Description

Apple Cider Donuts are baked donuts made with reduced apple cider, warm spices like cinnamon and apple pie spice, and coated in a sweet spiced sugar topping. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday brunches, or cozy weekend snacks. Easily made gluten-free or vegan.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

– 1½ cups apple cider (reduced to ⅓ cup)

– 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)

– 1 tsp baking soda

– ¾ tsp baking powder

– 1 tsp ground cinnamon

– 1 tsp apple pie spice

– ¼ tsp salt

– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter substitute)

– 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water)

– ½ cup brown sugar

– ½ cup granulated sugar

– ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based for vegan)

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Coating:

– 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter substitute)

– ½ cup granulated sugar

– 1 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a donut pan or muffin pan with non-stick spray.
In a saucepan over medium heat, reduce 1½ cups apple cider to ⅓ cup by simmering until thickened. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt.
In another bowl, mix melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended; do not overmix.
Spoon the batter into a zipped-top bag, snip the corner, and pipe into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity halfway.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let the donuts cool slightly, then dip each donut in melted butter and coat with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

– Reduce apple cider: This step concentrates the flavor, making the donuts more flavorful.

– Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

– Vegan option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).

– Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore texture; avoid microwaving.

– Customizations: Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or drizzle with caramel or powdered sugar glaze for variety.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert / Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American / Fall-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut (1/12 of recipe)
Calories: ~200
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg