Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins Delightful and Easy Recipe

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Craving a cozy treat that combines the flavors of fall in each bite? Look no further than these delightful Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins! With a warm blend of spices and the sweetness of apple cider, this easy recipe is a must-try. Join me as I guide you through each step of making these soft, flavorful muffins. Let’s create a delicious snack that is sure to impress your friends and family!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm, comforting flavor that evokes the essence of fall.
  2. Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
  3. Perfect for Any Occasion: These muffins are great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, making them versatile for any meal or gathering.
  4. Fun Coating: The cinnamon-sugar coating adds an extra layer of sweetness and a delightful crunch that elevates each bite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 cup apple cider

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 2 large eggs

– 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating Ingredients

– 1/3 cup granulated sugar

– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

These ingredients come together to create a warm and cozy treat. The apple cider adds a sweet and tangy flavor that shines through in every bite. The spices, especially cinnamon and nutmeg, provide warmth. Using unsweetened applesauce helps keep the muffins moist and adds a subtle apple taste.

This recipe is simple and uses basic items. You likely have most of these in your kitchen already. When you bake these muffins, the sweet smell of cinnamon will fill your home. It’s the perfect way to enjoy fall flavors any time of year.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

– Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by greasing it or using liners.

Cooking the Cider

To make the muffins special, we need to reduce the apple cider.

– Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan.

– Bring it to a boil over medium heat.

– Once boiling, let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/2 cup.

– This takes about 10-15 minutes.

– After reducing, take it off the heat and let it cool.

Mixing the Batter

Now it’s time to mix the batter!

– In a large bowl, whisk together:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– Set this dry mix aside.

– In another bowl, cream together:

– 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter

– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.

– Next, add 2 large eggs one at a time.

– Mix in the reduced apple cider, 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.

– Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix.

– Stir gently until just combined.

Baking

Now, we bake these delicious muffins!

– Carefully spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

– Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

– Check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick in the center.

– If it comes out clean, they are ready!

– Cool the muffins in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Coating

While the muffins cool, prepare the coating.

– In a shallow bowl, mix:

– 1/3 cup granulated sugar

– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

– Once the muffins are warm, roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

– Make sure they get a nice, even coating.

Tips & Tricks

Baking Tips

– To avoid dense muffins, mix the wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.

– To ensure muffins are fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready.

Ingredient Substitutions

– If you lack unsweetened applesauce, try mashed banana or pumpkin puree. Both options add moisture and sweetness.

– You can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor. White sugar can replace granulated sugar if needed.

Presentation Tips

– For garnishing, sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top of the muffins. This adds a nice touch.

– Serve the muffins warm on a beautiful plate. Add thin apple slices or whipped cream for a delightful pairing.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Cider: Opt for fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. It adds a rich apple taste that enhances the overall taste of the muffins.
  2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. This will keep your muffins light and fluffy instead of dense.
  3. Cool Before Coating: Let the muffins cool slightly before rolling them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This helps the coating stick better and keeps the muffins from being too hot to handle.
  4. Try Different Applesauce: Experiment with flavored applesauce, like cinnamon or spiced apples, to add an extra layer of flavor to your muffins.

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can enhance your apple cider doughnut muffins with fun flavors. Here are some ideas:

Adding nuts or chocolate chips: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. Chocolate chips give a sweet twist.

Using different spices: Try adding ginger or allspice for a unique taste.

Dietary Modifications

Need to adapt for different diets? Here are some great options:

Gluten-free options: Use a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the texture light and fluffy.

Vegan alternatives: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter.

Seasonal Variations

Make your muffins fit any season with these tips:

Fall-themed enhancements: Add pumpkin puree or caramel bits for a cozy touch.

Holiday versions: Mix in dried cranberries or orange zest for a festive flair.

These variations help you enjoy apple cider doughnut muffins all year long!

Storage Info

Short-term Storage

To keep your apple cider doughnut muffins fresh for a few days, store them in an airtight container. They will stay moist and tasty for up to three days at room temperature. If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them to prevent spoilage. Just remember to let them come back to room temp before serving. This will bring back their soft texture.

Long-term Storage

For long-term storage, you can freeze these muffins. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy a muffin, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

Best Serving Practices

For the best serving experience, enjoy the muffins warm. Their flavor shines when they are fresh from the oven or gently reheated. You can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top for a lovely finish.

Pair these muffins with a hot cup of cider, coffee, or tea. They also go well with a side of whipped cream or apple slices for a delightful treat.

FAQs

What is the best way to store apple cider doughnut muffins?

To keep your muffins fresh, store them at room temperature. Use an airtight container. This method keeps them soft for about three days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge. Muffins can last up to a week this way. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They stay tasty for up to three months.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these muffins ahead of time. Make the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just fill the muffin cups and bake as usual. If you bake them in advance, let them cool, then store them. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. This way, you have warm muffins ready to enjoy!

What are some common mistakes when making muffins?

One common mistake is overmixing the batter. This can make your muffins tough. Mix just until the ingredients combine. Another mistake is not measuring ingredients accurately. Use measuring cups or a kitchen scale for best results. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step. Letting them cool prevents sogginess and helps with coating. Follow these tips for perfect muffins every time!

