Baked Apple Cider Donuts: Easy Recipe from NYT

Ingredients for Baked Apple Cider Donuts

To make these delicious baked apple cider donuts, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions for Making Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Follow these simple steps to create your baked apple cider donuts:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider: Start by pouring the apple cider into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. You want to reduce the cider until you have about 1 cup, which should take around 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Preheat the Oven: While the cider is reducing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Once the apple cider has reduced, allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the wet mixture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixtures together using a spatula, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be just combined with a few lumps remaining. Overmixing can result in tough donuts.
6. Fill the Donut Pan: Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full with batter. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
7. Bake: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
8. Cool the Donuts: After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, turn the pan upside down and gently tap it to release the donuts onto a wire rack. Allow the donuts to cool completely.

Optional: Glazing and Topping Your Donuts

For an extra touch of sweetness and flavor, consider glazing or topping your baked apple cider donuts:

Simple Glaze Recipe

To make a simple glaze, you will need:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons apple cider
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

To prepare the glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or apple cider as needed.
2. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
3. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to let the glaze set.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

If you prefer a cinnamon sugar topping, you will need:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup melted butter

To make the cinnamon sugar topping:

1. In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. Once the donuts have cooled slightly but are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter.
3. Dip each donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure to coat it well.

Storing Your Baked Apple Cider Donuts

These baked apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later enjoyment:

• At Room Temperature: Keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• In the Refrigerator: If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration may slightly affect the texture.
• In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.

Variations to Try

Experimenting with different flavors and ingredients can make your baked apple cider donuts even more exciting. Here are some variations to consider:

• Spiced Apple Cider Donuts: Add additional spices such as cloves or allspice to the batter for a more intense flavor.
• Maple Glaze: Replace the apple cider in the glaze with maple syrup for a delightful twist.
• Stuffed Donuts: Fill the centers with a dollop of your favorite jam or cream cheese filling before baking for a surprise inside.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These baked apple cider donuts make a perfect treat for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Brunch: Serve alongside coffee or tea for a cozy brunch gathering.
• Fall Parties: These donuts are perfect for autumn get-togethers, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving celebrations.
• Gifts: Package them in a decorative box or bag to give as a homemade gift to friends or family.

Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts

To ensure your donuts turn out perfectly every time, keep the following tips in mind:

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Don’t Overmix: As mentioned, overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready.
• Cool Completely: Allow donuts to cool completely before glazing or topping to prevent the toppings from melting.

Nutritional Information

For those interested in the nutritional aspects of these baked apple cider donuts, here is a general breakdown per donut (without glaze):

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

Keep in mind that nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients used and any additional toppings or fillings you choose to add.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about making or storing baked apple cider donuts, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries and their answers:

• Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour. However, the texture may vary slightly, so you may need to adjust the liquid content.
• What type of apple cider is best? For the best flavor, use fresh, unfiltered apple cider. If you can’t find it, store-bought cider works well too.
• Can I make the batter in advance? Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before baking.
• Are these donuts healthy? While they are a delicious treat, they do contain sugar and fat. However, by using whole ingredients and baking instead of frying, they can be a healthier option compared to traditional donuts.

Pairing Drinks with Your Donuts

To enhance your baked apple cider donuts experience, consider pairing them with complementary beverages:

• Apple Cider: Enjoy a warm cup of spiced apple cider to bring out the flavors of the donuts.
• Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee, whether black or with cream, pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the donuts.
• Tea: Chai or herbal teas can add a soothing touch to your donut experience.
• Hot Chocolate: For a decadent treat, serve your donuts with a side of rich hot chocolate.

Donut Decorating Ideas

Get creative with your donut presentation! Here are some fun decorating ideas:

• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the glaze for a festive look.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Roll the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a classic touch.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed donuts for a rich flavor.
• Fruit Toppings: Top with thin slices of apples, caramel, or even a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To enjoy your baked apple cider donuts longer, follow these storage and reheating tips:

• Room Temperature: Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days.
• To Reheat: Warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• Microwave Option: If you’re in a hurry, microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them tough.

Creative Variations on the Classic Recipe

If you want to mix things up, try these exciting variations on the traditional baked apple cider donuts recipe:

• Maple Glaze: Combine powdered sugar with maple syrup and a splash of milk for a delicious glaze that adds a unique flavor.
• Spiced Pumpkin: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the batter to create a seasonal twist.
• Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and added flavor.
• Chocolate Chip: Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite.

Serving Suggestions for Special Occasions

These baked apple cider donuts are perfect for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Brunch Parties: Serve them alongside a fruit platter and mimosas for a delightful brunch spread.
• Fall Gatherings: Arrange your donuts on a decorative platter with autumn leaves and pumpkins for a seasonal touch.
• Holiday Treats: Package them in festive boxes as gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

Inspiration for Using Leftover Donuts

Don’t let any leftovers go to waste! Here are some creative ways to use any remaining donuts:

• Donut Bread Pudding: Transform stale donuts into a delicious bread pudding by soaking them in a custard mixture and baking.
• Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice the donuts in half and fill with your favorite ice cream for a sweet treat.
• Breakfast Parfaits: Layer crumbled donuts with yogurt and fresh fruit for a fun breakfast option.

Conclusion

Baked apple cider donuts are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall with their warm spices and rich apple flavor. This easy recipe from the New York Times allows anyone to create these delicious donuts at home, making it a perfect addition to your seasonal baking.

Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or shared with friends and family, these donuts are sure to bring joy and comfort to your gatherings. Try making them today and savor the taste of autumn in every bite!