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Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Baked Apple Cider Donuts

crispy cinnamon sugar baked apple cider donuts - featured image

These baked apple cider donuts capture the true essence of autumn with concentrated cider flavor and a crispy cinnamon sugar coating, offering a lighter, less greasy alternative to traditional fried donuts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 2.5 cups Apple Cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar, packed
  • 2 large Eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (for coating)
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon (for coating)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (for coating, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pour 2 to 2.5 cups of apple cider into a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until reduced to 1/2 cup (about 30-45 minutes). Let cool completely.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an apple cider donut pan or standard muffin tin lightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and the cooled reduced apple cider.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Spoon batter into prepared pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Do not overbake.
  8. While donuts bake, mix coating ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
  9. Remove donuts from oven and let cool in pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack.
  10. While still slightly warm, dip the tops of the donuts into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

Notes

Ensure the oven is fully preheated for proper rise. Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough donuts. Coat donuts while they are still warm so the sugar adheres properly. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze for up to a month.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donuts, baked donuts, fall recipes, cinnamon sugar donuts, autumn baking, easy donut recipe, gluten-free option