Easy Baked Apple Cider Donuts

$To make these easy baked apple cider donuts, gather the following ingredients: - 1 cup apple cider - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - ¾ cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract - ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional) You can make simple swaps if you need to. Here are some easy substitutions: - Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a richer taste. - Swap the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. - Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor. - Replace unsweetened applesauce with mashed banana for a unique twist. Baking requires precise measurements. Here are some helpful conversions: - 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces - 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons - 1 teaspoon = 4.9 milliliters - 1 pound = 16 ounces These conversions will help you measure ingredients correctly. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the donuts bake evenly. While the oven heats up, take out your donut pan and lightly grease it. This step keeps the donuts from sticking. You can use cooking spray or a little vegetable oil. Make sure to coat each donut cavity well. Next, grab a small saucepan and pour in 1 cup of apple cider. Place it over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. You want the cider to reduce to about ½ cup. This makes the flavor stronger. After it reduces, set it aside to cool before using it in the batter. Now, let’s mix the dry and wet ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and 1 large egg. Whisk them together until they blend well. Then, add the cooled apple cider, ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the sugar and egg mix. Stir everything until it’s smooth. Now, slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your donuts may end up tough. This process creates a smooth batter that is ready for baking. For the next step, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a snipped corner to fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full with the batter. Once you have your batter in the pan, you are ready to bake. To get soft and fluffy donuts, start with room-temperature ingredients. Cold eggs or applesauce can lead to a dense texture. Make sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can cause the donuts to be tough. Fill the donut pan only two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Use a non-stick donut pan to help the donuts come out easily. Preheating the oven is key. It ensures the donuts bake evenly. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes. Every oven is different, so check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they're ready. For a fun touch, dust the cooled donuts with powdered sugar. You can also drizzle them with caramel sauce. Arrange the donuts on a plate with fresh apple slices for a pretty display. This adds color and freshness. For an extra kick, try adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy your Easy Baked Apple Cider Donuts! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your baked apple cider donuts easily. Try adding spices like ginger or cloves for a warm touch. You can also mix in nuts, like chopped walnuts or pecans, for a nice crunch. Dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, adds sweetness and texture. Experimenting is fun, so let your taste guide you! The glaze can make a huge difference. A simple vanilla glaze is easy. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk and vanilla. Drizzle it over the donuts once they cool. You can also roll them in cinnamon sugar for a classic taste. If you want something richer, try a cream cheese frosting. It pairs wonderfully with the apple flavor. Making these donuts gluten-free is easy. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce. Use plant-based milk and oil, too. These swaps keep the donuts soft and delicious. You won’t miss the traditional ingredients at all! For the full recipe, check out the Easy Baked Apple Cider Donuts. To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the container with paper towels. This helps absorb moisture. Place the donuts in a single layer. If you need to stack them, add more paper towels between layers. This keeps them soft and prevents sticking. You can freeze these donuts for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They can stay fresh for up to three months. To reheat, take a donut out and let it thaw at room temperature. You can warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This makes them soft and tasty again. These donuts taste best when fresh. They can last for about 2-3 days at room temperature. After that, they may dry out. If you see any signs of mold or a change in smell, it's best to discard them. Enjoy your Easy Baked Apple Cider Donuts as soon as you can for the best flavor and texture! For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. These donuts are baked in the oven, not fried in oil. Baking gives them a soft texture. It also makes them a bit lighter than fried donuts. You can enjoy them without the extra oil. Plus, baking is easier and safer. You just pour the batter into a pan and let the oven do the work. Yes, store-bought apple cider works great for these donuts. It saves time and still gives a rich flavor. Look for a brand with no added sugars or chemicals. This keeps the taste natural. Homemade cider is lovely, but store-bought is a quick and easy option. To make fluffy donuts, don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients blend together. Also, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. They help the donuts rise. Finally, bake them at the right temperature for the right time. Check with a toothpick to see if they’re done. This will help you get that perfect soft bite. For the full recipe, check the provided details! This article covered all you need to know to make delicious baked donuts. We explored the essential ingredients, common substitutions, and how to measure accurately. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you from oven prep to mixing. Plus, we discussed tips to perfect the donut texture and creative ways to decorate. You can easily adapt the recipe with flavor variations and store your treats properly. With these insights, you’ll bake donuts that impress everyone. Enjoy your baking journey and the tasty results!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of easy baked apple cider donuts that are perfect for any occasion! With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, these fluffy treats will fill your home with an irresistible aroma. Follow the step-by-step guide to whip up a dozen delightful donuts, and give them a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy baking these cozy delights today!

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Ingredients

1 cup apple cider

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.

In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reduces to about ½ cup (approximately 10-15 minutes). Set aside to cool.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

In another large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and egg, whisking until well combined.

To the sugar and egg mixture, add the reduced apple cider, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined; do not overmix.

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full with the batter.

Bake the donuts for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

If desired, dust the cooled donuts with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the donuts on a decorative plate, drizzled with an optional caramel sauce for an extra flavor boost, and serve with fresh apple slices on the side.