If you’re craving a fall treat that’s both cozy and irresistible, these baked apple cider donuts are just what you need. The perfect balance of warm spices and fresh apple cider will have your kitchen smelling like autumn in no time. And the best part? They’re baked, not fried, so you can indulge guilt-free.
Imagine biting into a fluffy donut with a hint of cinnamon, all while knowing they’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients. These donuts are the ideal companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, they’re easy to make, perfect for busy schedules.
Ready for a recipe that will impress your family and friends with minimal effort? Let’s get started on this delicious fall favorite that will become a staple in your home.
Ingredients Breakdown for Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Here’s a detailed look at each ingredient that makes these baked apple cider donuts so flavorful and satisfying:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
This is the foundation of your donuts, giving them structure and a soft, tender crumb. All-purpose flour strikes the perfect balance between lightness and durability, creating donuts that are fluffy but still hold their shape. - ¾ teaspoon baking powder
Baking powder is key to getting a nice rise in your donuts. It helps them puff up in the oven, making them light and airy without being dense. - ½ teaspoon baking soda
Paired with baking powder, baking soda enhances the rise and ensures a fluffy texture. It also reacts with the acidic ingredients like yogurt and applesauce to help with leavening. - ¼ teaspoon salt
A small amount of salt might seem insignificant, but it plays a huge role in balancing the sweetness and enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients. - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon is what gives these donuts their signature autumn flavor. Its warm, spicy notes perfectly complement the apple cider and maple syrup, making every bite taste like fall. - 1 egg yolk
The egg yolk adds richness and moisture to the batter, helping to bind the ingredients while keeping the donuts tender. It also gives the donuts a lovely golden color. - 1/3 cup brown sugar
Brown sugar not only sweetens the donuts but also adds a deep, caramel-like flavor thanks to its molasses content. It pairs perfectly with the apples and spices for that cozy, comforting taste. - ¼ cup applesauce
Applesauce provides natural sweetness and moisture to the donuts, keeping them soft without the need for extra fats. It also reinforces the apple flavor, making these donuts extra flavorful. - 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Maple syrup brings a rich, natural sweetness and a hint of earthiness to the donuts. Its distinct flavor elevates the overall taste, making these donuts feel indulgent without being overly sweet. - 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt adds a slight tang and creaminess to the donuts, contributing to their moist texture. It also helps keep the donuts lighter than if you used heavy cream or butter. - 1 ½ tablespoons melted vegetable oil or coconut oil
This small amount of oil ensures that the donuts stay moist and soft without becoming greasy. Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical note, while vegetable oil keeps the flavors neutral. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the recipe, adding a delicate sweetness and fragrance that makes the donuts even more irresistible. - ¼ cup sparkling apple cider
The star ingredient! Sparkling apple cider gives these donuts their fresh, fruity flavor. Its carbonation adds a lightness to the batter, resulting in fluffier, more delicate donuts that taste like autumn in every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Baked Apple Cider Donuts
These baked apple cider donuts are easy to make and come together quickly. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your donuts turn out perfectly fluffy and full of fall flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Before starting, make sure your oven is fully preheated. This ensures the donuts will bake evenly and achieve the perfect light texture. - Mix the dry ingredients.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir them together until well combined, as this will evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the batter. - Prepare the wet ingredients.
In another bowl, whisk together 1 egg yolk, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of applesauce, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, 3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 ½ tablespoons of melted vegetable or coconut oil. Whisk until smooth, ensuring the brown sugar is fully dissolved and all ingredients are well incorporated. - Combine the dry and wet ingredients.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently fold them together, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense donuts. - Add the sparkling apple cider.
Pour in half of the sparkling apple cider (¼ cup) and stir the batter thoroughly. Then, add the remaining cider and gently fold it in. The carbonation helps create a lighter texture, so avoid overmixing to keep the donuts fluffy. - Fill the donut pan.
Grease a donut pan well to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the cavities, filling each one about ¾ full. This prevents the donuts from overflowing during baking, ensuring they keep their classic donut shape. - Bake the donuts.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The donuts should have a light golden color. - Cool the donuts.
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly, making it easier to remove them without breaking. Carefully transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool completely. - Add your desired topping.
Now comes the fun part! Coat your donuts with either the cinnamon-sugar mixture or the apple cider glaze for a burst of extra flavor.
- Topping #1: Cinnamon-Sugar
In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon to taste. While the donuts are still slightly warm, roll them in the mixture, ensuring they’re coated on all sides for a classic, sweet finish. - Topping #2: Powdered Sugar + Apple Cider Glaze
In a separate bowl, combine ¼ cup of powdered sugar with a splash of apple cider. Stir until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more cider gradually until it reaches the perfect consistency. If it’s too thin, simply add more powdered sugar. Drizzle or dip the donuts into the glaze for a glossy, sweet finish.
Final Tips:
For the best results, avoid overmixing the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy. Don’t overfill the donut cavities, as this could cause the donuts to lose their shape. Enjoy these deliciously warm donuts fresh out of the oven for the ultimate fall treat!
Apple Cider Donuts Recipe: A Cozy Fall Treat in Just 12 Minutes
If you're craving a fall treat that’s both cozy and irresistible, these baked apple cider donuts are just what you need. The perfect balance of warm spices and fresh apple cider will have your kitchen smelling like autumn in no time. And the best part? They’re baked, not fried, so you can indulge guilt-free.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, brown sugar, applesauce, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and melted oil.
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Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix with a spatula until well combined.
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Pour in half of the sparkling apple cider and mix thoroughly.
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Add the remaining cider and gently fold it in until well incorporated (avoid overmixing to keep the donuts fluffy).
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Pour the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full to prevent overflowing and losing the donut shape.
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Bake for 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, and the donuts have a light golden color.
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Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them.
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Coat with a cinnamon-sugar mixture or apple cider glaze.
Note
Topping #1: Cinnamon Sugar
Mix some sugar with ground cinnamon to taste. Roll the warm donuts in the mixture, ensuring they are coated on all sides.
Topping #2: Powdered Sugar + Apple Cider Glaze
Place ¼ cup of powdered sugar in a small bowl and add a splash of apple cider. Stir well. If it's too thick, gradually add more cider until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
