Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins

Indulging in warm Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins is a delightful experience that feels like a warm embrace on a cool day. The rich, fruity flavors come from combining apple cider and applesauce, which pair beautifully with a blend of warm spices. Picture this: your kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar, a scent that instantly evokes memories of joyous fall gatherings. Whether you want a cozy breakfast, a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or a crowd-pleasing treat for a gathering, these muffins are the way to go. Not only are they incredibly simple to make, but they also deliver that perfect doughnut taste without the fuss of frying. Discovering a delightful muffin that captures the essence of a doughnut—now that’s a treat worth sharing! So, let’s gather our ingredients and get started on this baking adventure together!

Why This Recipe Works

These Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins shine because of their thoughtful balance of flours. Using both all-purpose flour and oat flour creates a delightful texture. You’ll find them light yet satisfying. Plus, combining apple cider and applesauce infuses each muffin with a rich, fruity flavor. It’s that unique and comforting taste that makes you smile with every bite. Baking powder and baking soda work together, giving these muffins just the right rise, ensuring they aren’t too dense. This consistency makes them the perfect treat to enjoy any time of year, especially when the leaves start to change.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins

The warm spices in these muffins bring a sense of coziness typical of fall. Cinnamon wraps its arms around each bite, making these muffins wonderful for all occasions. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch or just enjoying one with your evening tea, you’ll appreciate how they strike the right balance. The sugary coating on the outside adds that touch of indulgence without overwhelming sweetness. Besides being super tasty, the best part? These muffins are easy to make. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced baker, you’ll find the process enjoyable and rewarding.

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious muffins, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup apple cider
• 3/4 cup applesauce (or apple butter)
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil (corn, canola, safflower)
• 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 Tbsp melted butter
• 1 cup sugar (for coating)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating, adjust to taste)

Preparing the Muffin Batter

Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by getting a large bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, oat flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well blended to ensure your muffins rise nicely.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, take a moment to whisk together the apple cider, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Aim for a smooth mixture that looks rich and creamy.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Next, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently whisk them together until just combined—don’t over mix! A few lumps are perfectly fine. This step keeps the muffins fluffy and tender.

Baking the Muffins

Pour the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). As you wait, lightly butter your muffin pans and start scooping the batter into each cup. Fill them about 2/3 full. This way, they’ll have enough room to rise without overflowing.

Bake to Perfection

Now, bake those beauties for about 19 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After removing them from the oven, let the muffins cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. They will get a bit firmer as they cool!

Coating the Muffins

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

While the muffins cool, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl for the delightful coating. This mixture adds that doughnut-like finish we all love.

Coating with Butter and Sugar

Once the muffins have cooled a bit, brush the tops (and sides, if you’re feeling adventurous) with melted butter. Then, roll each muffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure to coat them well for that extra sweet touch. If you want even more coverage, don’t hesitate to repeat this step!

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are phenomenal on their own, but pairing them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea elevates the experience. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream; it transforms them into a sweet treat worthy of any occasion.

Tips for Success

• Place your eggs out ahead of time to ensure they are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix more smoothly.
• For a twist, experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice. It could add an exciting new flavor.

Variations

If you want to switch things up, consider substituting half of the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, more complex flavor. Additionally, feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture and taste.

Storage Tips

Keep your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Want to save some for later? They freeze well for up to a month! Just make sure to wrap them individually and store them carefully.

Pairing Ideas

Enjoy these muffins with a glass of apple cider or a chilled glass of milk for a traditional treat. For a balanced breakfast, serving them alongside yogurt can add a fresh twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, feel free to substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, adjusting if necessary for the best consistency.

2. How do I make these muffins vegan?
Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and a plant-based oil for a tasty vegan option.

3. Can I freeze Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins?
Absolutely! They freeze beautifully. Just make sure to wrap them individually before storing in an airtight container.

4. What makes these muffins different from regular doughnuts?
These muffins are light, airy, and baked instead of fried, which gives them a healthier twist on the classic doughnut.

5. How can I enhance the apple flavor?
Consider adding chopped apples directly into the batter for those extra bites of apple goodness.

Indulging in warm Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins is more than just a treat; it’s an experience that warms the heart. With the comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen, you’ll find they bring joy to any gathering, family meal, or simply a quiet afternoon at home. The combination of sweet and spice creates that warm nostalgia we all crave, transforming a simple muffin into a cherished family favorite. Enjoy every bite, and let these muffins become a part of your culinary tradition!

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