Title: Easy and Delicious Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes Recipe
Fall is the perfect season to explore the warm and cozy flavors that comfort food brings, and what better way to indulge than with some homemade Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes? These little bites of heaven bring together the sweet and tangy goodness of apple cider with the classic donut taste we all love, minus the hassle of frying. This simple recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends, and the best part? You can make them right in your own kitchen with just a few ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
To start, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 and 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/3 cup of melted butter (unsalted preferred)
– 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 2/3 cup of apple cider (the real stuff for the best flavor)
– Optional: Cinnamon sugar coating – mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Instructions:
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donut holes will bake evenly and come out perfectly light and fluffy.
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Prepare the Donut Pan: If you have a mini muffin pan or a donut hole pan, now’s the time to get it out. Lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps disperse the flavors evenly through your donut holes.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix these until smooth and then stir in the apple cider. The cider is the secret weapon here, giving your donut holes that irresistible autumnal taste.
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Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Slowly add your wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring until just combined. It’s important not to overmix to keep your donut holes nice and tender.
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Fill the Pan: Fill each cavity of your prepared pan about three-quarters full with the batter. An ice cream scoop or a piping bag can make this process mess-free and easy.
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Bake: Pop your donut holes into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
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Cool and Coat: Let the donut holes cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. While they’re still warm (but not too hot to handle), roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture for that classic donut touch.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes are ready to delight! Serve them warm for the ultimate cozy treat, perhaps with a cup of hot cider or coffee on the side.
Tips and Tricks:
- Apple Cider Reduction (Optional): For an even richer apple flavor, you can simmer your apple cider on the stove until it’s reduced by half before adding it to the mixture. This concentrates the flavor and makes your donut holes extra special.
- Storage: These donut holes are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: To accommodate dietary restrictions, you can easily substitute the flour for a gluten-free blend and use a plant-based butter and egg substitute.
Making Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes is a delightful way to welcome the fall season. With this simple and straightforward recipe, you can bring a bit of bakery-style charm into your home without the need for a deep fryer. Happy baking!
