Baked Apple Pie Donuts

It’s apple season! And what’s better than soft, cakey donuts with the flavors and aroma of fall? With hints of cinnamon and nutmeg give these donuts all the fall feels.

Why We Love These Donuts

• Nostalgia and Tradition: They often evoke memories of fall, apple picking, and seasonal festivities. The flavors are associated with cozy, comforting times.
• Warm Fall Flavor: The blend of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a sweet taste with subtle fall spice.
• Freshness: The apple cider gives them a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that feels fresh and wholesome.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider to make the apple cider reduction for the batter and glaze.
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of salt

Glaze/Cinnamon Sugar

• 2 tbsp reduced apple cider
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Let’s Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cider Reduction

The reduction needs to cool completely before adding to the recipe so make this up to one day ahead allowing it time to be at room temperature or cold from the refrigerator.

1. Add apple cider to a medium-sized pan, and stir occasionally, until it comes to a boil.
2. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half.
3. Remove it from the heat and whisk in 2 tbsp butter.
4. Allow the mixture to cool before using.

Donuts

1. Spray a donut pan with non-stick spray.
2. Preheat oven to 350°.
3. Whisk ½ cup of reduced/cooled apple cider, sugar, egg, yogurt, and vanilla bean paste or extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and salt.
5. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared donut pan 2/3 of the way full.
7. Bake for 9-11 minutes.
8. Allow them to cool just until you can handle them.
9. Glaze and dip into the cinnamon sugar while they are still warm

Glaze/Cinnamon Sugar

1. Mix the sugar and cinnamon to make cinnamon sugar.
2. Brush the tops of the donuts with the reserved apple cider reduction.
3. Dip each donut into the apple cider butter and liberally sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Krazy Kitchen Mom Tips

• Use Fresh Apple Cider: For the best flavor, use high-quality, fresh apple cider. It adds a natural sweetness and depth to the donuts.
• Reduce the Cider: Simmer the cider to reduce it to a concentrated syrup. This intensifies the apple flavor and prevents the batter from being too liquid.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and other spices to ensure an even distribution and a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid dense or dry donuts. Overmixing can lead to tough results.
• Use a Donut Pan: For a uniform shape and a nice rise, use a donut pan. Grease it well or use a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
• Check for Doneness: Bake until a toothpick, inserted into the center, comes out clean. Donuts should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
• Storage: Baked donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.

More KKM Apple Recipes

• Baked Apple Rings
• Apple Cider Margaritas
• Cranberry Apple Crisp
• Homemade Apple Butter