Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Autumn apple season is here and I love baking Apple Cider Donuts with rich apple cider flavor and a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Since they are baked instead of fried, they are a lighter treat I can enjoy and happily share with the kids.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1First, in a small saucepan, over high heat, bring the apple cider up to a boil. Boil it for about a minute, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until reduced to 1/2 cup; this will take about 15-20 minutes.
2. 2The cider will thicken a little bit and it will get slightly deeper in color. After that, let the cider cool completely before using it.
3. 3Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
4. 4Grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
5. 5Next, in a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg, and set it aside.
6. 6In another bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup reduced apple cider, milk, brown sugar, white sugar, egg, butter, and vanilla extract.
7. 7After that, add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined.
8. 8Transfer the batter to a large zip-top bag. Cut off about 1/2 inch off one of the bottom corners and pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, so each hole is about 1/2 full.
9. 9Bake for 8-10 minutes until they are cooked through. You can stick a toothpick into the center of the donut, and if it comes out clean, they are done. Place the donuts onto a cooling rack.
10. 10--- Topping: ---
11. 11In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
12. 12Brush the donuts on both sides with the melted butter.
13. 13Roll them into the cinnamon mixture, so all sides are covered. Repeat this with each donut. Serve and enjoy!