spiced donuts with apple cider and cinnamon sugar—ideal for cozy gatherings or seasonal desserts.

# Components:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1 cup apple cider
02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
04 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
13 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed

→ Cinnamon Sugar Coating

14 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
16 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two standard donut pans thoroughly.
02 - Simmer apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Allow to cool.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until evenly combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the cooled reduced apple cider, eggs, unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
05 - Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir gently just until the batter is combined, ensuring not to overmix.
06 - Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity approximately three-quarters full.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until donuts spring back when lightly pressed.
08 - Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
09 - In a shallow bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
10 - Brush each donut with melted unsalted butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy and fun to bake no frying mess
  • Bold apple cider flavor highlights the season
  • Tastes just like a bakery treat from your own oven
  • Perfect for making with kids or sharing at parties
02 -
  • Excellent for entertaining or gifting
  • Vegetarian and friendly for many diets
  • Best fresh but can be frozen for later
03 -
  • Always use freshly reduced apple cider for maximum flavor and moisture
  • Grease donut pans thoroughly so every donut releases easily without sticking
  • Let the donuts cool slightly before dipping in butter and cinnamon sugar so the coating clings but the donuts do not fall apart

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