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Crispy Baked Apple Cider Donuts: Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe

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These crispy baked apple cider donuts offer the nostalgic taste of autumn with a signature crisp shell and tender interior. By reducing fresh apple cider, this recipe concentrates flavor for a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh, unfiltered apple cider
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until reduced by half (about 1 cup of syrupy cider). Let cool completely.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the cooled reduced cider, melted butter, and brown sugar until mostly dissolved.
  5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Spoon batter into donut molds, filling each about 3/4 full.
  7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and tops are golden brown.
  8. Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll cooled donuts in the mixture until fully coated.

Notes

The key to this recipe is reducing the cider to concentrate flavor and prevent soggy donuts. Ensure baking powder is fresh for proper rise. Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough donuts. Coat donuts only after they are completely cool to ensure a crisp sugar crust. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donuts, baked donuts, fall recipes, easy donut recipe, crispy donuts, autumn baking, gluten-free option

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