Healthier Soft Baked Apple Cider Donuts crafted with whole wheat flour, applesauce, and Greek yogurt make for the ideal autumn indulgence that can be prepared in only 20 minutes! Packed with cozy spices and rolled in cinnamon and sugar!
For additional healthy donut recipes, take a look at these gluten-free pumpkin spice donuts, these baked banana bread donuts, or these delightful strawberry banana donuts!
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Today, I have a special treat for everyone! Apple cider donuts are a quintessential fall favorite here in Virginia, and we always have to grab some whenever we visit the apple orchards alongside a cup of warm apple cider. I aimed to recreate those beloved donuts, but with a lighter twist! These homemade apple cider donuts are baked instead of fried, made healthier with whole wheat pastry flour, a dash of almond flour, Greek yogurt, applesauce (and, of course, apple cider!), and naturally sweetened with maple syrup for the ultimate fall delight.
Why You’ll Adore this Recipe
- The ULTIMATE apple cider donuts that are incredibly soft, fluffy, and reminiscent of cake!
- Prepared with healthier ingredients and baked rather than fried.
- Easily ready in just 20 minutes.
- Fresh apple cider truly shines in this recipe.
Ingredients You Will Require
- whole wheat pastry flour – I opted for whole wheat pastry flour as it provides all the advantages of whole grain flour while keeping these donuts fluffy and light. I highly suggest using this, but if unavailable, regular whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, or gluten-free 1 to 1 baking flour can be substituted.
- almond flour – a nutrient-rich flour that adds extra healthy fat to these donuts, enhancing their moistness without butter or oil.
- baking powder + baking soda – serve as leavening agents to give the donuts their rise.
- apple cider – the star ingredient! Be sure not to use apple cider vinegar or apple juice! Fresh apple cider can be found at local apple orchards, farmer’s markets, and most grocery stores.
- applesauce – I used unsweetened applesauce which replaces oil in this recipe while infusing even more apple flavor.
- Greek yogurt – adds moisture and a significant protein boost to these donuts. You may also swap in mashed banana or pumpkin puree for the yogurt.
- eggs – you will need 2 large eggs to enhance moisture and bind these donuts.
- maple syrup – provides natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with all these comforting fall flavors.
- vanilla extract – a flavor enhancer.
- warm spices – a mixture of apple pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. You might also want to add a hint of nutmeg or ground cloves.
- cinnamon sugar coating – you will require melted coconut oil (or you can use melted butter), combined with a mix of organic cane sugar and cinnamon.
Baking Tools Necessary
- Donut pans – I use these Wilton donut pans that come in a set of 2, currently on sale for $14.50!
- Pastry bag – this isn’t essential, but it definitely simplifying piping the batter into the donut wells, and I recommend it.
- Mixing bowls – you will require two bowls to mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately before combining them to create the donut batter.
Steps to Create Apple Cider Donuts
- Create the batter. In a large bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt, while in another bowl whisk together the eggs, apple cider, Greek yogurt, apple sauce, maple syrup, and vanilla. Incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (avoid overmixing the batter). A stand mixer can also be utilized but isn’t necessary.
- Prepare your donut pan. To create these donuts, you will need two 6-count donut pans like these. Thoroughly spray them with nonstick spray so your donuts will easily release! Then, using a pastry bag or ziplock bag, transfer the donut batter into the bag and snip the corner. Pipe the batter into each donut well until all are filled (this recipe yields exactly 12 donuts).
- Bake the donuts! Place the donuts in the oven set at 350 degrees F for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (mine turned out perfect at 10 minutes). Be cautious of over-baking, as donuts bake quite quickly! Transfer the cider donuts to a wire rack to cool.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar. After the donuts have fully cooled to room temperature, melt coconut oil (or butter) and blend the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. Using a pastry brush, coat each donut in coconut oil and toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring both sides are covered. You could also dip or drizzle these donuts with a delightful maple cream cheese glaze or even dust them with powdered sugar.
Success Tips
- Do not skip the apple cider – the cider imparts a rich apple flavor to these donuts!
- Avoid overmixing the batter – overmixing develops gluten which can result in denser donuts instead of a soft and tender texture. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined; lumps are acceptable!
- Utilize a piping bag – or a zip-top with the corner cut, this aids in neatly filling the donut wells.
- Best enjoyed fresh – these donuts are fluffiest and taste best on the day they are made.
Preparation and Storage
To Store: These apple cider donuts will keep for around 3 days in an airtight container and up to 6 days in the refrigerator. I highly suggest warming them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to enhance those warm flavors!
To Freeze: These donuts also freeze beautifully, lasting in the freezer for about 3 months. If you plan to freeze them, it’s better to wait to coat them in cinnamon and sugar until you’re ready to serve. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds.
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More Apple Recipes You Will Adore
I hope you all find joy in these Baked Apple Cider Donuts! If you love these as much as we do, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! I relish seeing all of your delicious recreations!
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt, while in another bowl whisk the eggs, apple cider, Greek yogurt, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla. Incorporate the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined (avoid overmixing).
- To create these donuts, you’ll need two 6-count donut pans. Spray them thoroughly with nonstick spray for easy release! Then, using a piping bag or ziplock bag, transfer the donut batter and cut off the corner. Fill each donut cavity with the batter until all are filled (this recipe yields exactly 12 donuts).
Bake the donuts in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (mine turned out perfect at 10 minutes). Move the donuts to a wire cooling rack to cool.
Once the donuts are fully cooled to room temperature, melt the coconut oil (or butter) and mix the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. Gently brush each donut with coconut oil and coat in the cinnamon-sugar blend. Serve and enjoy!
Serving: 1donut | Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3.9g | Fat: 4.5g | Saturated Fat: 1.4g | Sodium: 87.7mg | Fiber: 2.3g | Sugar: 14.8g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
**Guide to Crafting Baked Apple Cider Donuts**
Apple cider donuts are a classic fall treat, delivering a wonderful blend of sweet and spiced flavors that embody the season. Baking these donuts rather than frying provides a healthier option while still preserving their delightful taste and texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating baked apple cider donuts at home.
**Ingredients:**
*For the Donuts:*
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*For the Topping:*
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. **Reduce the Apple Cider:**
– Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until reduced to about 1/2 cup, roughly 10-15 minutes. Allow it to cool.
2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set it aside.
3. **Mix the Wet Ingredients:**
– In a different bowl, blend the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth, then stir in the cooled apple cider.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
– Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense donuts.
5. **Prepare the Donut Pan:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
6. **Fill the Donut Pan:**
– Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
7. **Bake the Donuts:**
– Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool the Donuts:**
– Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Prepare the Topping:**
– In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush each donut with melted butter, then dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an even coating.
10. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of apple cider or coffee.
These baked apple cider donuts are a wonderful addition to any fall gathering or perfect for enjoying at home. The blend of reduced apple cider and warm spices provides a flavorful and aromatic experience that is bound to please. Savor the taste of autumn in every bite!