Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite fall treat – Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar! 🍏🍩 The moment I take a bite, I’m instantly reminded of cozy autumn afternoons and spirited trips to the apple orchard with my family. Each donut is soft and slightly sweet with that warm, inviting taste of cinnamon and nutmeg that makes me feel right at home.
You know what’s even better? They’re baked, so they come together a lot quicker than frying, and they’re a way lighter option too! The aroma of apple cider simmering on the stove is enough to make anyone come running to the kitchen, trust me! Every time I whip up a batch, it brings back those nostalgic moments of picking apples and drinking the freshest cider. Now, let’s dive into the magic of these delightful donuts!
What’s in Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar?
Apple Cider: This is the star of the show! Reducing the cider concentrates its flavor, adding that lovely autumn vibe we all crave. Any good-quality cider works here; I typically grab some fresh from my local orchard when I can!
Unsalted Butter: Ah, melted butter brings a richness and moisture to the donuts, preventing them from feeling dry. Make sure you don’t skip this one!
Granulated Sugar:** Both the white and brown sugars sweeten these treats, providing a nice balance of flavor – the brown sugar adds that depth, while granulated gives that delightful sweetness.
Egg: A large egg is essential for binding everything together and giving the donuts a lovely structure.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a heavenly aroma that complements the apple cider perfectly. I always opt for pure vanilla extract – it makes a huge difference!
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our donuts, providing that satisfying fluffiness we all love. I haven’t tried it, but I think you could experiment with whole wheat flour too if you’re feeling adventurous!
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These are our leavening agents that help the donuts rise perfectly, giving them that fluffy texture.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Spices that sing of fall! Cinnamon brings warmth while nutmeg offers a hint of sweet complexity.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Rolled in a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon, it’s the crowning glory of these donuts!
Is Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Good for You?
These donuts are a delightful treat, especially when you want to indulge without derailing your healthy eating habits. Let’s break it down:
Apple Cider: It’s rich in antioxidants and may offer some health benefits, like lowering cholesterol and boosting heart health.
Whole-Wheat Flour (if substituted): Swapping out all-purpose flour for whole wheat can increase fiber content, making these a bit healthier.
Brown Sugar: It does have a slight edge over white sugar with some minerals, though it’s still sugar, so moderation is key!
Remember, like any treat, enjoy these donuts within a balanced diet to avoid excessive sugar intake. Plus, nothing feels better than sharing homemade goodies with loved ones!
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard donut pan really well (trust me on this one!).
2. In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer until it’s reduced to about 1/2 cup (approximately 10-15 minutes). Let it cool slightly, and breathe in that sweet smell!
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the reduced apple cider into your fabulous wet mixture.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Remember, overmixing makes for tough donuts – we want them soft!
7. Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill the donut pan about 2/3 full with the batter.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched.
9. While the donuts are baking, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl – oh, just imagine the amazing smell!
10. Once the donuts are baked, let them cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then gently remove them and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.
11. While they’re still warm (but not too hot to handle), roll each donut in your cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them well!
Sweet Tips and Twists!
– These donuts shine best warm, but you can definitely enjoy them at room temperature. For an extra special treat, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of apple cider over the top!
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can warm them up for a few seconds in the microwave for that fresh-baked comfort!
– For a change, consider adding some chopped apples into the batter for texture and an extra apple punch!
I really hope you give these Baked Apple Cider Donuts a try! They’re perfect for cozy mornings with coffee or as an afternoon snack while you binge on your favorite TV show. Don’t forget to share your experience or any twists you make on the recipe with me – I love hearing how my friends make a dish their own! Happy baking, my friend! 🍎🍩
