Description
These tender and flavorful Baked Apple Cider Donuts are cinnamon-spiced and made without yeast, making them quick and easy to prepare. Instead of frying, these donuts are baked, resulting in a lighter texture without compromising on taste. The apple cider reduction intensifies the apple flavor, complemented by warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom. Finished with a cinnamon sugar coating, these donuts are perfect for a cozy autumn treat or any time you’re craving a sweet, spiced snack.
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (100g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (5g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (5g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (1.5g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3g)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (3g)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (~1g)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (~1g)
- 1 ½ cup apple cider (355mL)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce (80g)
- ⅓ cup melted vegan butter (75g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5mL)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3g)
- 3 tablespoons melted vegan butter (45g)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Reduce Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about ¾ cup (175 mL). This concentration step intensifies the apple flavor. Let it cool slightly before measuring exactly ¾ cup for the recipe. If reduced too much, add a bit more apple cider to reach the correct volume.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom to combine the spices and leavening evenly throughout the flour.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the reduced apple cider, unsweetened applesauce, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter slightly thick and tender.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about ¾ full to allow space for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. This ensures the donuts are fully cooked but not dry.
- Cool Donuts: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or until warm enough to handle.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Coat Donuts: Brush each warm donut generously with melted vegan butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated for a sweet and crispy exterior.
Notes
- Reducing the apple cider is optional but highly recommended to intensify the apple flavor in the donuts.
- Do not overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to tough donuts instead of tender, soft ones.
- Use a donut pan for the proper shape, but if unavailable, muffins can be baked instead, adjusting baking time accordingly.
- The donuts are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a non-vegan version, substitute vegan butter with regular butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
