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Cozy Baked Apple Cider Donut Muffins

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These baked apple cider donut muffins offer the cozy flavor of autumn without the hassle of frying. Made with reduced apple cider, warm spices, and fresh apples, they are tender, moist, and topped with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup reduced apple cider (made from 2 cups cider)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook until reduced to exactly 1 cup (about 10-15 minutes). Let cool completely.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the cooled reduced cider, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula until just moistened. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in diced apples and walnuts (if using).
  7. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling them about ¾ full.
  8. Mix ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over each muffin.
  9. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ensure the reduced cider is completely cool before adding to wet ingredients to prevent cooking the eggs. Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough muffins. For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil. For a vegan option, use flax eggs and maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider muffins, baked donut muffins, fall baking, autumn recipes, easy muffins, cinnamon sugar muffins, reduced cider

Find it online: https://mandydishes.com/cozy-baked-apple-cider-donut-muffins-5-easy-homemade-tips/