Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze
Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are a moist, tender, and flavorful treat infused with warm apple cider and a luscious cinnamon maple glaze. These baked doughnuts offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions while capturing the cozy essence of fall in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or sharing with friends, their soft texture and rich seasonal flavors make them a delightful indulgence any time of day.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Doughnuts
- 1 cup fresh apple cider (reduced to about half)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (to adjust consistency)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake the Doughnuts: Pour the batter into a lightly greased doughnut pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops spring back slightly when touched.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: apple cider doughnuts, baked doughnuts, cinnamon maple glaze, fall recipes, healthier doughnuts, autumn treat, seasonal flavors