This delightful Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar comes together in about 30 minutes and bakes up perfectly for a quick and easy treat that your family will love! With just the right amount of sweetness and a warm blend of spices, these donuts are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack.
Ingredients Breakdown
When it comes to baking, the ingredients are key. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these scrumptious donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This gives the donuts their structure. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- 1 cup apple cider: For that rich, fall flavor! You can also use apple juice, but cider adds so much more depth.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: It works with the acidic cider to make sure the donuts are light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a couple pinches to enhance all the flavors!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Classic flavor that screams cozy!
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, nutty note.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key, and this is the base.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: For that molasses flavor and extra moisture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: This keeps the donuts moist and gives them that rich taste.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds a bit of richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a splash to amp up the flavor!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for coating: For that sugary crunch on the outside.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for coating: This is where the cinnamon sugar magic happens!
With these ingredients at your disposal, you’re set to make something absolutely delicious! Plus, the beauty of this recipe is its customizability: swap out the spices based on your preference or adjust the sugar levels!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray. This is crucial for easy donut removal later on.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure to mix well, this is the dry base of your donuts.
In another medium bowl, mix the apple cider, melted butter, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until combined. The smell of the cider with the cinnamon is already heavenly!
Now, combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring just until they’re mixed. You don’t want to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps because those will bake perfectly.
Fill the donut pan with the batter, about 3/4 full to allow for rising. If you don’t have a donut pan, muffin tins work too, though they won’t have the classic shape.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden and smell divine.
Allow them to cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan. This makes it easier to pop them out without breaking!
While those lovely donuts cool, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a small bowl.
Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, roll or dip each one into the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. The fragrance will waft through your kitchen, trust me, it’s mouthwatering!
Serve and enjoy! Whether paired with a warm drink or enjoyed solo, these donuts are bound to be a hit!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts for a different but equally delicious twist!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy mornings when you want to treat your family to something special.
Customizable
Feel free to play around with the spices; you can even add in some chopped apples or a bit of pumpkin if you’re feeling adventurous!
Comfort Food
These donuts are loaded with flavor and evoke that cozy feeling of home. Serve them with some hot cider, and you’re golden!
Meal Prep Friendly
Make a batch ahead, and enjoy them for breakfast during the week. They store beautifully and keep that wonderful flavor!
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love this recipe and your friends will too! Perfect for brunch gatherings, dinner parties, or just when you want to treat yourself.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Recipe
Enjoy these donuts warm right out of the oven! They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or warm apple cider. You can also serve them alongside a simple yogurt dip or even a smear of cream cheese frosting for a decadent dessert.
Storage
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer an even longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy again.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! These donuts freeze well. Just individually wrap each donut and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, or reheat straight from the freezer.
No matter how you choose to enjoy these donuts, you’ll find they’re a delicious addition to your baking repertoire!
Happy baking! And follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, mix the apple cider, melted butter, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until mixed.
- Fill the donut pan with the batter, about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow donuts to cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a small bowl.
- Roll or dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve and enjoy with a warm drink or on their own.