(Healthy!) Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

It’s always a little sad when the leaves fall off the trees. Just when you realize and begin to appreciate the bright colors, they are gone. Fortunately, there is plenty to love about fall even without the obvious glory of bright yellows, shocking oranges, and ravishing reds. For example, I love the smell of dry leaves on the ground and the loud crunching sound they make under my favorite brown leather boots. I also adore the chill in the air and the smell of wood-burning fires coming from our neighbors’ chimneys.

There is always something beautiful to appreciate during every season. Some are harder to find but that makes them even sweeter.

If you’re finding yourself feeling blue as the leaves disappear, I would recommend making these doughnuts to lift your spirits. They are healthy, delicious, SO easy, and full of fall flavors. Warm cinnamon combined with sweet apple cider and nutty whole wheat flour make for a perfect start to any fall day.

Riley agrees.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can make is with 100% whole wheat flour or half whole wheat and half all-purpose. Either way, you are providing a healthier doughnut for you and your family to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or hot apple cider.

What are your favorite things about fall aside from the leaves?

Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or 1/2 cup whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup all-purpose)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon course salt
• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, cooled
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a gentle boil. Cook until it has reduced to about 1/4 to 1/3 cup. Cool to room temperature.
3. Combine the flour(s), baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1/3 cup of the sugar, and 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon in a large bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the butter, egg, milk and cooled cider. Whisk to combine.
5. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Evenly spread the batter into a nonstick doughnut pan.
7. Bake for 8 minutes until the doughnuts have risen and are just beginning to turn golden brown.
8. While the doughnuts are baking, combine the remaining sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.