It was a chilly autumn morning when I first pulled those warm, fragrant Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze out of the oven. The aroma of cinnamon and maple instantly filled my kitchen, transporting me back to cozy childhood memories of weekends spent baking with my grandma. She always had a way of making even the simplest recipes feel extra special, and these Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze were no exception.
As I carefully glazed each one, the rich, velvety mixture dripped down the sides, creating the most tantalizing swirls of flavor. I couldn’t wait to take a bite and savor the perfect balance of tart apple, warm spices, and sweet maple. And when I finally did, it was like taking a big, comforting hug straight from my grandma’s kitchen. These Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze aren’t just a recipe – they’re a taste of home that I know you’re going to love just as much as I do.
Table of Contents
Why This Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze
What sets these Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze apart is the perfect blend of fall flavors and a unique baking method that results in a light, fluffy texture you just can’t get from frying. By using a combination of apple cider, warm spices, and a decadent maple glaze, you’ll achieve a doughnut that’s bursting with autumnal goodness in every bite. And the best part? They’re baked, not fried, so you can indulge without the guilt.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Flour: For a tender, cake-like crumb, you’ll want to use all-purpose flour as the base of your Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze.
- Apple cider: The star of the show! This tart, aromatic liquid adds moisture and a true apple flavor to the doughnuts.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle molasses note to balance the sweetness.
- Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings warmth and autumnal flair to the doughnuts.
- Butter: Both in the doughnut batter and the glaze, butter lends a rich, indulgent texture.
- Maple syrup: The crowning glory – a generous drizzle of sweet, sticky maple glaze takes these Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze to the next level.
Step-by-Step Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze Instructions
Preparing Your Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze
These Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze come together quickly, with a total prep and baking time of just about 45 minutes. You’ll need a doughnut baking pan to achieve the perfect shape, as well as a few basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl, whisk, and spatula.
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your doughnut pan to prevent sticking.
2- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk the apple cider, melted butter, and eggs until fully incorporated.
4- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until no dry pockets remain. Be careful not to overmix.
5- Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
6- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the doughnuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze turn out perfectly every time, resist the urge to overmix the batter, which can result in a tough, dense texture. Also, be sure not to overbake – keep a close eye on them in the oven to prevent dryness. And for the glaze, work quickly so it doesn’t set before you have a chance to coat the doughnuts.
Serving and Storing Your Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze
Perfect Pairings for Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze
These Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze are the ultimate cozy autumn treat, perfect for enjoying with a warm cup of apple cider, coffee, or hot chocolate. They also make a lovely addition to any fall-themed brunch spread, complementing savory breakfast items like scrambled eggs and bacon beautifully.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze are best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the doughnuts (without the glaze) for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat briefly in the oven and glaze just before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze
Creative Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze Variations
Looking to switch things up? Try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch. You could also experiment with different spice blends, like pumpkin pie spice or gingerbread, to create seasonal variations. And for an extra indulgent twist, dip the glazed doughnuts in crushed graham cracker or cookie crumbs.
Making Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze Diet-Friendly
To make these Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze gluten-free, simply substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. For a vegan version, use plant-based milk in place of the apple cider, replace the eggs with applesauce or a flax egg, and opt for dairy-free butter and maple syrup in the glaze. And if you’re watching your carbs, you can try using a sugar-free maple syrup or sugar substitute in the glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular apple juice instead of apple cider?
A: While you can substitute apple juice in a pinch, the doughnuts won’t have quite the same depth of flavor. Apple cider is less filtered and has a more pronounced, tart apple taste that’s essential for these Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze.
Q: How do I know when the doughnuts are done baking?
A: The doughnuts are ready when they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them in the oven, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
Q: Can I make the doughnuts in advance and reheat them later?
A: Absolutely! The doughnuts will stay fresh for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to serve, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm through before glazing.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: For maximum freshness, store any leftover Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days. If you have more than you can eat in that time, you can also freeze the doughnuts (without the glaze) for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd. Just be sure to divide the batter evenly between your doughnut pans and adjust the baking time as needed.
Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of fall with these baked apple cider doughnuts topped with a rich cinnamon maple glaze. Perfectly moist and tender, these doughnuts are a cozy and comforting treat.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup apple cider
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
for the cinnamon maple glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a doughnut pan and set aside.
2. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. 3. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, apple cider, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
4. 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. 5. Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
6. 6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7. Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and enough milk to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
9. 9. Dip the tops of the cooled doughnuts into the cinnamon maple glaze, letting any excess drip back into the bowl.
10. 10. Serve the baked apple cider doughnuts with cinnamon maple glaze and enjoy!
Notes
– For a more pronounced apple flavor, you can substitute 1/4 cup of the apple cider with apple butter.
– If you don’t have a doughnut pan, you can bake the doughnuts in a muffin tin instead.
– The doughnuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts With Cinnamon Maple Glaze are the ultimate autumn indulgence, capturing all the flavors of the season in one delectable treat. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy weekend at home or bringing them to share with family and friends, I know they’ll quickly become a cherished fall tradition. So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy a taste of apple cider doughnut bliss!
