Description

Baked Cinnamon Crunch Apple Cider Doughnuts are a cozy autumn treat combining subtle apple cider flavor with a warm cinnamon-spiced crunchy coating. These baked doughnuts offer a lighter alternative to fried doughnuts, delivering moist, tender texture with a satisfyingly sweet and crunchy finish. Perfect for seasonal breakfasts, brunches, or snacks, they are easy to make at home using pantry staples and can be customized to suit different dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup apple cider
2 large eggs
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup granulated sugar

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing doughnuts)

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Instructions

Prepare your baking pan: Lightly grease a doughnut pan or use a non-stick baking spray to ensure your doughnuts release easily after baking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk together well to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spice.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs with sugar until slightly fluffy, then blend in melted butter, apple cider, and vanilla extract.
Bring wet and dry together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir gently with a spatula just until combined—avoid over-mixing to keep the doughnuts light and tender.
Fill the doughnut pan: Use a piping bag or spoon to fill each doughnut mold about three-quarters full for a perfect rise without spills.
Bake to golden perfection: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and edges begin to turn golden.
Make the cinnamon sugar coating: While the doughnuts bake, mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish for easy rolling after baking.
Coat the warm doughnuts: When the doughnuts are slightly cooled but still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture for that iconic crunch.

Notes

Bring eggs and butter to room temperature for better batter consistency.
Stir batter until just combined to avoid tough doughnuts.
Use fresh apple cider for more vibrant flavor.
Grease pan thoroughly with non-stick spray or butter and flour dusting to prevent sticking.
Roll doughnuts in cinnamon sugar while still warm to ensure the coating sticks perfectly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 doughnut
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg