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Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Warm, fluffy, and dusted in cinnamon sugar, baked apple cider donuts are like biting into a cozy autumn day—sweet, spiced, and absolutely irresistible
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Prep Time:45 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Servings: 14 donuts

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp apple pie spice* see blog post
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp melted unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp apple pie spice* see blog post
  • 6 Tbsp melted unsalted butter

Instructions

Reduce Apple Cider

  • Simmer the apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat while stirring occasionally until you’re left with about 1/2 cup. Mine takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray donut pan with ghee non-stick spray and set aside.

Donuts

  • Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt together in a large bowl then set aside.
  • Whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together. Pour into the dry ingredients, add the reduced apple cider, and whisk everything together until smooth and combined...will be slightly thick.
  • Spoon the batter into the donut pan. I recommend using a large zipped-top bag. Cut a corner off the bottom of the bag and pipe the batter into each donut cup, filling about halfway to the top.
  • Bake for 10-11 minutes or until the edges and tops are lightly browned. You will know when they are done when you poke your finger on the top of the donut. If the donut bounces back, they’re done.
  • Cool donuts for 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack while you bake the rest of the batter.
  • Next, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice together in a medium bowl and set aside
  • Melt the butter in another bowl.
  • Once cool enough to handle, roll each donut in the melted butter, then generously in the apple spice topping.
  • Donuts are best served immediately.
  • Leftovers will keep well covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Enjoy on their own or top with some vanilla ice cream!

Notes

*See blog post for the Apple Pie Spice recipe