Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup apple cider
• 2 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 0.75 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp apple pie spice
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 0.5 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup milk (at room temperature)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.75 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.75 tsp apple pie spice
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, for coating)

Steps

1. 1

   Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 1/2 cup (120 ml). Begin checking at 10 minutes and continue checking every 5 minutes; the source reports about 20 minutes. Leave any spices or solids on top in the reduction. Set it aside to cool for 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a donut pan with nonstick spray and set it aside.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, and salt. Set aside.

4. 4

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

5. 5

   Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the cooled cider reduction and whisk until smooth and combined; the batter will be slightly thick.

6. 6

   Spoon the batter into the donut-pan cavities, filling each about halfway. For easier piping, transfer the batter to a large zip-top bag, snip off one corner, and pipe into the cavities.

7. 7

   Bake for 10–11 minutes, until the edges and tops are lightly browned. Test a donut by gently poking the top; it is done when it springs back.

8. 8

   Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

9. 9

   Grease the pan again and bake the remaining batter, repeating the filling, baking, and cooling process.

10. 10

    In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice.

11. 11

    When the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip both sides of each one in the melted butter, then coat generously in the spiced sugar mixture.

12. 12

    Serve immediately for best results. Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

The cider reduction can be prepared the night before to save cooling time. Yield is stated as 12–14 donuts.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• baked
• fall
• cinnamon
• vegetarian