Craving a taste of autumn? These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a healthy apple dessert idea perfect for a cozy treat without the guilt. You’ll love how simple they are to make, and your kitchen will smell amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apple Cider: Use real apple cider, not apple juice, for the best flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat pastry flour can be used for a slightly healthier option.
- Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple sugar can be substituted.
- Apple Pie Spice: If you don’t have this, use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: This keeps the donuts moist and reduces the need for extra fat.
- Melted Butter: Coconut oil works well as a dairy-free alternative.
Ingredients:
Donuts:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Tools Needed: Donut pan, mixing bowls, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures your healthy apple dessert ideas bake beautifully.
2. Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook until it has reduced to about ½ cup. This concentrates the apple flavor. Let it cool slightly.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, apple pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the unsweetened applesauce, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider. Combine these until they are well mixed.
5. Gently Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined; do not overmix, as this can make your donuts tough. A few small lumps are fine.
6. Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
7. Bake Your Donuts
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when gently touched. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
8. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the donuts are still warm, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping in a shallow dish. Dip each donut generously into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides. This creates a delicious finish for your healthy apple dessert ideas.
Variation Ideas:
- Maple Glaze: Instead of cinnamon sugar, whisk powdered sugar with a little maple syrup and a splash of milk for a simple glaze.
- Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture.
- Pumpkin Spice: Swap out apple pie spice for pumpkin pie spice for a different autumn flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Baked Apple Cider Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For best results, you can lightly warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to bring back their fresh-baked goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Do I need a donut pan?
Yes, a donut pan is essential for achieving the donut shape.
Can I use fresh apple cider?
Absolutely, using fresh, unfiltered apple cider will give the best flavor.
Can I freeze these donuts?
You can freeze baked donuts without the topping for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and then add the topping.
How do I know if the apple cider is reduced enough?
It should be visibly thicker and darker, measuring about ½ cup.
Are these donuts very sweet?
They have a moderate sweetness that complements the apple flavor perfectly.
