Go Back
To create delicious baked apple cider donut holes, you will need the following 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 packed brown sugar - 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 ground cinnamon (for coating) Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the texture and flavor of the donut holes. The apple cider adds moisture and a sweet, tangy taste. Meanwhile, the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth to the flavor. When choosing your ingredients, some brands stand out for quality: - All-Purpose Flour: King Arthur Flour or Bob's Red Mill are great choices. - Baking Powder: Rumford or Clabber Girl ensure good rising. - Apple Cider: Look for local, fresh apple cider for the best taste. - Granulated Sugar: C&H or Domino provide consistent sweetness. These brands tend to deliver the best results in baking, ensuring your donut holes taste fantastic. If you have dietary needs, here are some easy swaps: - Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. - Vegan: Replace the egg with 1/4 cup of flaxseed meal mixed with 1/2 cup of water. Use a plant-based oil instead of vegetable oil. - Low-Sugar: Substitute granulated sugar with a stevia blend that measures like sugar. These substitutions will allow everyone to enjoy baked apple cider donut holes without missing out on flavor or fun! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, take a mini muffin pan or donut hole pan and lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray. This helps the donut holes pop out easily after baking. In a medium bowl, sift together the dry ingredients. You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Sifting keeps the mixture smooth and lump-free. Once combined, set this dry mix aside for now. In a larger bowl, pour in 3/4 cup of apple cider. Next, add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Crack in 1 large egg, then pour in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a whisk to blend all the wet ingredients until smooth. Now, take the dry mix and add it to the wet mix gradually. Use a spatula to fold these together gently. Make sure not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. This keeps the donut holes light and fluffy. Once your batter is ready, spoon it into the prepared pan. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full. This allows the donut holes to rise without overflowing. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean. While the donut holes bake, prepare a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix well. After baking, let the donut holes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove them and roll each warm donut hole in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until covered. Now, you can enjoy your freshly baked apple cider donut holes. They are a perfect treat for any time! For the full recipe, refer to the complete instructions above. To get soft and fluffy donut holes, use these tips. First, don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients blend together. Leaving a few lumps helps keep the texture light. Second, measure your ingredients correctly. Too much flour can make them dense. Use the spoon and level method for flour. Lastly, bake them until just golden. They should spring back when touched. This way, you get that perfect bite. Many people make simple mistakes when baking. One big error is not preheating the oven. If your oven isn’t hot enough, the donuts won’t rise as they should. Another mistake is filling the pan too full. Fill each cavity only two-thirds full for the best rise. Lastly, rolling them in cinnamon-sugar too soon can make the coating stick poorly. Wait until they are warm but not hot. Measuring ingredients right is key in baking. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar. Spoon the flour into the cup, then level it off with a knife. Don’t pack it down. For liquid ingredients, use a clear measuring cup. Pour until you reach the right mark. When using sticky ingredients like applesauce or oil, spray the cup with non-stick spray first. This helps them slide out easily. Following these practices ensures your donut holes turn out great every time. Try the full recipe for Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes to enjoy this tasty treat! {{image_4}} You can get creative with flavors for your baked apple cider donut holes. Here are some fun ideas: - Pumpkin Spice: Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and a pinch more of nutmeg. - Maple: Substitute maple syrup for half of the granulated sugar. - Chocolate: Mix in 1/2 cup of cocoa powder with the dry ingredients. - Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce on top after baking for a sweet touch. Each option changes the taste and adds a unique twist, keeping your treats exciting. You can easily make these donut holes gluten-free and vegan. To do this: - Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure it has xanthan gum for a good texture. - Vegan: Replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Use a plant-based oil and non-dairy milk for the apple cider. These swaps let everyone enjoy the treat, no matter their dietary needs. Baked apple cider donut holes shine with the right pairings. Here are my top suggestions: - Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them with a hot cup of your favorite brew. - Ice Cream: Serve warm donut holes with vanilla ice cream for a dessert delight. - Fruit: Add some sliced apples or pears for freshness. These pairings enhance the flavors and make the experience even better. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To keep your baked apple cider donut holes fresh, store them in an airtight container. They will stay good for about 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge is a great option. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze the donut holes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date so you remember when you made them! To enjoy the donut holes again, thaw them overnight in the fridge. You can reheat them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. This will bring back their soft texture. If you're in a hurry, a microwave works too. Just heat them in 10-second bursts until warm. Enjoy every bite of your delicious treat! Baked donut holes are lighter and less greasy than fried ones. They use oven heat to cook, which gives them a fluffy texture. Fried donut holes have a crispy outside due to oil cooking them quickly. Baking is often healthier since it needs no oil. Yes, you can! If you want a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free mix. Each type of flour can change the taste and texture. Experiment to find what you enjoy best. The donut holes are done when a toothpick comes out clean. They should look golden brown. If they bounce back when you touch them, they are ready. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. Leftover donut holes taste great at room temperature. Try warming them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. You can also dip them in coffee or hot chocolate for a fun treat. If you want to keep them for later, store them in an airtight container. Baked apple cider donut holes are a fun treat. We covered key ingredients, like quality flour and spices. You can use brands that suit your taste or diet. The steps to make them are clear and easy. Pay attention to the tips for the best texture and avoid common mistakes. Try variations to keep things exciting. Store any extras properly so they stay fresh. Answering your FAQs helps you enjoy these treats to the fullest. Now you’re ready to bake your own delicious donut holes!

Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes

Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of fall with these irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes! This simple recipe combines apple cider with fragrant spices for a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. In just 30 minutes, you can make 24 delicious donut holes, all coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend. Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a taste of autumn in every bite!
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 packed brown sugar

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 ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or donut hole pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

    In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This step helps ensure that your dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps. Set this dry mixture aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, pour in the apple cider, then add the granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients until they are fully combined and the sugars have dissolved.

        Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, using a spatula to fold them together gently. Be careful not to overmix; it's perfectly fine to leave a few lumps in the batter for a tender texture.

          Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin or donut hole pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.

            Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The donut holes are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

              While the donut holes are baking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix together the additional 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and the 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until well combined.

                After baking, allow the donut holes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove them from the pan and roll each warm donut hole in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are completely coated.

                  Serve your delicious donut holes warm or at room temperature, savoring the comforting flavors of fall in every bite!

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

                      - Presentation Tips: For an inviting display, arrange the donut holes in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper. Add a few thinly sliced apple wedges around the basket for a pop of color and a thematic touch.