Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Baked apple cider donuts are particularly popular in the fall, especially during apple-picking season. They capture the essence of autumn with warm spices and fruity undertones, making them a comforting treat that pairs well with a cup of hot cider or coffee. These were so delicious!
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
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Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 cup apple cider reduced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- pinch ground nutmeg
- pinch ground cloves
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp remaining reduced cider
Instructions
- Reduce the apple cider: In the microwave in a 2-cup glass measuring cup or bowl covered in plastic wrap or wax paper, heat cider on high for 8-10 minutes until reduced to 1/2 cup. Or, the stove, heat the apple cider over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a gentle boil. Continue to simmer, stirring every minute or two, until it is reduced by about half, around 10 minutes.
- Once cider is reduced, whisk in the butter until it is melted and combined, and set mixture aside for a few minutes to cool. You need 1/2 cup of this reduced cider/butter mixture for the donuts, and 2 Tablespoons for the glaze.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the reduced cider/butter mixture, sugar, egg, yogurt, and vanilla until well-combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking soda and baking powder.
- Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Spoon the batter into the donut cavities, or use a piping bag. Fill cavities 2/3 of the way full.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until risen and browned on the edges.. Set aside to cool for 2-3 minutes, then remove to a wire rack set over parchment paper or a baking sheet.
For Topping
- While the donuts are baking, melt 3 Tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. Whisk in the remaining 2 Tbsp of reduced cider/butter mixture from the beginning of the recipe. In another similar-sized bowl, whisk together sugar and cinnamon.
- Dip one side of the warm donuts into the butter/cider mixture, then into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Why reduce the apple cider in the donuts?
Reducing cider increases sweetness, as the sugars in the liquid become more concentrated. This natural sweetness can enhance the overall flavor of baked goods without the need for extra sugar. The concentrated sweetness from reduced cider complements the recipe’s flavor profile.
Moreover, reducing apple cider decreases the liquid content. This is useful in recipes where excessive liquid could negatively affect the texture. The reduced cider adds moisture without making the batter overly wet, which keeps the baked apple cider donuts at the right consistency.
In fall recipes that showcase seasonal apple flavors, reducing cider intensifies the apple essence.
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