Small Batch Homemade Apple Cider Cake Donuts
With Gluten Free/Dairy Free Alternate Instructions!
As the crisp autumn air wraps around you, the vibrant hues of orange and gold blanket the landscape. You step into the lively atmosphere of a fall corn maze, the sounds of laughter and excitement filling the air. After navigating through the twists and turns of towering corn stalks, your senses are suddenly enveloped by a warm, sweet aroma. You follow the scent to a charming little stand, where the sign reads “Fresh Apple Cider Donuts.”
As you take your first bite, the soft, cake-like texture melts in your mouth, bursting with the comforting flavors of spiced apple cider. The warmth of the donut pairs perfectly with a cool sip of fresh apple cider, making each moment feel like a cozy embrace.
Surrounded by pumpkins and the laughter of friends, you savor this seasonal treat, a delightful reward after an adventurous day in the maze. Each bite is a reminder of autumn’s simple pleasures, a taste of nostalgia that makes your heart feel as full as your stomach.
Unfortunately we can’t always be at the pumpkin patch. Or if your Gluten Free or Dairy Free you can’t participate in eating these yummy treats, so let’s make them at home! This small batch recipe makes just enough donuts to satisfy your cravings without leaving you with a mountain of leftovers. Perfect for a cozy weekend treat or an afternoon snack! Fall is here, and nothing says autumn like the warm, spiced aroma of apple cider cake donuts wafting through your kitchen!
SHOP THIS RECIPE
Mixing Bowls | Spatula | Piping Bags | Cooling Racks | Donut Pans
| Mixing Spoon | Muffin Tin | Danish Dough Whisk
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1½ cups flour | or GF 1:1 all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar | or sub ½ tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup sugar
- ¾ cup apple cider
- 6 tbsp melted butter | or sub dairy free plant butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
For the Coating:
- 4 tbsp melted butter | or sub dairy free plant butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (175°C)
- Grease the donut pans. Link to purchase here: Donut Pans
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Next, add the apple cider, melted butter, eggs and vanilla.
- Mix until well just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Bake the Donuts
- Fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full with the batter. You can transfer to a piping bag for easy filling.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and they look lightly browned. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 3: Coat the Donuts
- While the donuts are cooling, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a shallow bowl.
- Dip each warm donut into melted butter- just the top! And then roll the top and bottom in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Step 4: Enjoy!
- Serve warm or cooled, and enjoy your delicious homemade apple cider cake donuts with a cup of coffee or cider!
Tips
- For extra apple flavor, you can add small chunks of diced apple to the batter.
- These donuts can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days. Or freeze for up to 3 months.
Muffin Instructions
- Add the prepared batter to muffin tin.
- Adjust the bake time to 15-20 minutes until the tops are lightly browned.
- Dip the tops in melted butter and roll the entire muffin in the sugar mixture.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of fall with these easy-to-make donuts! Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Happy baking! 🍏✨
For more tasty recipes and culinary inspiration, be sure to follow me on social media. Stay tuned for more delicious adventures!
I hope you enjoyed this recipe, let me know how your jam turned out in the comments!
-Hailee
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SHOP THIS RECIPE
Mixing Bowls | Spatula | Piping Bags | Cooling Racks | Donut Pans
| Mixing Spoon | Muffin Tin | Danish Dough Whisk
Small Batch: Apple Cider Cake Donuts
Equipment
- 2 6 cavity donut pans
Ingredients
- 1½ cups flour GF 1:1 all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar or sub ½ tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup sugar
- ¾ cup apple cider
- 6 tbsp melted butter or sub dairy free plant butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
Topping
- 4 tbsp melted butter or sub dairy free plant butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (175°C) and grease the donut pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Next, add the apple cider, melted butter, eggs and vanilla. Mix until well just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Bake the Donuts
- Fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full with the batter. You can transfer to a piping bag for easy filling.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and they look lightly browned.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 3: Coat the Donuts
- While the donuts are cooling, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a shallow bowl.
- Dip each warm donut into melted butter- just the top!
- Then roll the top and bottom in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Step 4: Enjoy!
- Serve warm or cooled, and enjoy your delicious homemade apple cider cake donuts with a cup of coffee or cider!