Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes

$To make these tasty bites, you need the following: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 3/4 cup apple cider - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating) To create the perfect texture, use all-purpose flour. Baking powder and baking soda help the donut holes rise. Salt brings out the flavors. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and spice, making these treats feel like fall. Apple cider gives a fresh, fruity taste. The sugars, both granulated and brown, sweeten the batter and keep it moist. Applesauce adds extra moisture and flavor, while the egg binds everything together. Vegetable oil keeps the donut holes tender. Lastly, vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. If you need to make changes, here are some ideas: - Use whole wheat flour for a heartier option. - Substitute almond milk for apple cider if you want a dairy-free treat. - Try maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a unique taste. - Use coconut oil in place of vegetable oil for a hint of tropical flavor. - If you want a fruitier taste, add diced apples or cranberries to the batter. These swaps can help you make this recipe your own while keeping it delicious! First, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, apple cider, granulated sugar, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, an egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or donut hole pan with non-stick cooking spray. This step keeps your donut holes from sticking. In a mixing bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps mix the dry ingredients and adds air. In another bowl, combine the apple cider, granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk this mixture well until it’s smooth. Now, gently fold the dry mix into the wet mix with a spatula. Be careful! Overmixing will make the donut holes tough. A few lumps are okay. Spoon the batter into your pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This gives them space to rise. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when they are done. While they bake, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl for the coating. After baking, let the donut holes cool for about 5 minutes. Then, gently roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mix. Enjoy the tasty fall flavors in every bite! For the full recipe, be sure to check out the earlier section. To achieve the best texture, do not overmix your batter. Mix until just combined. A few lumps are okay, and this helps keep the donut holes light and airy. Use a mini muffin or donut hole pan for the best shape and size. Filling each cavity about two-thirds full prevents overflow during baking. Want to boost flavor? Add a splash of maple syrup to the wet ingredients. This gives a rich taste. You can also mix in finely chopped apples for extra texture. For a twist, try adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom with the spices. These flavors meld well with cinnamon and nutmeg. A common mistake is not measuring ingredients correctly. Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients. Another mistake is skipping the cooling step. Donut holes need to cool slightly before rolling in sugar. This ensures the sugar sticks well. Finally, avoid opening the oven too soon. This can cause your donut holes to sink. {{image_2}} You can easily make these donut holes gluten-free. Just swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that works well in baking. Make sure it has a good rise. This way, you still get a soft and tasty treat without gluten. Want to mix it up? Try adding different spices like ginger or cloves. You can also use different types of sugar. Coconut sugar adds a nice caramel flavor. If you want more fruit, toss in some chopped apples or even raisins. These add-ins make each bite unique and exciting. Make these donut holes your own for any season! In winter, add a touch of peppermint extract. For spring, mix in lemon zest for a fresh twist. In summer, try using peach or plum cider instead of apple cider. Each season brings a new taste that keeps this treat fresh and fun. To keep your baked apple cider donut holes fresh, let them cool first. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. This helps to seal in the moisture and flavor. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you need them to last longer, consider freezing. Freezing is a great way to save leftovers. First, allow the donut holes to cool completely. Next, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. This step prevents them from sticking together. After they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Be sure to label it with the date. They can stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen donut holes, take them out of the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can also use the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds if you're in a hurry. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might get tough. Enjoy them warm for the best taste! Your donut holes are done when they are golden brown. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. You can also lightly press the top; if it springs back, they are done. This simple test helps ensure they are baked perfectly. You can use fresh apple juice, but the taste will change. Apple cider gives a richer flavor. If you want a fresh apple taste, blend peeled apples into a puree. You can also mix apple juice with a bit of cinnamon to mimic the cider’s flavor. Serve your donut holes warm for the best taste. Place them in a rustic basket with parchment paper. This adds charm to your presentation. You can also sprinkle some apple slices around for color. Pair them with hot apple cider or coffee for a cozy treat. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. In this post, we explored how to make baked apple cider donut holes. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and valuable tips for perfecting your donuts. Variations for dietary needs and storage methods will keep your treats fresh. Remember, baking is fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Enjoy your delicious donut holes with family and friends! You now have the tools to bake with confidence.$

Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delicious Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes! Soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced, these treats are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients like apple cider, cinnamon, and applesauce, they are a delightful addition to any occasion. Ready to impress your friends and family? Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy every bite of autumn goodness!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3/4 cup apple cider

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 large egg

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan or donut hole pan with non-stick cooking spray.

In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.

In another large bowl, combine the apple cider, granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin or donut hole pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

While the donut holes are baking, mix the additional 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl for coating.

Once the donut holes are done, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, then gently remove them and roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the delightful fall flavors in every bite!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24 donut holes

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the donut holes in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper, and sprinkle a few apple slices around for added color and theme.