Can I freeze apple cider donuts?

Absolutely! Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight freezer bag for up to 1 month. Pro tip: freeze them before adding the cinnamon sugar coating, then refresh in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes and coat when warm. The texture stays perfect – just like fresh from the oven!

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

Oh sweetie, don't do it! Apple cider has that deep, rich flavor from pressed apples (skin and all!), while juice is filtered and pasteurized – it just won't give you the same autumnal punch. If you're in a pinch, reduce the juice by half first to concentrate flavor, but honestly? Wait until you get real fermented cider – your taste buds will thank you.

How should I store leftovers?

Pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cinnamon sugar might lose its crunch, but a quick 10-second microwave zap brings back that fresh-baked magic! Want them crisp? A minute in the toaster oven works wonders too.

Why are my donuts dense instead of fluffy?

Two likely culprits: overmixing the batter (always fold gently!) or expired leaveners. Check those baking powder/soda dates! Also make sure you're measuring flour correctly – spoon it into cups and level off, no packing! Done right, these baked donuts should be tender with just the right chew.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You bet! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend (I like King Arthur's). The texture changes slightly – they're more delicate – but that warm apple spice flavor still shines through beautifully. Perfect for gluten-free brunch boards !

Irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donuts in 7 Easy Steps

Apple Cider Donuts

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Nostalgic cinnamon-sugar coated donuts with strong apple spice, baked with reduced cider for an easy fall treat.

Author: Sophia Collins
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 12 min
Total Time: 27 min
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 tbsp cinnamon (for coating)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a donut pan.
Simmer apple cider in a saucepan until reduced to 1/2 cup. Let cool.
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and reduced cider.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
Pipe or spoon batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity 3/4 full.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly.
Mix sugar and cinnamon for coating. Dip warm donuts in the mixture.

Notes

Use a piping bag for even donut shapes.
For extra flavor, brush donuts with melted butter before coating.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 180
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/baked-apple-cider-donuts-recipe/