Baked Apple Cider Donuts

The Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful treat perfect for fall. With their moist texture and warm spices, they bring the essence of autumn right into your kitchen. These donuts are not just delicious; they are also healthier than traditional recipes, using whole wheat pastry flour and natural sweeteners. Enjoy them as a breakfast option, a snack for gatherings, or a cozy dessert after dinner. Their unique flavors will make them a favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Option: Made with whole wheat pastry flour and coconut sugar, these donuts offer a guilt-free indulgence.
• Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time!
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of apple cider and cinnamon makes these donuts perfect for fall but enjoyable year-round.
• Easy to Store: They can be kept fresh in an airtight container for several days, ideal for meal prep.
• Fun to Make: Baking these donuts is a fun activity for the whole family!

Tools and Preparation

To create the best baked apple cider donuts, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you will need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut pans (6-cavity)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking spray
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pans: These special pans give your donuts their classic shape and help them bake evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients ensures proper mixing and better results.
• Whisk: A whisk allows you to combine ingredients smoothly without lumps.

Ingredients

The perfect fall treat, these baked apple cider donuts are made healthier with whole wheat pastry flour, coconut sugar, Greek yogurt, and coconut oil.

For the Donuts

• ½ cup apple cider (not vinegar)
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 ¾ cups whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 Tablespoons melted coconut oil
• 1 egg

For the Coating

• 1 Tablespoon melted coconut oil
• ½ cup organic cane sugar
• ½ Tablespoon cinnamon

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough when you place your donuts in.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt.
2. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the apple cider, applesauce, coconut sugar, Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, and egg until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture:
1. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the donuts light.

Step 5: Fill Donut Pans

Spray two (6-cavity) donut pans with cooking spray:
1. Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each cavity evenly with batter.

Step 6: Bake Donuts

Bake for 6-8 minutes:
1. Check if they spring back when lightly pressed.
2. Allow cooling in the pan for about 2 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While donuts bake:
1. Mix together organic cane sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

Step 8: Coat Each Donut

Once cooled slightly:
1. Brush each donut with melted coconut oil on both sides.
2. Dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 9: Enjoy!

These donuts are best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a microwave or toaster oven as desired!

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Baked apple cider donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these suggestions will elevate your donut experience.

With Coffee

• Pair your donuts with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting morning ritual.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• A light drizzle of maple syrup adds sweetness and enhances the fall flavor profile.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Adding a dollop of whipped cream creates a decadent dessert-like experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of crisp apples or pears to balance the sweetness and add freshness.

On a Breakfast Platter

• Combine with yogurt, fresh fruit, and nuts for a wholesome breakfast spread.

With Ice Cream

• For an indulgent treat, serve warm donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts

To ensure your baked apple cider donuts turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both the texture and flavor of your treats.

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh cider will provide the best flavor. Avoid using vinegar as it alters the taste.

• Measure accurately: Ensure you measure flour and other ingredients correctly for consistent results.

• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.

• Check doneness early: Ovens vary; check your donuts at 6 minutes to avoid overbaking.

• Cool properly: Let them cool for at least 2 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack for even cooling.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Baked apple cider donuts can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance their deliciousness. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Greek Yogurt: A creamy addition that pairs well with the sweetness of the donuts while adding protein.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and complements the rich flavors of the donuts.

3. Cheese Platter: Include slices of sharp cheddar or creamy brie to balance out the sweetness of the donuts.

4. Oatmeal: A hearty bowl of oatmeal can make for a filling breakfast when served alongside these delightful treats.

5. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite enhances the autumn vibe while providing a warm beverage option.

6. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea complement the cinnamon in the donuts beautifully.

7. Nut Butter Dip: Serve almond or peanut butter as a dip for added creaminess and protein boost.

8. Granola Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit to create a satisfying parfait that pairs nicely with the baked apple cider donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making baked apple cider donuts can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can affect your results. Here are some tips to ensure your donuts turn out perfectly.

• Using the wrong flour: Whole-wheat pastry flour is key for these donuts. Using all-purpose flour may yield a denser texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is precise. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy to avoid too dry or too wet batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough donuts. Stir until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing donuts to cool slightly before coating helps the cinnamon sugar stick better.
• Not storing correctly: Leaving donuts uncovered will dry them out. Use an airtight container for freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked apple cider donuts in an airtight container.
• They stay fresh for up to 2-3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Baked Apple Cider Donuts

• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Baked Apple Cider Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually on high for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making baked apple cider donuts.

What makes Baked Apple Cider Donuts healthier?

Baked apple cider donuts use whole-wheat pastry flour, coconut sugar, and Greek yogurt instead of traditional ingredients, making them lighter and more nutritious.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Baked Apple Cider Donuts recipe?

Yes! You can swap coconut oil with melted butter or use other sweeteners like maple syrup in moderation.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Baked Apple Cider Donuts?

Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger can elevate the flavor profile. You could also mix in chopped apples or nuts for extra texture.

How should I serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts?

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be served with coffee or tea as a delightful breakfast or snack option.

Final Thoughts

Baked apple cider donuts are an amazing fall treat that combines comfort with health. The use of wholesome ingredients allows you to indulge without guilt. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or drizzling with icing for extra sweetness. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!