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To make spiced apple cider donuts, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you must gather: - 2 cups apple cider - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup whole wheat flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - ½ teaspoon nutmeg - ½ teaspoon allspice - ½ teaspoon salt - ¾ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce - ½ cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting) - 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (for dusting) These ingredients help create a soft, moist donut with rich apple flavor. You can add a twist to your donuts with some optional items. Consider these extras: - Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) - Dried fruit (such as raisins or cranberries) - A splash of maple syrup Adding these can really enhance your flavor and texture. If you need to swap some items, here are some ideas: - Use almond flour for gluten-free donuts. - Replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a unique taste. - You can swap applesauce with mashed bananas for a different flavor. These substitutions can make the recipe work for your needs while keeping it delicious. You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through the process. Start with fresh apple cider. Pour 2 cups of cider into a saucepan. Heat it over medium-high heat until it boils. Once it boils, reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You want it to reduce to 1 cup. This step intensifies the apple flavor. After reducing, set it aside to cool slightly. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients first. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of whole wheat flour. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Whisk these together until they are well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of granulated sugar and 2 eggs. Add the cooled cider, ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until it’s smooth. Now, combine the dry and wet mixtures. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. It’s fine if small lumps remain; do not overmix. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan with non-stick spray. Spoon or pipe the batter into the pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. While the donuts cool, prepare the dusting. In a shallow dish, mix ½ cup of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon sugar. While the donuts are still warm, roll each one in the sugar mixture. This adds a sweet touch and enhances the flavors. Enjoy these spiced apple cider donuts fresh! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To make sure your donuts turn out moist and fluffy, follow these tips: - Use fresh apple cider. The more flavorful, the better your donuts will taste. - Don't overmix the batter. Stir gently until just combined. Small lumps are fine. - Measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make your donuts dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for best results. Avoid these common mistakes to get the best donuts: - Skipping the cider reduction. This step packs in flavor and moisture. - Not greasing the pan. A well-greased pan prevents sticking. - Overbaking. Keep an eye on your donuts; they should be golden and fluffy. Having the right tools makes baking easier: - Donut pan: Invest in a good non-stick donut pan for even baking. - Mixing bowls: Use large bowls to mix your wet and dry ingredients. - Whisk and spatula: A whisk helps mix without overdoing it, and a spatula helps with folding. - Cooling rack: This lets your donuts cool evenly and prevents sogginess. For a full guide on making these delicious treats, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make many fun changes to your spiced apple cider donuts. Adding spices can enhance their flavor. Try adding ginger for a warm kick. Cloves can add a lovely depth. You can also use cardamom for a unique twist. For a fruity touch, mix in some finely chopped apples or pears. All these additions will make your donuts even more special. If you need gluten-free donuts, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free mix. Make sure it has a good blend of flours. To make these donuts vegan, replace eggs with flax seeds or applesauce. Use a plant-based oil instead of vegetable oil. Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option. These changes keep the taste great while meeting your dietary needs. Toppings can add fun and flavor to your donuts. Instead of just dusting with sugar, try a chocolate glaze. Melt dark chocolate and dip the tops of the donuts. You can also sprinkle crushed nuts or coconut on top. For fillings, consider apple butter or caramel. Simply pipe these into the center of the donuts after baking. These twists make your donuts stand out and delight everyone. For the full recipe, check out the Spiced Apple Cider Donuts section. To keep your spiced apple cider donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can use a cake dome or a resealable bag. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture. This keeps the donuts from getting soggy. If you want to save some donuts for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature. You can warm them in the oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste. When stored properly, these donuts can last up to 3 days at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they may last up to a week. Frozen donuts can stay fresh for about 3 months. Just remember, the sooner you eat them, the better they will taste! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. The best apples for cider donuts are tart and sweet. I recommend using Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. These apples give a nice flavor. The tartness balances the sweetness in the donuts. You can also try using a mix of these apples for more depth. Yes, you can use a cake pan. If you don't have a donut pan, use a regular cake pan. Pour the batter into the pan and bake it. You will need to adjust the baking time. Check for doneness with a toothpick. The donuts will be thicker but still tasty. You can find pre-made spiced apple cider donuts at local bakeries. Many farms or cider mills sell them in fall. Grocery stores may also carry them, especially during autumn. Check the bakery section for fresh options. Online delivery services may offer them as well. Spiced apple cider donuts are a treat, so they are not low-calorie. Each donut has about 180 calories. They also have sugar and fats from the oil. However, they provide some fiber from the whole wheat flour. Enjoy them in moderation as a fun fall snack! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. You now have everything you need to make delicious spiced apple cider donuts. We covered essential and optional ingredients, plus ideas for swaps. You learned step-by-step instructions for making, baking, and dusting these treats. I shared tips for moist, fluffy donuts and tools to use. You can explore variations like gluten-free options and fun toppings. Don’t forget storage tips for keeping your donuts fresh. Baking these donuts can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy the process and the tasty results!

Spiced Apple Cider Donuts

Indulge in the season's favorite treat with these Spiced Apple Cider Donuts! Soft, flavorful, and spiced just right, they are perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Featuring a simple blend of apple cider, warm spices, and just the right amount of sweetness, these donuts are easy to make and utterly delicious.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups apple cider

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon allspice

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

½ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (for dusting)

Instructions
 

Reduce the Cider: In a saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until it’s reduced to 1 cup, about 15-20 minutes. Let it cool slightly.

    Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.

      Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Set aside.

        Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until well combined. Add in the reduced apple cider, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

          Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; small lumps are okay.

            Fill Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

              Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

                Dust the Donuts: In a shallow dish, combine the powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar. While the donuts are still slightly warm, roll them in the sugar mixture to coat.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts