These Apple Cider Donut Muffins are warm and cozy, bringing fall vibes to your kitchen! With bits of apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, they’re super tasty and fun to eat.
Trust me, they disappear fast! I love enjoying them with my morning coffee. They’re also great for sharing, but you might want to keep a few for yourself! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your muffins, giving them structure. If you’re gluten-free, you can try a gluten-free flour blend for similar results.
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider offers the best flavor, but if it’s unavailable, unsweetened apple juice works as a substitute, though it will be a bit milder in taste.
Apples: I suggest using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their sweetness and texture. If you like, you can swap them with other apples like Fuji or Gala, which also work well!
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and fall flavors. If you’re out of nutmeg, you can increase the cinnamon or leave it out altogether. Allspice is another good alternative!
Vegetable Oil or Butter: Both work well, but using melted butter gives a richer flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, stick with vegetable oil or even applesauce for moisture.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Fluffy Muffins?
The key to fluffy muffins is not overmixing the batter—this ensures they stay light and airy. Here’s how to keep them fluffy:
- Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing it, which can lead to dense muffins.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. A few lumps are fine — it’s better than overmixing.
- Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full to allow room for rising without spilling over.
- Use a toothpick to test; if it comes out clean, they’re perfectly baked!
Following these tips will help deliver scrumptious muffins every time!
Apple Cider Donut Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 18-22 minutes to bake. You’ll have a total of around 35-40 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious muffins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners to make cleanup easier!
2. Prepare the Apple Cider:
In a medium saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the cider is reduced to about 1/4 cup. This should take around 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). Whisk everything together to ensure it’s evenly blended.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then mix it with the reduced apple cider, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
5. Mix Together Batter:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—you want to avoid overmixing. Then, gently fold in the chopped apples.
6. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
7. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean.
8. Prepare the Sugar Coating:
While the muffins bake, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with 1 tsp of cinnamon in a small bowl. This will give your muffins that delightful exterior!
9. Coat the Muffins:
Once the muffins are done, let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. After that, brush each muffin with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat completely. This gives them their signature apple cider donut look and taste!
10. Enjoy:
Let the muffins cool for a few more minutes. They are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Pair them with your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful treat!
These Apple Cider Donut Muffins are moist, flavorful, and lightly spiced, capturing the essence of apple cider donuts in muffin form!
Can I Substitute Apple Cider with Juice?
Yes, you can use unsweetened apple juice if apple cider is unavailable. However, keep in mind the flavor might be slightly milder.
Can I Make These Muffins Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check if the blend contains xanthan gum, as it may help with the texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven when ready to enjoy!
Can I Bake These as Mini Muffins?
Yes, you can! Just decrease the baking time to about 10-12 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Mini muffins are perfect for snacking or packing in lunches!