Print

Easy Apple Cider Donut Muffins

apple cider donut muffins - featured image
Print Recipe

These baked apple cider donut muffins are light, fluffy, and packed with warm spices and apple cider flavor, offering a fuss-free alternative to traditional fried donuts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups apple cider (fresh or store-bought, preferably unsweetened)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup reduced apple cider (from the first step)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Pour 2 cups of apple cider and 1 tablespoon brown sugar into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to simmer. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces to about ¾ cup (approximately 15-20 minutes). Set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your muffin tin or line with paper liners.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract, cooled apple cider reduction, and buttermilk.
  5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Spoon batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ⅔ full.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and tops are golden and springy.
  8. While muffins bake, combine ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
  9. Once muffins are slightly cooled but still warm (about 5 minutes), brush with a little melted butter, then roll each muffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  10. Place muffins on a cooling rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Reduce apple cider slowly to avoid burning and bitterness. Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender. Use room temperature eggs for better texture. Brush warm muffins with butter before coating with cinnamon sugar for best adherence. Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider, donut muffins, baked donuts, fall baking, cinnamon, easy muffins, autumn treats

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/easy-apple-cider-donut-muffins-recipe-perfect-baked-treats/