Baked Apple Cider Donuts

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, autumn beckons us to embrace its distinctive flavors, and none is more iconic than the warm, comforting taste of apple cider. The crispness in the air and the rustic charm of the season inspire a culinary adventure, inviting us to bake treats that capture the essence of fall. Among these delightful creations, Autumn Bliss Baked Apple Cider Donuts stand out as a perfect embodiment of the season's joy.

Indulge in the essence of fall with Autumn Bliss Baked Apple Cider Donuts. These delightful treats capture the cozy spirit of the season, combining the robust flavors of apple cider with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, dressed in cinnamon sugar or drizzled with glaze, perfect for seasonal gatherings or a comforting snack with tea. Experience the joy of baking these moist, tender donuts and embrace autumn's sweet flavors!

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Ingredients

1 cup apple cider

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup powdered sugar (for optional coating)

Extra cinnamon sugar for optional topping

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a donut pan by greasing it either with a non-stick cooking spray or a light coat of oil to prevent sticking.

Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, add the apple cider and heat over medium until it reaches a boiling point. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it reduces to approximately 1/2 cup. Set it aside to cool slightly as you prepare the donut batter.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices. Set the dry mixture aside.

Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and egg until well blended. Add in the applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the previously reduced apple cider, mixing until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Gently fold the two mixtures together using a spatula, being cautious not to overmix. Stop mixing when the batter is just combined; it should be thick but smooth.

Fill the Donut Pan: To fill the donut pan, you can use a piping bag for ease, or simply place the batter in a ziplock bag and snip a corner off. Fill each donut mold about halfway with the batter.

Bake: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.

Cool and Coat: Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for approximately 5 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an added treat, optionally coat them in powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar once they have cooled slightly for a delightful finish.

Serve and Enjoy: These delightful apple cider donuts are best enjoyed while warm. Pair them with a steaming cup of apple cider or your favorite hot beverage for a perfect autumn experience!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | Makes 12 donuts