Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Printer-Friendly)
Soft, spiced donuts infused with apple cider and a cinnamon-sugar finish. No frying required.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Donut Batter
01 -
2 cups cake flour, sifted
02 -
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 -
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
06 -
1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/2 cup
07 -
1/4 cup whole milk
08 -
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
09 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
10 -
1 large egg
11 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
12 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Sugar Coating
13 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar
14 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
15 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a small saucepan over high heat, bring the apple cider to a boil for 1 minute, then lower to a simmer and reduce to 1/2 cup, about 10–15 minutes. Cool completely before use.
02 -
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously coat a donut pan with nonstick baking spray containing flour.
03 -
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined. Set aside.
04 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together reduced apple cider, whole milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
05 -
Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
06 -
Transfer batter to a large zip-top bag, snip a 1/2 inch opening from a bottom corner, and pipe batter into donut pan, filling each cavity halfway.
07 -
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Cool in the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack.
08 -
Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush each donut with melted butter, then dip and roll to coat thoroughly in cinnamon sugar.
09 -
Arrange donuts on a platter and serve at room temperature.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
For intensified apple flavor, do not skip reducing the apple cider as this step condenses natural sugars and aromas.
02 -
If cake flour is unavailable, substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour—sifted—to maintain tenderness.
03 -
Dipping warm donuts in melted butter enhances the adhesion of cinnamon sugar coating.