Pancake Mix Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Apples and Fall are one of my favorite combinations. So I always find myself looking for ways to add apples to everything this time of year. Donuts was one thing I hadn’t tackled yet and I am so glad that I did. Adding apple cider flavor to a baked donut didn’t just make the donuts feel like fall but it also made them taste fabulous. A topping of apple cider glaze and cinnamon sugar {with nutmeg} was all they needed for an over the top finish. Keep scrolling to see how you can make this fall treat too!
Baked donuts are such a game changer for me because I am not a donut fan in general. I don’t care for the fried version but give me a cakey baked donut and I am yours… forever.
I have discovered that you can use pancake mix as the base for almost any donut. The possibilities are endless which is awesome because I love baked donuts so much.
I am all about figuring out how to make something already wonderful and making it easier. The key is…it still has to be just as great or it isn’t worth it. These Apple Cider Donuts are definitely worth it!
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How to make an Apple Cider Baked Donut using Pancake Mix
Begin by combining your pancake mix with sugar. I have used brown sugar because it really works so well with the apple cider but granulated sugar works too.
Using a whisk to combine the dry ingredients is a great idea because the pancake mix can be lumpy. So the whisk helps get rid of the lumps while combining ingredients.
Now add some cinnamon and nutmeg, then whisk again. You can see that the pancake mix is getting a little finer in texture which is what you want.
Measure out your apple cider. I like to use a good quality apple cider for this recipe because it is the star of the dish.
Add the apple cider, milk, egg and melted butter to the dry ingredients and whisk to combine.
The donut batter should be slightly thick. It is also beautiful with flecks of cinnamon and nutmeg throughout.
To transfer the batter into the well greased donut pan you can either spoon it into each cavity or add the batter to a piping bag {or Ziploc} and pipe it into the cavity.
The key is to not overfill. Remember that they will rise, so leave room for that.
Can I use a Muffin Pan to Bake this Apple Cider Donut Recipe
Yes, you can use a muffin pan to bake these Apple Cider Donuts. I would use muffin liners and only fill them 2/3 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. A great way to see if they are done is to lightly press down and when the donut bounces back then it is done.
You can also insert a toothpick and when it comes out clean they are finished.
Remove from the oven and let the donuts cool for a few minutes in the pan. Then turn them out onto a cooling rack. If you have an area that is stuck then use an offset spatula to release that area.
How to Dip Baked Donuts in Apple Cider Glaze
While they are cooling, combine the glaze ingredients. Dip each donut into the glaze mixture.
When you pull it out, the donut should have the perfect coating. If the glaze is too thick then add a little milk, if it is too thin then add a little powdered sugar.
Finally, give each apple cider donut a liberal sprinkling of cinnamon sugar {with nutmeg} while the glaze is still wet.
The final product is a super amazing baked donut that is perfectly spiced with apple flavor. Eat one on a Fall morning with a cup of coffee for a fabulous breakfast.
Or better yet… eat your apple cider donuts for dessert with a scoop of ice cream. Either way you can’t go wrong.
Do you love donuts? Try these recipes…
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Ingredients
Apple Cider Donut
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp butter {melted}
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Apple Cider Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2-2 tbsp apple cider
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Spray donut pans liberally with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl combine the pancake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk or sift dry ingredients to get rid of any lumps in the dry mix.
- Add the milk, apple cider, egg and melted butter to the dry mixture and mix to combine. Spoon dough into a Ziploc bag or piping bag and cut a medium sized triangle from the end of the bag. Pipe enough dough to fill each donut mold about 3/4 full because it will rise while baking. **You can also spoon the batter into each donut mold.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Once the donuts are cooked through {I like to press down and when it bounces back you know they are ready} remove from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Then invert them to a cooling rack to cool completely. If there is a spot where the donut is sticking to the pan then just use an offset spatula or knife to break that area loose.
- While the donuts are cooling combine the glaze ingredients and whisk until the mixture is smooth and thin enough to dunk your donut into but thick enough to stick onto the donut. Dunk each donut halfway into the apple cider glaze and remove back to the cooling rack. Before the glaze sets up sprinkle liberally with cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve or store in an air tight container for a couple of days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months unglazed.
