These light and fluffy baked donuts are full of apple spice flavor without any of the heavy grease you find in a traditional fried donut with a brown sugar topping.
When you live in the nation’s 3rd largest apple producing state, it can be next to impossible avoiding apple cider donuts all season. Full disclosure: we had our first fresh-pressed glass of cider and obligatory donut at a nearby orchard back in late-August during an unseasonably cool day.
When I found myself at another orchard the very next weekend tempted by yet another batch of freshly fried apple cider donuts, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had plenty of indulgences this pregnancy but truth be told: I’ve never been a huge fan of fried donuts. I didn’t grow up eating fried foods and as a result, they pretty much always give me a stomach ache about 30 minutes post-consumption. Good times.
Worry not! These baked apple cider donuts are fluffy and moist with the perfect amount of cinnamon and spices. The brown sugar topping adds a subtle crunchy texture and a bit of added sweetness so that you don’t realize you’re eating something healthy.
You’re welcome.
No forks required.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup whole wheat pastry flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup flax seed meal
- ¼ cup toasted wheat germ (honey crunch or regular)
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup apple cider
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup plain yogurt (low fat)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted & cooled)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Brown Sugar Topping
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey crunch toasted wheat germ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees and spray donut pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: whole wheat pastry flour through ground ginger.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together wet ingredients: apple cider through vanilla. Slowly incorporate wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, careful not to over-mix.
- Fill donut pan 1/4 cup at a time using a measuring cup or ice cream scoop.
- Bake for 8-9 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let donuts cool on rack for 10 minutes.
- While donuts are cooling, mix together brown sugar topping. After donuts have cooled for 10 minutes, remove from pan and dip in the brown sugar topping. It’s important to do this while donuts are still slightly warm.
- Serve donuts warm or at room temperature.
OMG I can’t believe I waited this long to make these. They were wonderful. Thanks for another great recipe.
I’m so glad you liked them!!!
I tried this one Oh so Good ! Ty
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Is there a way to make this eggless? I’d love to try the healthier version but I am a vegetarian.
You could try using a flax egg but I’ve never tried it before so I can’t vouch for how well it would work. Let me know if it does work!
These donuts look wonderful AND their healthy! I love everything about them! From the coconut oil to the flax seeds, I can’t help but get excited! This wouldn’t be the healthiest option but I bet they’d be good with cinnamon glaze!
http://www.nourishedbynutrition.com
I grew up in apple country too and love apple cider doughnuts. Can’t wait to give these lighter, healthier, baked donuts a try.
Oh good I hope you love them!
These look so tempting!! I love fresh apple cider donuts and usually buy them at the local apple orchard!
These are perfect for that exact craving!! Minus the guilt :)