Quick & Easy Baked Apple Cider Donuts in 30 Minutes

Introduction

Let me introduce you to a delightful treat that will satisfy your fall cravings in just 30 minutes! These Quick & Easy Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a perfect blend of warm spices and apple goodness. With a prep time of 10 minutes, a cook time of 15 minutes, and a total time of 30 minutes, this recipe makes 12 delicious donuts. The difficulty level is beginner-friendly, so don’t worry if you’re new to baking!

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious donuts, you will need:

– 1 cup apple cider

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/2 cup brown sugar

– 2 large eggs

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

– 1/2 cup buttermilk

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.

2. In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over low heat until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. Let it cool.

3. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

4. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

6. Spoon the batter into the donut pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

7. Let the donuts cool for a few minutes, then remove from the pan.

8. In a bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Dip each donut in the mixture to coat.

9. Enjoy your freshly baked apple cider donuts!

Recipe Variations

1. Glazed Donuts: Instead of the cinnamon-sugar topping, drizzle the donuts with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and apple cider.

2. Apple Cider Muffins: Turn this recipe into muffins by pouring the batter into muffin tins and adjusting the baking time.

3. Caramel Apple Donuts: Add a dollop of caramel sauce on top of the donuts for a decadent twist.

Expert Tips & Tricks

1. For a more intense apple flavor, use apple cider reduction in both the batter and the glaze.

2. Don’t overmix the batter to ensure soft and fluffy donuts.

3. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation.

4. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk.

5. To keep the donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Storage & Make-ahead Instructions

These apple cider donuts taste best when fresh. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To make ahead, prepare the batter and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh donuts in the morning!

Nutritional Information/Benefits

While these apple cider donuts are a delightful treat, they are best enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar content. Each donut contains approximately 200 calories, making it a sweet indulgence for your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair these warm apple cider donuts with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delightful snack. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a tasty dessert after dinner.

FAQs

1. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, you can substitute apple juice for apple cider in this recipe. However, the flavor may be slightly different.

2. Can I freeze the donuts?

While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze the donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. Can I make these donuts vegan?

You can try using plant-based milk and a flax egg as substitutes for dairy and eggs.

4. How can I prevent my donuts from becoming dry?

Be sure not to overbake the donuts. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they are cooked through.

5. Can I add chopped apples to the batter?

Yes, you can fold in diced apples for added texture and flavor.

6. Can I bake these donuts in an air fryer?

While traditionally baked in an oven, you can experiment with baking these donuts in an air fryer for a quicker cooking time.

Conclusion

Now that you have the recipe for these Quick & Easy Baked Apple Cider Donuts, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bake a batch! Share your creations with friends and family, and don’t forget to save this recipe for later on Pinterest. Happy baking!