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Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

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Delight in the warm, cozy flavors of these Baked Apple Cider Donuts. Infused with spiced apple cider and fragrant spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, these cake-style donuts offer a tender texture and are perfectly complemented by a sweet spiced sugar topping. Baked, not fried, they provide a lighter twist on a classic treat, ideal for autumn breakfasts or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Donut Batter

  • 1.5 cups Apple cider
  • 1 Large Egg
  • ⅓ cup Granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup Brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted (can substitute with melted coconut oil)
  • ½ cup Milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1¾ cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon Cardamom powder

Spiced Sugar Topping

  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder
  • ½ teaspoon Nutmeg powder
  • ½ teaspoon Cardamom powder
  • ½ cup Unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour 1.5 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it concentrates and reduces to about ½ cup, intensifying the apple flavor. Allow to cool before use.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled reduced apple cider, egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter (or coconut oil), milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom powders to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
  4. Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, cake-like texture.
  5. Prepare the Donut Pan: Lightly grease a donut baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Spoon the batter evenly into each cavity, filling about ¾ full to allow expansion while baking.
  6. Bake the Donuts: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the donuts for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the donuts are lightly golden.
  7. Cool Slightly: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before applying the topping.
  8. Make the Spiced Sugar Topping: In a shallow bowl, mix granulated sugar with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom powders. Brush each donut generously with melted butter, then dip or sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture evenly over the donuts.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these baked apple cider donuts warm or at room temperature with coffee or cider for a delightful treat.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with melted coconut oil and use plant-based milk.
  • The apple cider reduction step is essential for a concentrated apple flavor and to avoid excess liquid in the batter.
  • Ensure not to overfill the donut molds to prevent overflow while baking.
  • These donuts keep well in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat briefly before serving.
  • You can omit the spiced sugar topping for a lighter version or dust with powdered sugar instead.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/baked-apple-cider-donuts-recipe/