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Cozy Caramel Apple Cider Donuts Recipe Easy Cinnamon Sugar Toss

caramel apple cider donuts - featured image
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These cozy caramel apple cider donuts are tender, flavorful, and coated in a sticky cinnamon sugar toss. Perfect for a quick, comforting fall treat with a subtle fruity twist from apple cider.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (110g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) apple cider
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the caramel sauce:
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp (90g) unsalted butter, cubed, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • For the cinnamon sugar toss:
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan thoroughly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg lightly. Add apple cider, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully blended.
  4. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Batter should be thick but scoopable.
  5. Fill each cavity of the donut pan about 3/4 full with batter.
  6. Bake for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  7. While donuts bake, make the caramel sauce: melt sugar over medium heat without stirring until amber (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat, add butter carefully, then whisk in warm cream until smooth. Stir in salt and set aside to cool slightly.
  8. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While donuts are still warm, toss each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
  9. Optional: Brush some caramel sauce lightly over each cinnamon-sugar-coated donut and let set before serving.

Notes

Use fresh-pressed apple cider for best flavor. Warm the cream before adding to caramel to avoid clumps. Toss donuts in cinnamon sugar while warm for a sticky coating. Store donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Refrigeration may dry them out. For gluten-free, substitute flour with 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add xanthan gum if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cider donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, baked donuts, fall dessert, easy donut recipe, caramel sauce, apple cider recipe

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/cozy-caramel-apple-cider-donuts-recipe-easy-cinnamon-sugar-toss/