Maple Apple Cider Donuts (Printable)

Soft baked donuts with apple cider, maple syrup, and cinnamon sugar for a cozy seasonal bite.

# Components:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1 cup apple cider
02 - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
03 - 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
04 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

07 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
09 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Topping

14 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
16 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease standard donut pan with nonstick spray or softened butter.
02 - Simmer apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 to 12 minutes. Allow to cool.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together reduced apple cider, maple syrup, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until blended.
04 - Whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl.
05 - Gently fold dry mixture into wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
06 - Spoon or pipe batter into greased donut pan cavities, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
08 - Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.
09 - Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl for coating.
10 - Brush warm donuts lightly with melted butter. Dip each into cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses common pantry staples so no last minute trips to the store
  • Comes together in just over half an hour which means treats in no time
  • Oven baked for a softer crumb and a healthier twist
  • Packed with autumn flavors but delicious any season
  • Always a crowd pleaser at brunches and potlucks
02 -
  • Baked instead of fried so they are lighter and easier to make at home
  • Maple syrup brings natural sweetness without the need for refined sugar in the batter
  • Donuts freeze beautifully if you leave off the topping and add it just before serving
03 -
  • Do not skip reducing the cider this simple step ensures a punch of apple flavor that sets your donuts apart
  • For the cleanest donut shapes fill your baking pan with a piping bag for even circles and minimal mess Always coat the donuts while they are still a bit warm so the sugar sticks just right

Return