Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the topping: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 4 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider – In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, simmer the apple cider until it has reduced to exactly 1/2 cup. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Set it aside to cool slightly before using. This step is crucial for an intense apple flavor.
- Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Pans – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 6-cavity donut pans with non-stick cooking spray or a little bit of melted butter to ensure the donuts pop out easily after baking.
- Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Ensure there are no large lumps of flour or spices.
- Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients – In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and the cooled, reduced apple cider until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Step 5: Mix the Batter – Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough and rubbery.
- Step 6: Fill the Donut Pans – Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. For a cleaner look, you can transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large plastic bag with the corner cut off and pipe the batter into the rings.
- Step 7: Bake the Donuts – Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean. The donuts should spring back when lightly touched. Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Step 8: Apply the Topping – While the donuts are still warm, melt the butter for the topping in one bowl. In another bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Dip each donut into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian