As the weather cools and the leaves start to change, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of spiced apple cider to usher in the fall season. These Spiced Apple Cider Donuts capture that cozy feeling in a delicious, easy-to-make treat. Bursting with the flavors of apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these donuts are perfect for a cozy morning with a hot cup of coffee or as a sweet snack after a day of apple picking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of Fall Flavors: The combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg gives these donuts a warm, spicy flavor that’s perfect for autumn.
- Baked, Not Fried: These donuts are baked instead of fried, making them a lighter, healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick prep time, you can whip up these donuts in no time.
Ingredients
For the donuts:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the cinnamon-sugar coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider: Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the cider is reduced to about 1/4 cup. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, milk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and the reduced apple cider.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner cut off, and pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the donuts spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool the Donuts: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Brush each donut lightly with the melted butter, then dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating them evenly.
- Serve: Enjoy the donuts warm, or let them cool completely before serving. They’re delicious on their own or with a cup of warm apple cider or coffee.
Tips and Variations
- Make Mini Donuts: If you have a mini donut pan, reduce the baking time to 8-10 minutes for a bite-sized treat.
- Try Apple Cider Glaze: For an extra burst of apple flavor, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider to create a simple glaze, and drizzle it over the donuts.
- Add a Streusel Topping: For added texture, sprinkle a cinnamon streusel topping on the donuts before baking. Mix 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and sprinkle over the batter in the donut pan.
Storing the Donuts
- Store: Keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and recoat with cinnamon-sugar if desired.
These Spiced Apple Cider Donuts are the ultimate fall treat, capturing the essence of the season in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or sharing them with friends and family, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. Give them a try, and embrace the flavors of autumn!