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Baked Apple Cider Donuts

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These baked apple cider donuts are fluffy, sweet, and spiced—featuring a reduction of apple cider in the batter and a butter‑coated sugar‑spice topping, all baked instead of fried.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes (includes cider reduction)
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12‑14 donuts
  • Category: Dessert / Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American / Fall / Seasonal
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups apple cider
  • 2 cups all‑purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup milk (or buttermilk/whole milk)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For the topping: granulated sugar; ground cinnamon; apple pie spice; melted butter

Instructions

  1. Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over low heat until reduced to about ½ cup. Let cool at least 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a donut pan.
  3. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, combine melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, vanilla, and the cooled cider reduction. Mix until smooth.
  5. Spoon or pipe batter into donut pan, filling each cavity only halfway.
  6. Bake for about 10‑11 minutes, until donuts spring back when lightly pressed.
  7. Let donuts cool in pan for ~2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  8. For topping: mix the sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice together. Dip warm donuts in melted butter, then coat in the sugar‑spice mixture.

Notes

  • If you don’t have a donut pan, use a muffin tin (“donut muffins”) but bake longer (~18‑20 minutes).
  • For mini donuts or donut holes, use mini muffin pan and bake ~8‑9 minutes.
  • Use dairy‑free milk and butter for a vegan version.
  • Reduce sugar in topping or skip it for less sweetness.
  • Add a touch of powdered apple cider mix to the sugar topping for extra apple flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/baked-apple-cider-donuts/