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Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts

Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts

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Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with these Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts. Soft and fluffy, each bite is infused with rich apple cider and aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making them the perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon treat. These delightful donuts are baked instead of fried, offering a healthier twist without compromising on flavor. Ideal for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations, they can be easily customized with grated apples or your favorite spices. Enjoy a sweet taste of autumn anytime!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh apple cider
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cake flour (or more all-purpose if needed)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • Pinch of allspice
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup buttermilk (room temp)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1 tbsp grated apple for extra moisture and apple flavor
  • 3 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan. Let it gently simmer over medium heat until it reduces to about ⅓ cup — this should take around 15–20 minutes. Set it aside to cool.
  2. In a separate small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it foams and turns a rich golden brown with a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly before using.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together: all-purpose flour, cake flour (if using), baking soda, baking powder, fine sea salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
  5. In a large bowl, combine: browned butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, cooled cider reduction, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. If you’re using grated apple for added moisture and flavor, stir that in now.
  6. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your batter thick yet smooth.
  7. Transfer your batter into a piping bag (or use a zip-top bag with one corner snipped). Pipe into each donut cavity until filled about two-thirds full. Bake for 10–12 minutes until they spring back lightly when touched.
  8. While still warm, brush each donut with melted butter then toss them in cinnamon sugar until fully coated. Enjoy your delightful Spiced Apple Cider Baked Donuts!

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