Baked Apple Cider Donuts – Cozy Fall Cake Recipe

Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake) are the ultimate cozy treat, a delightful fusion that captures the very essence of autumn in every bite. Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of spiced apples and cinnamon wafting from your oven, transforming your kitchen into a haven of fall goodness. What’s not to love about these delectable rings of joy? They offer all the nostalgic charm of a classic donut, but with the lighter, cake-like texture that makes them feel a little more wholesome, and decidedly less guilt-inducing. We’ve taken the beloved flavors of crisp apple cider and infused them into a tender cake batter, then baked them to golden perfection. This recipe for Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake) is so incredibly easy, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone you share them with!

Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake)

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of cinnamon and apples baking, and these baked apple cider donuts capture that essence perfectly. Forget the mess and the oil of traditional fried donuts; these cake-like beauties are baked to a tender, flavorful perfection. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy the cozy flavors of fall, any time of year. The secret to their rich apple flavor lies in reducing the apple cider, concentrating its sweetness and essence into a delightful syrup that infuses every bite. This recipe is surprisingly easy, making it perfect for a weekend baking project or even a special breakfast treat.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups Apple cider
• 1 Egg (Large)
• 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup Brown sugar
• 3 tbsp Butter (Unsalted, Melted, Can also use melted coconut oil)
• 1/2 cup Milk (Whole or 2%)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg powder
• 1/8 tsp Cardamom powder
• 1 cup Granulated sugar (for topping)
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder (for topping)

Cooking Instructions

The journey to these delectable baked apple cider donuts begins with preparing a concentrated apple cider syrup. This step is crucial for intensifying the apple flavor and ensuring a moist donut.

Step 1: Reducing the Apple Cider

In a medium saucepan, pour the 1.5 cups of apple cider. Place it over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. You want to let it reduce by about half, which will take approximately 15-20 minutes. The cider will thicken slightly and become more syrupy. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Once it has reduced to about 3/4 cup, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. This concentrated cider will be the flavor powerhouse of your donuts.

Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

While the apple cider reduction is cooling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your donut pans thoroughly, or spray them with a non-stick baking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the large egg, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup brown sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy. This creaming process helps to incorporate air, contributing to a lighter texture in the final donut. Next, gently whisk in the melted unsalted butter (or coconut oil), followed by the milk and the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combining the Dry Ingredients and Forming the Dough

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, and cardamom powder. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. Finally, pour in the slightly cooled, reduced apple cider syrup and gently fold it into the batter until it’s just incorporated. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 4: Filling the Donut Pans and Baking

Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This allows room for the donuts to puff up as they bake. Using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off makes this step much cleaner and easier. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your donut cavities. Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pans for a few minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Finishing

While the donuts are cooling on the wire rack, prepare the irresistible cinnamon sugar topping. In a shallow dish or a small bowl, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar with the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Stir well to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. Once the donuts have cooled enough to handle, but are still slightly warm, gently dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides. You can also sprinkle the topping over them if you prefer. The warmth of the donut will help the sugar mixture adhere beautifully. These baked apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh, perhaps with a warm cup of coffee or tea, and they are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Conclusion:

There you have it! These Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake) are an absolute triumph, offering all the comforting flavors of fall without the fuss of frying. The moist, tender cake base infused with rich apple cider and warm spices is a truly delightful treat. They’re surprisingly simple to whip up, making them perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. I know you’ll love them! Imagine these warm, fragrant donuts paired with a steaming mug of coffee or a creamy glass of milk – pure bliss. For serving, a dusting of cinnamon sugar is classic, but you could also opt for a simple vanilla glaze or a drizzle of caramel. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the batter or some chopped pecans for an extra textural element. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful way to embrace the cozy season. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Absolutely! These baked apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they do store well. Once completely cooled, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.

What kind of apple cider should I use?

For the best flavor, I recommend using good quality, unfiltered apple cider. This will give your donuts a more intense apple flavor and a richer color. You can often find this at local farmer’s markets or in the refrigerated section of your grocery store during apple season. Avoid apple juice, as it’s typically too sweet and lacks the depth of flavor that apple cider provides.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake)

Delicious and easy baked apple cider donuts with a spiced cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for a fall treat or any time of year.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
12 donuts

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Apple cider
• 1 Egg (Large)
• 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup Brown sugar
• 3 tbsp Butter (Unsalted, Melted)
• 1/2 cup Milk (Whole or 2%)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg powder
• 1/8 tsp Cardamom powder
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a donut pan or line with non-stick spray.
2. Step 2
   In a large bowl, whisk together the apple cider, egg, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Step 3
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, and cardamom powder.
4. Step 4
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Step 5
   Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
6. Step 6
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7
   While the donuts are baking, in a shallow dish, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon powder for the topping.
8. Step 8
   Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still warm, dip or brush each donut with melted butter (optional) and then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.