Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake)

Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake) are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. These soft, moist, and tender donuts are infused with rich apple cider flavor and coated in spiced cinnamon sugar. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, this easy recipe can be whipped up in about 30 minutes. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create a cake-like texture that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor: The unique combination of apple cider and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg makes these donuts irresistibly flavorful.
• Versatile Snack: Enjoy them at breakfast, as a dessert, or even as an afternoon snack with your favorite beverage.
• Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch with simple ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re serving your family and friends.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 16 servings, these donuts are great for sharing at parties or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will make the process easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Greased donut pan
• Piping bag (optional)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick saucepan: This ensures that the apple cider reduces without sticking, creating a thick syrup easily.
• Greased donut pan: A must-have for baking donuts; it helps achieve that classic donut shape while preventing sticking.
• Piping bag: Using one makes filling the donut pan cleaner and more precise.

Ingredients

Easy baked apple cider donuts recipe, homemade with simple ingredients in about 30 minutes. Coated in spiced cinnamon sugar. Soft, moist and tender with a cake-like texture.

For the Donuts

• 1.5 cups Apple cider
• 1 Egg (Large)
• 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup Brown sugar
• 3 tbsp Butter (Unsalted, Melted)
• 1/2 cup Milk (Whole or 2%)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg powder
• 1/8 tsp Cardamom powder

For the Coating

• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tsp Nutmeg powder
• 1/2 tsp Cardamom powder
• 1/2 cup Butter (Unsalted, Melted)

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake)

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour cider in a nonstick saucepan and cook over medium heat without lid until it’s reduced to 1/3 cup. It will become a thick syrup. Keep aside and allow it to cool down.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Keep aside.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, and cardamom powder.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Dump this dry mixture into the wet mixture along with the reduced apple cider. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing!

Step 5: Prepare the Donut Pan

Pour batter into a greased donut pan until halfway full. Tip: Use a piping bag to fill the donut pan for ease.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow the donuts to cool down for 5 minutes at room temperature before removing them from the pan.

Step 8: Prepare Coating

While cooling, mix together sugar, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, and cardamom powder in a wide bowl.

Step 9: Coat Donuts

Brush melted butter all over each donut and roll them in the bowl of sugar until fully coated.

Step 10: Serve

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Baked Apple Cider Donuts!

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake)

Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a cozy breakfast gathering or an afternoon snack, these donuts can be paired perfectly with different accompaniments.

With Coffee

• Pairing your donuts with a hot cup of coffee enhances their flavor. The rich taste of coffee complements the sweetness of the donuts beautifully.

With Hot Chocolate

• For a cozy treat, serve the donuts alongside a warm mug of hot chocolate. The melted chocolate and spices will make for a comforting combination.

With Whipped Cream

• Drizzling some whipped cream over the donuts adds an extra layer of creaminess. This is especially delightful for those who enjoy richer desserts.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh apples or pears for a refreshing contrast. This adds natural sweetness and makes the dish feel lighter.

With Ice Cream

• Consider serving these donuts warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The heat from the donut will slightly melt the ice cream, creating a delicious mix.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• For an elegant presentation, simply dust your baked apple cider donuts with powdered sugar right before serving. This adds visual appeal and extra sweetness.

How to Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake)

To ensure your Baked Apple Cider Donuts come out perfect every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use Fresh Apple Cider: Fresh cider enhances the flavor significantly. Avoid using processed cider for the best results.
• Don’t Over-Mix: Mixing too much can lead to dense donuts. Stir until just combined to maintain a light texture.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements for both wet and dry ingredients. This ensures consistent results every time you bake.
• Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfect results.
• Cool Before Coating: Allow your donuts to cool slightly before coating them in sugar. This helps the sugar stick better and creates a delightful crust.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake)

Baked Apple Cider Donuts are versatile enough to be served with various side dishes that enhance their flavors and textures. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or cheddar pairs well with sweet donuts, adding savory notes to each bite.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a nutritious side that complements the sweetness of the donuts while adding texture.
3. Maple Syrup Dipping Sauce: A small bowl of warm maple syrup makes for an indulgent dipping option that elevates each bite of donut.
4. Granola Bars: Serving homemade granola bars offers crunchiness and balances out the soft texture of the apple cider donuts.
5. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide freshness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile when enjoyed alongside the sweet treats.
6. Scones: Pairing these donuts with freshly baked scones creates a delightful brunch spread perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
7. Honey Butter: A small dish of honey butter spread can add richness and sweetness, creating an irresistible topping for each donut slice.
8. Chai Tea: Serve these donuts with chai tea to bring out their spices, creating a warm and comforting experience that’s perfect for chilly mornings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
• Skipping the reduced cider: The concentrated flavor of reduced apple cider is essential. Always reduce your cider before adding it to the batter.
• Not greasing the pan: Donuts may stick if the pan isn’t greased properly. Use cooking spray or melted butter for easy removal.
• Ignoring baking time: Baking too long can dry out your donuts. Keep an eye on them and check with a toothpick.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can affect the batter’s mixability. Let your ingredients come to room temperature for the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake) in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake)

• Freeze donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet first.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake)

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm. This keeps them soft.
• Microwave: Heat for about 10-15 seconds per donut. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ensure my Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake) are fluffy?

To keep your donuts fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter and ensure your leavening agents are fresh.

Can I use different spices in my Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake)?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon or nutmeg based on your preference.

What should I do if my donuts stick to the pan?

If your donuts stick, try using more grease next time or consider using silicone donut pans which reduce sticking.

How long do Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake) stay fresh?

Stored properly, these donuts last up to 3 days at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Cake) are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Their soft, moist texture combines perfectly with spiced cinnamon sugar. Experiment with toppings or flavors like caramel or chocolate glaze for extra fun. Give this recipe a try and enjoy customizing it to suit your taste!