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To make these maple cinnamon apple donuts, you need the following: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup apple cider - ½ cup granulated sugar - ¼ cup pure maple syrup - 1 large apple (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji), grated - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 large egg, at room temperature - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - For coating: ½ cup granulated sugar blended with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Fresh ingredients matter a lot when making donuts. They enhance flavor and texture. For example, using a fresh apple adds crispness and sweetness. The apple cider gives a rich, fruity taste. Fresh spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, boost the aroma too. Always choose the best and freshest items you can find. This ensures that your donuts taste amazing and delightful. You can make some swaps if needed. If you do not have apple cider, try using unsweetened applesauce. It will keep the donuts moist. For the sugar, you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, replace the butter with coconut oil. You can also try gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free donut. These changes keep the recipe fun and accessible for everyone. To make these maple cinnamon apple donuts, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your donut pan and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking. Next, in a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Make sure there are no lumps in this mix. In a separate medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of apple cider, ¼ cup of pure maple syrup, ¼ cup of melted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 grated large apple. Whisk everything until well blended. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Remember, it's okay if there are a few lumps; don’t overmix or your donuts might be dense. Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each donut mold about ¾ full with batter. This ensures even baking. Bake your donuts for 10 to 12 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. The donuts should spring back lightly when touched. After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. To ensure your donuts turn out perfectly, avoid overmixing the batter. This keeps them light and fluffy. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated. An uneven oven can lead to uneven baking. When you check for doneness, be quick to avoid losing heat. Using a donut pan is easy and fun! Make sure to spray it well with non-stick spray. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a corner cut off works well. Fill each mold carefully to avoid spills. After baking, let the donuts cool but don’t wait too long before rolling them in the cinnamon-sugar mix. This mix sticks best to warm donuts. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. Enjoy your baking! When you mix your batter, start with dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls. This way, you avoid lumps. Whisk the dry ingredients until they are smooth. For the wet mix, combine apple cider, maple syrup, and egg well. When you pour wet into dry, stir gently. Mix only until you see no dry flour. This keeps your donuts light and fluffy. The perfect donut is soft and moist. To get this texture, do not overmix your batter. A few lumps are okay; they help keep the donuts airy. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. These leaveners help your donuts rise. Baking them at the right temperature is key too. Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overcooking. Common mistakes can ruin your donuts. Here are a few tips to avoid them: - Overmixing: This makes donuts dense. Mix just until combined. - Wrong oven temperature: Always preheat your oven. Use an oven thermometer if needed. - Filling molds too much: Fill each mold only ¾ full. This allows room for rising. - Not cooling: Let your donuts cool in the pan briefly, then on a rack. This keeps them from getting soggy. Following these tips ensures you create delicious Maple Cinnamon Apple Donuts that everyone will love! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can make these donuts gluten-free. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Look for one that works well in baking. This blend usually has a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. The texture will still be soft and light. Just follow the same steps in the Full Recipe. Want a vegan twist? You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. Use a plant-based butter instead of regular butter. Swap the milk with almond, soy, or oat milk for a creamy touch. The flavors will stay rich and delicious. Get creative with toppings! After rolling your donuts in cinnamon-sugar, try adding different flavors. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate can add a rich taste. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts give a nice crunch. You can also sprinkle some shredded coconut for a tropical twist. For a fruity kick, top them with apple slices or dried cranberries. The options are endless, so have fun experimenting! To keep your maple cinnamon apple donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing. Freezing is a great option if you have extra donuts. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, just take out what you need! To enjoy your donuts warm, reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them soft and tasty. You can also use a microwave for quick heating. Just warm them for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy your delicious donuts just like fresh from the oven! For a full recipe, check out the full recipe. You can make donuts without a donut pan by using a muffin tin. Just pour the batter into the muffin cups. Fill them about halfway. Bake as you would for donuts. They will not have the classic donut shape but will taste just as good! Yes, you can use brown sugar in place of granulated sugar. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel taste to your donuts. It may change the color slightly, but the flavor will be delicious. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for. For this recipe, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work best. They are sweet and have a nice crunch. You can also use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor. Choose fresh apples for the best taste in your donuts. Use the grated apple to add moisture and flavor to your treats. For the full recipe, check out the complete list of ingredients and instructions. We covered a lot about making delicious donuts. Fresh ingredients matter, as they enhance flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions for perfect baking. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and achieve the right texture. Variations like gluten-free and vegan options let you be creative. Storing and reheating properly keeps your donuts fresh. Enjoy your baking journey with these insights, and remember, practice makes perfect!

Maple Cinnamon Apple Donuts

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these delicious Maple Cinnamon Apple Donuts! This simple recipe brings together the sweetness of maple syrup and the crunch of apples for a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create mouthwatering donuts that everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup apple cider

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup pure maple syrup

1 large apple (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji), grated on the large holes of a box grater

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

1 large egg, at room temperature

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

For coating: ½ cup granulated sugar blended with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a donut pan by spraying it lightly with non-stick cooking spray.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is uniform and free of lumps.

      In a separate medium bowl, combine the apple cider, pure maple syrup, melted butter, egg, and grated apple. Whisk until all the ingredients are well blended and the apple is evenly distributed.

        Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir using a spatula. Mix only until just combined; a few lumps are okay—overmixing can result in dense donuts.

          Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each donut mold in the pan about ¾ full with the batter, ensuring even distribution for uniform baking.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean and they spring back lightly when touched.

              Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated on all sides. This adds an irresistible sweetness.

                  Let the donuts cool slightly before serving to achieve the perfect texture.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 Donuts

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the warm donuts in a beautiful, decorative platter and enhance their appeal by drizzling with extra maple syrup. For a delightful accompaniment, serve with a small bowl of spiced cream cheese dip.