You learned about making apple cider doughnut muffins today. We covered the key ingredients, detailed steps, and handy tips. I shared variations and storage options to keep your muffins fresh and tasty. Remember to adjust recipes for dietary needs or personal tastes. Baking should be fun, so don’t hesitate to experiment. With practice, you’ll create delicious treats to share. Enjoy your baking journey, and savor every bit

- 1 cup apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon These ingredients come together to create a warm and cozy treat. The apple cider adds a sweet and tangy flavor that shines through in every bite. The spices, especially cinnamon and nutmeg, provide warmth. Using unsweetened applesauce helps keep the muffins moist and adds a subtle apple taste. This recipe is simple and uses basic items. You likely have most of these in your kitchen already. When you bake these muffins, the sweet smell of cinnamon will fill your home. It’s the perfect way to enjoy fall flavors any time of year. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by greasing it or using liners. To make the muffins special, we need to reduce the apple cider. - Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. - Bring it to a boil over medium heat. - Once boiling, let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. - This takes about 10-15 minutes. - After reducing, take it off the heat and let it cool. Now it’s time to mix the batter! - In a large bowl, whisk together: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Set this dry mix aside. - In another bowl, cream together: - 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes. - Next, add 2 large eggs one at a time. - Mix in the reduced apple cider, 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. - Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. - Stir gently until just combined. Now, we bake these delicious muffins! - Carefully spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. - Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. - Check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick in the center. - If it comes out clean, they are ready! - Cool the muffins in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While the muffins cool, prepare the coating. - In a shallow bowl, mix: - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - Once the muffins are warm, roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. - Make sure they get a nice, even coating. - To avoid dense muffins, mix the wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. - To ensure muffins are fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. - If you lack unsweetened applesauce, try mashed banana or pumpkin puree. Both options add moisture and sweetness. - You can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor. White sugar can replace granulated sugar if needed. - For garnishing, sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top of the muffins. This adds a nice touch. - Serve the muffins warm on a beautiful plate. Add thin apple slices or whipped cream for a delightful pairing. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cider: Opt for fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. It adds a rich apple taste that enhances the overall taste of the muffins. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. This will keep your muffins light and fluffy instead of dense. Cool Before Coating: Let the muffins cool slightly before rolling them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This helps the coating stick better and keeps the muffins from being too hot to handle. Try Different Applesauce: Experiment with flavored applesauce, like cinnamon or spiced apples, to add an extra layer of flavor to your muffins. {{image_4}} You can enhance your apple cider doughnut muffins with fun flavors. Here are some ideas: - Adding nuts or chocolate chips: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. Chocolate chips give a sweet twist. - Using different spices: Try adding ginger or allspice for a unique taste. Need to adapt for different diets? Here are some great options: - Gluten-free options: Use a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the texture light and fluffy. - Vegan alternatives: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter. Make your muffins fit any season with these tips: - Fall-themed enhancements: Add pumpkin puree or caramel bits for a cozy touch. - Holiday versions: Mix in dried cranberries or orange zest for a festive flair. These variations help you enjoy apple cider doughnut muffins all year long! To keep your apple cider doughnut muffins fresh for a few days, store them in an airtight container. They will stay moist and tasty for up to three days at room temperature. If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them to prevent spoilage. Just remember to let them come back to room temp before serving. This will bring back their soft texture. For long-term storage, you can freeze these muffins. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy a muffin, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry. For the best serving experience, enjoy the muffins warm. Their flavor shines when they are fresh from the oven or gently reheated. You can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top for a lovely finish. Pair these muffins with a hot cup of cider, coffee, or tea. They also go well with a side of whipped cream or apple slices for a delightful treat. To keep your muffins fresh, store them at room temperature. Use an airtight container. This method keeps them soft for about three days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge. Muffins can last up to a week this way. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They stay tasty for up to three months. Yes, you can prepare these muffins ahead of time. Make the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just fill the muffin cups and bake as usual. If you bake them in advance, let them cool, then store them. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. This way, you have warm muffins ready to enjoy! One common mistake is overmixing the batter. This can make your muffins tough. Mix just until the ingredients combine. Another mistake is not measuring ingredients accurately. Use measuring cups or a kitchen scale for best results. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step. Letting them cool prevents sogginess and helps with coating. Follow these tips for perfect muffins every time! You learned about making apple cider doughnut muffins today. We covered the key ingredients, detailed steps, and handy tips. I shared variations and storage options to keep your muffins fresh and tasty. Remember to adjust recipes for dietary needs or personal tastes. Baking should be fun, so don’t hesitate to experiment. With practice, you’ll create delicious treats to share. Enjoy your baking journey, and savor every bite!

Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins

Delicious muffins infused with apple cider and coated in cinnamon sugar.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 0.75 cup packed brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by greasing it with butter or cooking spray, or line it with paper muffin liners for easy removal.
  • In a small saucepan, pour in the apple cider and bring it to a vigorous boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook until the cider reduces to about 1/2 cup, which should take approximately 10-15 minutes. Once reduced, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  • In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, taking about 3-4 minutes to achieve the desired texture.
  • Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. After the eggs, mix in the reduced apple cider, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the muffins dense.
  • Carefully spoon the batter into each cup of the prepared muffin tin, filling them until they are approximately two-thirds full.
  • Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  • While the muffins cool, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl, mixing until evenly blended.
  • Once the muffins are warm (but not too hot to handle), remove them from the muffin tin. Gently roll each muffin in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring each one receives a nice even coating.

Notes

Serve warm with apple slices or whipped cream.
Keyword apple cider, dessert, muffins

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