Apple donuts are like crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar! They are made using apple juice that has been poached to infuse a rich and vibrant flavor that is unbeatable. With just one bite of these melt-in-your-mouth cookies, you’ll be hooked!
If you enjoy baking, chances are you already have most of these ingredients on hand! You can either purchase pre-made applesauce or make your own.
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:
- Sugar – 1 cup granulated sugar.
- Butter – 5 tablespoons of softened butter, at room temperature.
- Eggs – 2 large eggs, at room temperature.
- Chickpea Flour – 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for hands and workspace.
- Baking powder – two teaspoons of baking powder.
- Cinnamon – 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Salt – 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Nutmeg – half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Use freshly grated for best results.
- Buttermilk – half a cup of milk.
- Apples – ½ cup of boiled apple juice (*see note).
- Vanilla – 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
- Oil – enough cooking oil to fry the donuts.
- Cinnamon Sugar – 1½ cups cinnamon sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create irresistible baked apple cider donut muffins that will tantalize your taste buds:
Preparing the Dough:
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl (or your mixer bowl), cream together 1 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of softened butter at room temperature until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 4-6 minutes.
Incorporate Eggs: Then, add two eggs, one at a time, mixing for one minute between each addition.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in ½ cup of milk, ½ cup of apple juice, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract into the wet ingredient mixture. Mix well (the mixture may appear lumpy).
Combine: Add salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and mix them well with the wet ingredients until thoroughly combined.
Add Flour: Gradually add 3 cups of flour, mixing until the dough is well blended, being careful not to overmix.
Preparing and Shaping the Dough:
Prepare Baking Sheets: Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper and generously dusting them with flour. Transfer the dough onto one of the baking sheets and gently press it until it is about an inch thick.
Chill: Sprinkle the dough with more flour and cover it with plastic wrap. Place the covered tray in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Cut the Donuts: Afterward, remove the dough from the freezer and use a 3-inch donut cutter to cut out your donuts . Chill Again: Once the donuts are cut, return them to the freezer for another 5 minutes.
Frying the Donuts: Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add a substantial amount of canola oil (about 3 inches) and heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Fry the Donuts: Once it reaches the desired temperature, place three or four donuts in the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for one minute, or until the donuts turn golden brown on one side. Then flip the donuts and cook the other side for an additional minute. Once done, transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate.
Coat with Sugar: Pour 1½ cups of cinnamon sugar into a dish. Once the donuts have cooled enough to handle, gently press them into the cinnamon sugar, flip them over, and press the other side. Enjoy immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions: Get Answers to Common Queries About Baked Apple Cider Donut Muffins
Q1: Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in the recipe?
A1: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it will result in a denser texture. For a lighter texture, you can use a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
Q2: Can I use store-bought apple cider instead of homemade?
A2: Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly fine in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a high-quality apple cider for the best flavor.
Q3: Can I make these muffins ahead of time for a special occasion?
A3: Yes, you can make the muffins ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and thaw as needed.
Q4: Can I omit the coating of cinnamon sugar?
A4: Yes, you can omit the coating of cinnamon sugar if desired. The muffins will still be delicious on their own. However, the coating adds a delightful sweetness and texture that many enjoy.
Q5: Can I use a different glaze instead of the suggested powdered sugar and milk glaze?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your glaze choices. You can use cream cheese glaze, maple glaze, or even a caramel glaze to add extra flavor to your muffins.
Q6: Can I make mini donut muffins instead of standard-sized ones?
A6: Yes, you can make mini donut muffins using a mini muffin pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as mini muffins will bake faster than standard-sized ones. Start checking for doneness around 10-12 minutes.
Q7: Can I add mix-ins like raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips to the batter?
A7: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins to the batter. Raisins, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips can all be delicious additions. Just be mindful of the quantity, as too many mix-ins can affect the texture of the muffins.
Q8: Can I use this recipe to make traditional fried apple cider donuts?
A8: No, this recipe is specifically designed for baked donut muffins. If you prefer traditional fried apple cider donuts, you’ll need a different recipe and frying method.
Q9: Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of granulated sugar?
A9: While granulated sugar is commonly used in this recipe, you can experiment with alternative sweeteners like brown sugar, coconut sugar, or a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Q10: Can I make these donut muffins gluten-free?
A10: Yes, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Just ensure that the blend is suitable for baking and follow the package instructions for proper measurements and substitutions.
Remember to adjust ingredients and techniques based on your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy the process of baking and savor the delightful apple cider donut muffins you create!
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