Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

I recently created a batch of apple cider donuts that seamlessly blend simple ingredients into a delightful treat. With reduced apple cider, a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a splash of buttermilk, my Apple Spice Donut Recipe brings a refreshing twist to a traditional favorite. Curious to learn more?

I’ve always been excited to experiment with new recipes and these baked apple cider donuts are no exception. I love trying a twist on the best cake donut recipe I’ve ever come across while adding some fall apple baking magic to the mix.

The star ingredient is the reduced apple cider that gives these donuts a unique flavor, along with ingredients like all purpose flour, granulated sugar, and eggs. I mix in baking powder, a pinch of baking soda and salt, and a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg that really makes the recipe shine.

The buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract bring it all together so that each bite is consistently interesting. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can whip up an optional glaze with powdered sugar and a bit of that apple cider concentrate.

I hope you dig how simple and fun it is to make these treats perfect for any day of the season.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the reduced apple cider gives the donuts a unique tangy sweetness that totally makes up for the usual bland flavor of baked goods. I also enjoy how simple it is to mix everything together even if I mess up a bit here and there – it always turns out pretty good in the end. The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg remind me of cozy fall afternoons and bring a nostalgic vibe that’s hard to beat. Plus, the optional glaze lets me experiment with the sweetness and add my own personal twist to each batch.

Apple Cider donuts are just awesome, i mean they combine a real rich apple flavor with that soft, baked donut texture that you can’t get anywhere else. The recipe might seem a bit involved with reducing the cider and all the different steps, but that’s what makes it fun and satisfying when you finally taste the end result. Even if it sometimes feels like I’m winging it in the kitchen, the end product always brings a smile to my face.

Ingredients

• Apple cider concentrate: Adds a tangy and naturally sweet burst after simmering.
• All purpose flour: Provides carbohydrates and proteins to form a soft donut structure.
• Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and moisture, helping the donuts to develop a light crust.
• Eggs: Contribute proteins and help bind the batter for an airy texture.
• Buttermilk: Infuses tangy moisture and calcium that keeps the donuts tender.
• Unsalted butter: Offers rich flavor while blending the ingredients smoothly together.
• Powdered sugar glaze: Adds extra sweetness with a smooth, buttery finish on top.
• Vanilla extract: Provides a warm aroma and subtle sweetness that balances the flavors.
• Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise for that light and airy texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups apple cider (to be simmered until reduced to about 1/2 cup concentrate)
• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
• Optional glaze: 2 to 3 tablespoons apple cider concentrate (or milk)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your donut pan well.

2. Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small pan and simmer it on medium heat until it reduces to about 1/2 cup concentrate, then let it cool slightly.

3. In a large bowl, mix together 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.

4. In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs, then stir in 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

5. Add the cooled apple cider concentrate to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

6. Gradually fold your wet mixture into the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth but try not to over mix.

7. Spoon the batter into your greased donut pan, filling each mold evenly.

8. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.

9. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack.

10. For an optional glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons apple cider concentrate (or milk) until smooth, then drizzle over your donuts once they are completely cooled.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. Donut pan (well greased)
3. Small saucepan (for simmering apple cider)
4. Large mixing bowl (for dry ingredients)
5. Medium bowl (for wet ingredients)
6. Measuring cups and spoons (for all ingredients)
7. Whisk or fork (to beat the eggs and mix liquids)
8. Spatula (to fold the mixtures together)
9. Toothpick (to check if the donuts are done)
10. Cooling rack (for letting the donuts cool after baking)

FAQ

Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Replace apple cider with apple juice concentrate if you need a sweeter, more intense flavor
• Use thinned out yogurt or milk with a little vinegar instead of buttermilk to get that tangy taste
• Try coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a slight coconut twist
• Swap granulated sugar with brown sugar in equal measure but be aware it may add extra moisture
• Opt for whole wheat pastry flour instead of all purpose flour if you want a nuttier flavor even though the texture might change a bit

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you let the apple cider concentrate cool down completely before you mix it with the wet ingredients so you dont accidentally cook your eggs early on.
2. When folding the batter, mix gently and stop as soon as everything comes together to avoid those tough, dense donuts.
3. Grease your donut pan really well and even consider using a little spray oil on top of your butter for extra assurance that your donuts will pop right out.
4. For the glaze, try adding a dusting of extra cinnamon or even a pinch of salt to the powdered sugar—this can really amp up the flavor without being too overwhelming.