Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Frosting: Your Ultimate Fall Treat
As the leaves begin their vibrant transformation and a crisp chill fills the autumn air, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting treat to perfectly complement a steaming cup of coffee or a mug of hot cider. These delightful Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Frosting are more than just a seasonal indulgence; they are an invitation to embrace the cozy spirit of fall. Imagine a moist, tender donut bursting with the quintessential flavors of apple and warm spices, generously topped with a rich, velvety maple frosting. This recipe promises an unforgettable experience, turning any ordinary morning into a special occasion.
My Journey to Donut Devotion: Why These Donuts Are Different
I must confess something that might surprise you: I am not inherently a donut enthusiast. While I appreciate a good donut, they rarely spark that intense craving or become a must-have weekend ritual for me. Often, I find them excessively sweet, and let’s be honest, a significant calorie commitment. My husband and daughter, however, are on a completely different page. Their weekend begins with the pursuit of the perfect donut. My daughter has adored them since she was a toddler, and my husband? He simply can’t resist a fried donut, especially one crowned with decadent maple frosting – it’s his absolute favorite.
So, when I stumbled upon a recipe in Cooking Light, something about it called to me. Perhaps it was the promise of fall flavors, or maybe a subconscious desire to find a donut even I could truly love. I tweaked the original recipe, specifically by adding the rich maple frosting that my husband adores, and the result was nothing short of astonishing. Even I, the self-proclaimed donut skeptic, was completely captivated. These homemade apple cider donuts were so incredibly good, I found myself thinking, “I would gladly eat these every single weekend!” They struck the perfect balance of sweetness, flavor, and texture, transforming my perspective on donuts entirely.
Embracing the Flavors of Fall: From Orchard to Oven
Every year, our family cherishes the tradition of apple picking. The orchard we frequent is famous for its fresh apple cider and, of course, their legendary apple cider donuts. While undeniably delicious, the price tag often makes me pause – $9 a gallon for cider and a staggering $14 a dozen for donuts. It’s an experience, but a costly one. This is precisely why discovering a recipe for baked apple cider donuts was such a revelation. It offered the potential to recreate that beloved orchard flavor in my own kitchen, without breaking the bank.
The donuts at our favorite orchard are typically coated in a simple cinnamon sugar. The original recipe I found also featured a maple tahini glaze. However, knowing my husband’s profound love for classic maple frosting, I decided to lean into indulgence. I swapped the lighter glaze for a rich, creamy maple frosting, consciously making them “not so light” but undeniably more decadent. This decision paid off immensely, adding a layer of flavor and texture that truly elevates these donuts to a gourmet level.
The Baked Difference: A Healthier Way to Indulge
One of the most appealing aspects of this easy donut recipe is that these aren’t your typical fried donuts. They are lovingly baked in a donut pan, which makes a world of difference. This method not only results in a lighter, less greasy treat but also simplifies the entire process. No messy oil, no splattering, and a much cleaner kitchen! While I don’t bake donuts frequently, when I do, this baked approach is always my preference. It allows the pure flavors of apple cider and warm spices to shine through without being masked by heavy oil.
It’s worth noting that these donuts are absolutely delightful even without the frosting, offering a significantly healthier option. The natural sweetness and spice of the donut itself are incredibly satisfying. However, as I embarked on my healthier lifestyle journey, I’ve learned that balance is key, and sometimes, a little indulgence with that luscious maple frosting is precisely what the soul needs. The pure joy of a frosted donut made from wholesome ingredients (baked, not fried!) is a treat I now truly appreciate.
Unveiling the Perfect Flavor Profile
From the moment I tasted the batter, I knew these apple cider donuts were destined for greatness. The aroma alone, a blend of sweet apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, was intoxicating. The final product exceeded all expectations. Each bite delivers a wonderfully moist texture and a robust burst of apple flavor, intensified by the reduced apple cider in the batter. The warm spices add a cozy, inviting depth that perfectly encapsulates the essence of autumn.
And then there’s the maple frosting – a velvety, sweet complement that takes these donuts to an entirely new level. Made with real maple syrup, it offers a distinct, rich sweetness that pairs harmoniously with the apple base. It’s not just a topping; it’s an integral part of the experience, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you reaching for another.
Why These Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Frosting Will Become Your New Fall Favorite
There are countless reasons why these baked delights deserve a permanent spot in your fall baking repertoire:
- Unrivaled Fall Flavor: They perfectly capture the essence of autumn with real apple cider and warm spices.
