Baked Apple Cider Donuts: 7 Irresistible Fall Delights

Ah, fall—the season of cozy sweaters, crunching leaves, and, of course, delightful treats! There’s something magical about the air turning crisp and the scent of spices wafting through the kitchen. It’s the perfect time to whip up a batch of Baked Apple Cider Donuts that will fill your home with warmth and comfort. These donuts are not just delicious; they’re bursting with the flavors of autumn, making them a must-try for any fall celebration.

Imagine biting into a soft, moist donut with a hint of cinnamon and the sweetness of fresh apple cider. They’re so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t baked them before! Plus, they’re baked, not fried, which means I can indulge without the guilt (well, maybe a little!). Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or sharing them at a gathering, these Baked Apple Cider Donuts are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll be dreaming of fall all year long!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful Baked Apple Cider Donuts. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• ½ cup apple cider (not vinegar)
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 ¾ cups whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
• 1 egg

For that delicious topping:

• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (for brushing)
• ½ cup organic cane sugar
• ½ tablespoon cinnamon (for sprinkling)

Make sure you have everything ready before you start, as this will make the process smoother and more enjoyable!

How to Prepare Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the fun part—baking these scrumptious Baked Apple Cider Donuts! Follow these clear steps, and you’ll have a tray full of deliciousness in no time.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your donuts bake evenly and turn out perfectly fluffy.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole-wheat pastry flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt. Make sure everything is well combined—this helps to distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.
3. Combine the wet ingredients: In another medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider, unsweetened applesauce, coconut sugar, plain Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, and the egg until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Combine wet and dry: Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—some lumps are totally okay! Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and we want them to be light and fluffy.
5. Prepare your donut pan: Spray two 6-cavity donut pans with cooking spray. This is super important to prevent sticking! If you don’t have a donut pan, you might want to grab one—they’re affordable and make a huge difference in achieving that classic shape.
6. Fill the pans: Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the 12 cavities. I find using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off makes this step so much easier and less messy!
7. Bake those beauties: Pop the pans in the oven and bake for 6–8 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they spring back lightly when pressed. Don’t open the oven door too soon, or the temperature will drop!
8. Cool down: Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 2 minutes. Then gently invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to prevent them from becoming soggy.
9. Coat in cinnamon sugar: While the donuts are cooling, mix your cane sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush each donut with melted coconut oil on both sides, then dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. Repeat this for all your donuts—trust me, this is the best part!

And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dozen delightful Baked Apple Cider Donuts that will make your kitchen smell like a cozy fall day. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share with friends—if you can resist the temptation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are not just a treat; they’re an experience that will leave you craving more! Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

• Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is packed with the warm, comforting flavors of apple cider and cinnamon, making them perfect for fall.
• Moist and Delicious: Thanks to the combination of apple cider and applesauce, these donuts are incredibly moist and tender.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes—perfect for a busy morning or an impromptu gathering!
• Baked, Not Fried: Enjoy the indulgence without the guilt! These donuts are baked, making them a lighter option compared to traditional fried donuts.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of icing if you’re in the mood for something extra special.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether for a cozy family breakfast or a festive gathering, these donuts are sure to impress everyone and spark joy!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Baked Apple Cider Donuts turn out perfectly every time, I’ve gathered some of my favorite tips and tricks. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a world of difference!

• Measure ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your flour and other ingredients carefully. Too much flour can lead to dense donuts, while too little can make them fall flat. I love using a kitchen scale for precise measurements!
• Use fresh apple cider: The quality of your apple cider really matters! Opt for fresh, local apple cider if you can find it. It adds that rich, authentic flavor that makes these donuts shine.
• Don’t skip the coconut oil: This ingredient not only adds moisture but also helps create a tender crumb. If you’re out of coconut oil, unsalted butter can be a good substitute, but it’ll slightly change the flavor and texture.
• Check your baking powder: Old baking powder can lead to flat donuts. Test its potency by adding a teaspoon to warm water; if it fizzes, you’re good to go! If not, it’s time to grab a fresh can.
• Don’t overmix: Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together is key. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Stop mixing when you see a few small lumps—this is totally okay!
• Let them cool properly: Allowing the donuts to cool in the pan for a couple of minutes before inverting them helps maintain their shape. Cooling them on a wire rack prevents that dreaded sogginess.
• Experiment with toppings: While the cinnamon sugar coating is a classic, feel free to mix things up! A drizzle of maple glaze or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can elevate these donuts to the next level.
• Storing leftovers: If you have any donuts left (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them! Just make sure to coat them in cinnamon sugar right before serving to keep them fresh and tasty.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a donut-baking pro in no time! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for each Baked Apple Cider Donut. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea:

• Calories: 186
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Sodium: 177 mg
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 19 g
• Protein: 3 g

This estimate provides a general idea of what you’re enjoying with each delicious donut. They’re a delightful treat that can fit into a balanced diet, especially when enjoyed in moderation. Happy indulging!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these scrumptious Baked Apple Cider Donuts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common questions I often hear, along with my answers:

• Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole-wheat pastry flour?
  Absolutely! While whole-wheat pastry flour gives a lovely nutty flavor and extra fiber, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the mixing—overmixing can lead to a denser donut.
• What if I don’t have apple cider?
  No cider? No problem! You can substitute it with an equal amount of apple juice, but keep in mind that the flavor won’t be as rich. You could even try mixing apple juice with a splash of vinegar for a more tangy taste, though I recommend sticking with cider for the best results.
• Can I make these donuts vegan?
  Yes! To make these Baked Apple Cider Donuts vegan, you can replace the egg with a flax egg—just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• How can I store leftover donuts?
  To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer! Just remember to coat them in cinnamon sugar right before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
  Totally! Feel free to get creative by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the batter. Just be mindful not to overfill the donut cavities, as this might cause them to overflow while baking!

Hopefully, this clears up any questions you might have! If you have more, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked up these heavenly Baked Apple Cider Donuts, you’ll want to savor every last bite! Here’s how to store any leftovers and keep them fresh:

For short-term storage, place your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about 2-3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you seal them up; this helps avoid any sogginess!

If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can grab just what you need later. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!

When you’re ready to enjoy your donuts again, here’s how to reheat them for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste:

• Microwave: Pop a donut in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm it up nicely without drying it out.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes. This method restores that lovely texture and warmth.

After reheating, you can always dip them in a bit more cinnamon sugar if you like! Enjoy your tasty treats and the cozy vibes they bring to your fall days!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your delicious Baked Apple Cider Donuts ready to enjoy, let’s talk about how to elevate your experience! These donuts are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can take them to a whole new level.

• Warm Spiced Apple Cider: There’s nothing quite like sipping on a cup of warm apple cider alongside your donuts! You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a slice of orange for that extra aromatic touch. It’s like a cozy hug in a cup!
• Freshly Brewed Coffee: A classic pairing! The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the donuts beautifully. Try a medium roast with a hint of nuttiness for the best balance.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent twist, serve your donuts with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm donuts and cold ice cream is simply heavenly—perfect for a special treat!
• Maple Syrup Drizzle: If you want to add a touch of sweetness, drizzle a little bit of warm maple syrup over your donuts. The rich, amber flavor pairs perfectly with the apple cider and cinnamon!
• Cheese Plate: For something a bit different, consider pairing your donuts with a cheese plate. Creamy brie or tangy goat cheese can be a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your mood or occasion! Whether it’s a quiet morning at home or a festive gathering with friends, these pairings will surely enhance your enjoyment of those scrumptious Baked Apple Cider Donuts. Happy indulging!

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