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Are you ready for apple picking season? These Apple Cider Baked Donuts are a must-try! The warm cinnamon and apple flavors will make you feel warm and cozy this fall.

 

There’s a famous stop along I-66 in Northern Virginia.  It’s called The Apple House.  They have the most famous apple cider donuts in the area.  You have to get there bright and early otherwise you’ll be standing in line for a long time waiting to buy those delicious gems.  The last time we tried we didn’t stop on the way there, but on the way back and just gave up.  It was too long of a line!

 

But  I love all the flavors in apple cider donuts so I decided to make a baked version at home.  They have all the flavor you’re looking for in those famous cider donuts, but they’re baked, you make them at home, and don’t require a 45-minute drive or standing in line to eat them.  These whip up quickly and even quicker if you have more than one baked donut pan.

 

 

What is apple cider?

 

Apple cider is made from pressed apples.  It’s known for its slightly sweet and tangy taste.  Unfortunately, the exact origins of apple cider are somewhat unclear.  Some sources suggest that the Romans may have been the first to produce apple cider as a way to preserve the fruit. Others attribute the invention of apple cider to the early English settlers who brought the tradition to America in the 17th century. Regardless of its exact origins, apple cider has become a staple of fall harvest celebrations and a delicious way to keep warm through the colder months.

 

What are apple cider donuts?

 

Apple cider donuts are made with, you guessed it, apple cider.  It gives them a unique and delightful flavor that is perfect for fall. Apple cider donuts are typically sweet, with a hint of tartness from the cider.  They’re made with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.  Adding apple cider to donuts not only adds a burst of flavor but also gives the donuts a moist and tender texture that is irresistible.

 

 

Apple cider donuts were invented in New England where apple orchards were abundant. While the exact inventor of apple cider donuts remains unclear, it is believed that they were created by bakers looking to reduce food waste and make use of the abundant apple cider produced during the fall harvest. This innovative twist on traditional donuts quickly gained popularity for its unique flavor and moist texture.

 

Ingredients for Apple Cider Baked Donuts

 

These donuts have basic baking ingredients in them.  They have flour, baking powder and baking soda, salt and cinnamon for the dry ingredients.  The wet ingredients include brown sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter, two eggs, apple butter and apple cider, along with apple cider vinegar.  The apple butter can be substituted with applesauce if you have it.  Or some finely chopped apples.  The little bit of vinegar combines with the baking soda to make them airy and light.

 

 

Instructions for making this recipe

 

To start making the apple cider baked donuts, preheat your oven to 350 F. While the oven is heating up, gather all the necessary ingredients along with 2 mixing bowls, a piping bag, and a donut baking pan.  In one of the mixing bowls, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.  Stir with a whisk to combine.

 

In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and butter until light.  Then stir in the eggs, apple cider, apple butter, and apple cider vinegar.  Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into the well.  Stir with a wooden spoon until there are still some small pockets of dry ingredients.  Let the batter sit for 5 minutes before stirring 2 to 3 more times.

 

 

Spoon the batter into the piping bag and pipe into the wells of the donut pan.  Bake at 350 F for 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.   You don’t want it to be completely clean otherwise they might be overcooked by the time you get to eat them.  Just as in cooking meats, there is carry over cooking with baked goods, too.  While the donuts are cooking, combine the remaining cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.

 

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes.  Carefully transfer them to a wire rack.  When the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip them into the cinnamon and sugar mixture.  Then place them on back on the wire rack to cool completely.  It’s not easy to wait for them to cool, but you should.  

 

 

Tips for Baking Donuts

 

When baking donuts, it’s important to have all your ingredients measured out and at room temperature before you begin. Yes, even the egg.  If you have creamed the brown sugar and butter together then add in a cold egg it will solidify the butter and it won’t incorporate into the remaining ingredients well.

 

Another tip is to not overmix the batter.  I learned this watching Alton Brown.  It’s okay to have a few lumps in there.  When you let the batter sit for those 5 minutes the science of baking happens which makes for a light and airy donut.   A few more turns of the spoon after waiting and you’re your batter will be perfect.

 

 

Make sure to grease your donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. I have forgotten to do this on more than on occasion.  It’s not fun trying to get the donuts out of the pan when this happens.  I usually wind up soaking the pan and then starting over with a clean pan.

 

Finally, don’t overcook the donuts.  The toothpick shouldn’t be completely clean when it comes out.  The donuts will continue to cook in the pan for those 5 minutes and could be over cooked if the toothpick is completely clean.

 

Toppings and Serving Suggestions

 

I’ve dusted mine with some sugar and cinnamon.  That’s how The Apple House, and most places I think, serve their apple cider donuts.  But you could totally make a glaze with some powdered sugar and apple cider for your donuts.  Or try a caramel glaze or drizzle them with caramel syrup for a and some chopped nuts.   Or whip up some cream cheese and sugar for a slightly tangy option.  Finally, these apple cider baked donuts could be served with a side of fried apples and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

 

 

I would serve these apple cider baked donuts with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat on a chilly day. Dad always dipped his donuts into his coffee.  He did that with cookies for dessert, too.  Yes, he drank coffee before bed.

 

You could also double up on the apple cider and serve them with a spiced apple cider or mulled apple cider.  Get creative and experiment with different toppings and ways to serve them to find the perfect combination for you and your family. Your taste buds, and your family, will thank you for it.

More Fall Flavors Recipes:

• Bacon Pear Salad with Parmesan Dressing by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
• White Chocolate Pumpkin Blondies by Hezzi-D’s Recipe Box
• Pork Marsala by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Apple Cider Baked Donuts by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Arugula, Apple, and Fennel Salad with Cheesy Crostini by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Baked Pumpkin Pie Pudding by A Little Fish in the Kitchen
• Apple Date Sugar Halwa by Magical Ingredients
• Italian Broiled Tomatoes by Art of Natural Living
• Pomegranate Molasses Cookies by The Spiffy Cookie
• Cranberry Apple Compote by That Recipe