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To make these apple cider donuts, you'll need: - 2 cups apple cider - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup whole wheat flour - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Extra sugar and cinnamon for coating Each ingredient plays a key role: - Apple cider gives the donuts a rich apple flavor. Reducing it makes the taste stronger. - All-purpose and whole wheat flour create a nice texture. Whole wheat adds a bit more fiber. - Sugars sweeten the donuts and help them brown nicely. - Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents. They help the donuts rise and stay soft. - Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and spice. They make the donuts taste like fall. - Unsweetened applesauce keeps the donuts moist and adds more apple flavor. - Vegetable oil keeps the donuts tender. It helps them stay soft after baking. - Vanilla extract adds a sweet note, balancing the spices. You can change some ingredients if needed: - Gluten-free flour can replace all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a gluten-free option. - Brown sugar can be swapped with coconut sugar for a different sweetness. - Oil can be replaced with melted butter for a richer flavor. - Eggs can be replaced with flax eggs or applesauce for a vegan option. - Spices like ginger or cardamom can be added for a unique twist. - Coatings can include chocolate or powdered sugar for different tastes. Feel free to get creative with these ingredients. Each change can bring a new flavor or texture to your donuts! First, take 2 cups of apple cider. Pour it into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat. Watch it closely as it cooks. Reduce the cider until it thickens. You want about 1 cup when finished. This may take around 15 minutes. Once thick, let it cool for a bit. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together these dry ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup whole wheat flour - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt Make sure everything is well mixed. This step blends the flavors and helps the donuts rise. Now, take a separate bowl. In this bowl, mix: - The cooled apple cider - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Stir until smooth. Once mixed, pour this blend into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. It’s okay if some lumps remain. Don’t overmix, or your donuts may be tough. Next, grease your donut pan with non-stick spray. Carefully spoon the batter into each cavity. Fill them about 2/3 full. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. The donuts should spring back when pressed lightly. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack. While they cool, mix some extra sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once cool, roll each donut in this mixture for a sweet coating. Enjoy your tasty treats! Mixing the batter well is key. Start by whisking your dry ingredients in one bowl. This helps blend the flour, sugars, and spices evenly. In another bowl, mix your wet ingredients. Stir them until smooth. When you combine both bowls, mix just until you see no dry flour. Lumps are okay. Overmixing can make your donuts tough. To get that perfect donut shape, fill each cavity in your donut pan about two-thirds full. This allows the donuts to rise without spilling over. Bake them until they spring back when touched. This means they are done. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before moving them. This helps keep their shape intact. Store your apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about two days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy them warm, just like fresh from the oven! {{image_2}} You can make these donuts healthier in a few ways. Swap out some of the all-purpose flour for almond or coconut flour. Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Applesauce is a great ingredient; you can add more to keep them moist. You can also try using Greek yogurt instead of oil for a protein boost. To add more flavor, mix in spices like ginger or allspice. You can also add a pinch of clove for warmth. Try adding citrus zest, like orange or lemon, to brighten the taste. For toppings, consider using a glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider. You can also drizzle caramel for a sweet finish. Making gluten-free donuts is easy. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Look for blends that include xanthan gum, which helps with texture. You can also add ground oats if you want a heartier feel. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free. For a stunning serve, place your apple cider donuts on a lovely platter. You can dust them lightly with powdered sugar. Add some apple slices or mini pumpkins around them. This makes a festive display that brightens any table. These donuts pair well with warm drinks. Think of apple cider, hot chocolate, or spiced tea. Coffee also makes a great match. The rich flavors in these drinks bring out the best in the donuts. Apple cider donuts are perfect for many occasions. Serve them at fall gatherings or cozy family breakfasts. They also fit well at Halloween parties or Thanksgiving feasts. You can even enjoy them during a casual get-together with friends. Everyone loves a warm donut, and these will surely impress! Yes, you can use fresh apple juice. However, apple cider has a deeper flavor. To mimic cider, reduce the apple juice on the stove. Cook it until it thickens. This will give you a richer taste similar to cider. To make these donuts gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. This way, you keep the texture but lose the gluten. Yes, you can freeze apple cider donuts. Cool them completely first. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three months. When ready, just thaw and enjoy! You learned how to make tasty apple cider donuts. I shared detailed steps for the ingredients and baking process. I also included tips for mixing, shaping, and storing your treats. You found options for variations and serving ideas. In the end, you can enjoy these donuts any time. Experiment with flavors and pair them with drinks. Don't hesitate to try healthier or gluten-free options. Happy baking!

Ingredient Apple Cider Donuts

Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these Festive Apple Cider Donuts! This easy recipe blends rich apple cider with warm spices, creating soft, fluffy donuts that are perfect for any autumn celebration. Discover how to make these treats from scratch, and impress your friends and family. Click through for the full recipe and bring some festive cheer to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups apple cider

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 large eggs

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Extra sugar and cinnamon for coating

Instructions
 

In a small saucepan, reduce 2 cups of apple cider over medium heat until it thickens and is reduced to about 1 cup. Allow it to cool slightly.

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

      In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

        In a separate bowl, mix together the reduced apple cider, applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

          Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix; some lumps are okay.

            Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed.

                Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  In a shallow bowl, combine some granulated sugar with cinnamon for coating. Roll each cooled donut in the cinnamon sugar until coated evenly.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the donuts on a beautiful platter, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, and garnish with apple slices or mini pumpkins for a festive touch. Enjoy with a warm drink!