- Deliciously Moist Texture: Thanks to the inclusion of fresh apples and yogurt, these donuts are incredibly tender and never dry.
- Healthier Indulgence: Being baked rather than fried significantly reduces fat content, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat with less guilt.
- Simple to Make: With straightforward instructions and a standard donut pan, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results.
- Family Favorite: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or an afternoon snack.
- Versatile Serving: Enjoy them plain, with the decadent maple frosting, or even a simple cinnamon sugar coating.
Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donuts Every Time
Achieving bakery-quality homemade donuts is easier than you think with a few simple tips:
- Reduce the Cider: Don’t skip the step of reducing the apple cider. This concentrates the apple flavor, making it more pronounced in the final donut.
- Donut Pan is Key: Invest in a good quality donut pan. This ensures even baking and the perfect donut shape. Grease it well!
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough donuts. Mix until just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Perfect Piping: Using a piping bag or a large Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off makes filling the donut cavities incredibly easy and mess-free.
- Watch Your Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your donuts. They are done when lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Overbaking can lead to dry donuts.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Ensure your donuts are fully cooled before applying the maple frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting off and ensures a smooth, even coating.
- Double Batch Wisdom: These disappear fast! Seriously consider making a double batch, especially if you plan to share (or want them to last longer than a day!).
These Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Frosting are truly simple, easy to make, and undeniably delicious. They deserve a starring role in your weekend breakfast rotation this fall. We learned the hard way that a single batch simply isn’t enough to last an entire weekend!
1 vote
Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Frosting
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 12 serving
These Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Frosting are perfect on a crisp fall morning with a hot cup of coffee. They’re moist, delicious and bursting with apple and maple flavors.
Ingredients
Apple Cider Donuts
- 6 ounces Apple Cider
- 7 ounces (about 2 cups) McIntosh Apples, diced
- 1 3/4 cup, Whole Wheat Flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 Cup Greek Nonfat Yogurt – Plain
- 3 tbsp, pure vegetable oil
- 1 large, Egg
- 3 Tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Apple Cider Donuts
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and generously grease your donut pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider and diced apples. Cook over medium-high heat for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples soften and cider reduces slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Once cooled, transfer the apple mixture to a food processor and process until smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the cooled apple mixture with sugar, Greek nonfat yogurt, pure vegetable oil, and the egg. Stir well to combine.
- Gradually add the wet yogurt mixture to the dry flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the filling evenly into the prepared donut cavities, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden brown and spring back when gently touched.
- Carefully turn the baked donuts out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with any remaining batter.
Maple Frosting
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all frosting ingredients: milk, corn syrup, maple syrup, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Frosting
- Once the donuts are completely cool, gently dip each donut into the bowl of maple frosting. Swirl to coat the entire top surface, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the frosted donuts back onto the wire rack to allow the frosting to set.
Notes
Adapted from Cider Doughnuts
*Nutritional data is with maple frosting
Without maple frosting; 145 cals, 4g fat, 25g carbs, 2g fiber, 12g sugar, 4g protein
Feel free to experiment with a simple cinnamon sugar coating if you prefer a less sweet option. Just melt 1/4 cup of butter and combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Dip warm donuts in butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 serving
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 260 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 7 g | 11% | |
Saturated Fat 2 g | 10% | |
Cholesterol 23 mg | 8% | |
Sodium 13 mg | 1% | |
Total Carbohydrates 48 g | 16% | |
Dietary Fiber 2 g | 8% | |
Sugars 34 g | ||
Protein 4 g | 8% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The Irresistible Allure of Homemade Apple Cider Donuts
Just look at that delectable maple frosting generously coating those perfectly moist donuts! These homemade Apple Cider Donuts with Maple Frosting embody everything wonderful about a crisp fall morning. Paired with a hot cup of coffee, they create a moment of pure bliss and comfort.
I’ve now baked these donuts three times since my initial batch, and with each attempt, my love for them only deepens. Whether I’ve rolled them in a delicate cinnamon sugar, crowned them with this rich maple frosting, or simply enjoyed them warm and fresh from the oven, they are consistently amazing. There’s truly no wrong way to savor these seasonal treats; they are simply phenomenal in every form. Make them, share them, and watch them disappear!
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