Apple Cider Donuts
When I think of autumn, apple picking in beautiful orchards alive with the start of fall colors comes to mind. In all the children’s books we read, the apple orchards come alive on the weekends full of people from the city looking for their dose of natural beauty found in the countryside. The farms are also filled with the smells of good things cooking, apple pies, apple cider, and apple cider donuts. Alas, the apple orchards near us don’t have farm fresh donuts waiting to be devoured after a morning of picking apples. Of course, I had to recreate it at home! These aren’t fried donuts, but a baked version similar to a muffin. The donut pans aren’t necessary but are certainly a fun touch!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
2/3 cup coconut sugar
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 egg
1/2 cup greek yogurt
1/2 cup apple cider
2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
for topping (optional):
1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Place your donut pans on a baking sheet for easy transition to the oven. If you don’t have a donut pan, this makes wonderful mini or regular muffins. In a large bowl, mix the butter with the sugar and maple syrup. Add the egg and yogurt and whisk well. Pour in the apple cider and stir together. Add in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves and fold in until just combined. Fill your donut pan about 3/4 full, they rise quite a bit! Same goes if you’re using a muffin tin. Pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes and check to see if they’re cooked through with a toothpick or knife. There shouldn’t be any batter sticking to it. If there is add another 3 minutes and retest. You can make the topping while the donuts are baking in the oven. Melt the butter or coconut oil over low heat. It should be in a low pan that you can easily dip the donuts in. Combine the sugar and cinnamon on a plate. When the donuts are done baking, dip the top of the donut in the melted butter and then into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Voila! You have a beautiful donut awaiting you.
