Apple Cider Donuts

Overflowing with the flavors of fall, these homemade Apple Cider Donuts are baked, not fried, and then rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra crunch.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings donuts

Calories 251kcal

Author Meggan Hill

Ingredients

For the donuts:

3 cups apple cider (see note 1)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon apple pie spice (see note 2)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon butter melted
1 large egg
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter melted (see note 3)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a small saucepan over medium low heat, simmer the apple cider until you are left with about 1/2 cup of cider, about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool, about 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray, set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt.
In a medium bowl, whisk together apple cider, melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour cider mixture into the flour mixture. Whisk until smooth.
Spoon batter into donut pan, filling each one about 1/2 way, about 1/4 cup. Bake the donuts until lightly brown on top, about 12 minutes. If donuts bounce back to the touch, then they are done. Remove donuts from pan and cool on a wire rack.
For the topping, in a medium bowl combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Place the melted butter in a separate medium bowl.
To coat the donuts, working one donut at a time, dip the donuts into the melted butter then gently roll the donut around in the sugar mixture. Serve immediately or can be stored in refrigerator for 5 days in an airtight container.

Notes

Apple cider: You'll begin with 3 cups, then cook it down into 1/2 cup. This concentrated flavor-booster is the secret ingredient to max out the fall flavor in these baked donuts.
Apple pie spice: If you don't have a jar of this mixed, it's easy to make your own apple pie spice. Combine 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cardamom, 1/8 teaspoon allspice, and a pinch of cloves.
Butter: Melt this to act as the "glue" to adhere the apple pie spice, cinnamon, and sugar to the exterior of the Apple Cider Donuts. (Psst..you'll want some napkins handy when you enjoy these homemade donuts!)
Yield: This recipe makes 16 baked donuts.
Storage: Place an an airtight storage container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Make ahead: While these donuts are best slightly warm from the oven, feel free to make them a few days ahead. Enjoy within 4 days.
Donut pan: We love this donut pan for baked donuts (Culinary Hill may earn money if you buy through this link).
Drizzle: If the cinnamon-sugar topping isn't your thing, try a simple powdered sugar glaze instead.
Drink pairing: Little feels more "fall" to me than sipping a Brandy Apple Cider Slush alongside an Apple Cider Donut. My Mulled Cider, Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider, or Mulled Wine would also be delicious, or simply enjoy with your morning coffee or tea.

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