Baked Apple Cider Donuts

The perfect fall treat, Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the season. These light and fluffy donuts combine the natural sweetness of apple cider with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat pastry flour and Greek yogurt. Ideal for breakfast or as a snack, these donuts are quick to make and sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Ingredients: Made with whole wheat pastry flour and coconut sugar, these donuts offer a nutritious twist on a classic treat.
• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have warm donuts ready in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of apple cider and cinnamon creates a comforting flavor that is perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy mornings.
• Easy to Make: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal equipment.
• Deliciously Sweet Coating: A simple cinnamon-sugar topping adds an irresistible crunch to each bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut pans (two 6-cavity)
• Mixing bowls (medium size)
• Whisk
• Cooking spray
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pans: These create the perfect shape for your baked apple cider donuts, ensuring they come out beautifully formed.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your dry and wet ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: A handy tool for mixing ingredients thoroughly, which helps achieve a smooth batter.

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. This ensures that your donuts bake evenly and rise perfectly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Add whole-wheat pastry flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt.
2. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the apple cider, applesauce, coconut sugar, Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, and the egg.
2. Ensure all components are blended smoothly.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

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

Step 5: Prepare Donut Pans

Spray two (6-cavity) donut pans with cooking spray:
1. Spoon or pipe batter evenly into all cavities.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Bake in preheated oven for 6-8 minutes:
1. The donuts should spring back when lightly pressed.
2. Cool in pans for about 2 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack.

Step 7: Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts are baking:
1. In a shallow bowl, mix together the organic cane sugar and cinnamon.

Step 8: Coat the Donuts

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

Step 9: Serve or Store

Enjoy immediately for best flavor:
– Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days; reheat in microwave or toaster oven if desired.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Baked apple cider donuts are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. They can be served in various creative ways to enhance your experience and impress your guests.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee – Pair your donuts with a warm cup of coffee for a classic breakfast combination.
• Hot Chocolate – The rich chocolate flavor complements the sweet apple cider nicely.
• Chai Latte – The spiced notes of chai elevate the flavor profile of the donuts.

As a Dessert

• Ice Cream – Serve warm donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream on top makes for an indulgent treat.
• Fruit Compote – Drizzle with homemade fruit compote for added sweetness and texture.

For a Breakfast Spread

• Fresh Fruit – Serve alongside seasonal fruits like apples or pears for a refreshing contrast.
• Yogurt Parfait – Stack donuts in a parfait with yogurt and berries for a fun twist on breakfast.

How to Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts

To ensure your baked apple cider donuts turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Always opt for fresh apple cider and high-quality flour to enhance flavor.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix the batter just until combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
• Check Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
• Adjust Baking Time – Keep an eye on the donuts; each oven is different, so adjust baking time as needed.
• Store Properly – To maintain freshness, store the donuts in an air-tight container at room temperature.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Apple Cider Donuts

These side dishes pair wonderfully with baked apple cider donuts, creating a well-rounded meal or snack.

1. Greek Yogurt – Rich in protein, yogurt adds creaminess that balances the sweetness of the donuts.
2. Granola – A crunchy granola provides texture and pairs well with yogurt or on its own.
3. Cinnamon Applesauce – A simple side that echoes the flavors found in the donuts themselves.
4. Oven-Baked Bacon Alternative – Consider turkey bacon as a leaner option that complements the dish without overpowering it.
5. Mixed Green Salad – A light salad offers freshness and contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the donuts.
6. Nut Butter Dip – Almond or cashew butter can be served alongside for dipping, adding richness that enhances flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making baked apple cider donuts can be fun, but a few common errors can affect the result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the measuring: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial for perfect donuts. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure consistency and the right texture.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense donuts. Stir just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.

• Not preheating the oven: A preheated oven ensures even cooking. Always preheat your oven before baking to achieve the best results.

• Ignoring cooling time: Donuts need a little time to cool after baking. Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

• Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients yield better flavor and texture. Check the expiration dates on your baking powder, flour, and yogurt.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked apple cider donuts in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Apple Cider Donuts

• Place donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Apple Cider Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm donuts for about 5-7 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave: Heat each donut for 10-15 seconds; this may make them softer.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a skillet for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about baked apple cider donuts that may help you as you prepare this delicious treat.

What makes baked apple cider donuts healthier?

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

Can I substitute other flours in this recipe?

Yes! You can try using all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blends if desired. However, note that this may alter the texture slightly.

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 nuts or dried fruits for added texture.

How long do baked apple cider donuts last?

They stay fresh for about 2-3 days in an airtight container at room temperature or up to 3 months when frozen.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

You can easily replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.

Final Thoughts

Baked apple cider donuts are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. With their warm spices and moist texture, they make an excellent choice for breakfast or snacks. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or drizzling with your favorite icing!