Why Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Are Perfect

If you’re searching for a cozy, sweet treat that brings all the warmth of fall into every bite, look no further than Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze. These doughnuts capture the richness of apple cider’s fruity depth, paired with a soft, tender texture and topped with a luscious cinnamon maple glaze that’s bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack, this recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the best of seasonal flavors with a healthier, baked twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delightfully Moist Texture: Baking instead of frying keeps the doughnuts light and fluffy while still incredibly tender.
• Seasonal Flavors in Every Bite: The combination of apple cider and cinnamon maple glaze creates a cozy, irresistible taste.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples with a touch of fresh apple cider for natural sweetness and aroma.
• Healthier Indulgence: Baked doughnuts have less fat than traditional fried ones without sacrificing any flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or sharing with friends over coffee or tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are easy to find and thoughtfully chosen to balance sweet, spiced, and tender notes, giving Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze their signature flavor and texture.

• Apple Cider: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the batter, infusing every doughnut with crisp apple flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for structure, providing just the right consistency for soft doughnuts.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings a warm, spicy note that complements the apple cider beautifully.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Helps the doughnuts rise and stay light throughout baking.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances richness and adds a caramel-like depth to the doughnuts.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the tender crumb.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the doughnuts and balances the sweetness with a subtle tang.
• Butter: Adds richness and soft texture, melting into the doughnut batter.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Used in the glaze, intensifies sweetness with its signature woody, caramel flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates the smooth, sweet base of the cinnamon maple glaze.

Variations for Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Feel free to make this recipe your own! It’s wonderfully adaptable depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

• Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or ground cloves to the batter for a deeper fall spice profile.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and non-dairy milk to make these doughnuts vegan without sacrificing softness.
• Mixed Fruit: Incorporate finely chopped apples or pears into the batter for extra fruity texture.
• Maple Glaze Twist: Swap maple syrup in the glaze for honey or agave for a different natural sweetness.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction

Begin by simmering fresh apple cider on the stove until it reduces to about half its original volume. This intensifies the apple flavor and thickens it slightly, which adds amazing moisture and natural sweetness to the doughnuts.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Getting these well combined ensures your doughnuts rise evenly and have a unified flavor.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs with brown sugar until creamy and pale. Add the reduced apple cider, buttermilk, and melted butter, then mix until smooth. This step creates the flavor-packed, moist base for your doughnuts.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your doughnuts soft and fluffy rather than dense or tough.

Step 5: Bake the Doughnuts

Pour the batter into a lightly greased doughnut pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full. Bake in a preheated oven around 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops spring back slightly when touched.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Maple Glaze

While the doughnuts cool, make the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and a splash of milk or cream. Adjust thickness by adding more liquid or sugar as needed.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze or drizzle it on top, letting it set for a few minutes before enjoying the full flavor experience.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

• Don’t Overmix: Combining wet and dry ingredients just until blended keeps the crumb tender.
• Use Fresh Apple Cider: Fresh cider offers brighter and more natural flavors than store-bought concentrate.
• Grease Your Pan Well: Prevent sticking by thoroughly greasing your doughnut pan or using non-stick spray.
• Cool Before Glazing: Allow doughnuts to cool slightly to help the glaze set properly and avoid melting off.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: Thin glaze works well for dipping, while thicker glaze is perfect for drizzling and decorating.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or crushed toasted walnuts over the glaze for an added crunch and aroma boost.

Side Dishes

Pair these doughnuts with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or warm apple cider to enhance their cozy fall flavors and create a satisfying snack or breakfast combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack doughnuts on a rustic wooden board or serve on colorful plates with fresh apple slices and a small bowl of extra cinnamon maple glaze for dipping delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and softness.

Freezing

Wrap doughnuts individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed bag for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm doughnuts briefly in the microwave or oven to bring back that freshly baked feeling before glazing or serving.

FAQs

Can I make these doughnuts without apple cider?

Yes! You can substitute apple cider with apple juice or even diluted apple sauce, but the flavor might be slightly less intense.

Are these doughnuts suitable for kids?

Absolutely! These doughnuts are soft, mildly sweet, and free from nuts, making them a great treat for the whole family.

Can I use a frying method instead of baking?

While traditional doughnuts are fried, this recipe is designed for baking to keep them healthier and less greasy.

How do I know when the doughnuts are done baking?

They’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops bounce back lightly when pressed.

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Yes, prepare the cinnamon maple glaze ahead and store it in the refrigerator but bring it to room temperature before using for easier application.

Final Thoughts

Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are a truly delightful treat that brings the heartwarming essence of fall into every bite. Their simplicity, combined with rich, natural flavors and a healthier preparation method, makes them a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Don’t hesitate to try baking a batch yourself — I promise your taste buds will thank you!

Related Posts

• Why Moist Honey Cake with Almonds is Irresistible
• Easy Lemon Blueberry Loaf with Lemon Glaze Recipe
• Irresistible White Chocolate Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe

Print