It’s apple cider time! My, this is exciting.
With the exception of one twisty road trip through the mountains where I drank a cup of cider right after and things didn’t go well, I’ve always been a fan of apple cider. Not apple juice. Cider. Totally different animal. The alcoholic version is nice, too.
And donuts are just a natural next step. You may have had a fried apple cider donut before, but have you tried the healthier baked version? With a maple cinnamon glaze? Step right up!
![Apple Cider Donuts](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/appledonut3-e1441909468270.jpg)
So the other day, I was sharing some of my thoughts about body image and the challenges that most (not some, most) women face when it comes to accepting and loving ourselves. And then this morning as I was doing my workout, I started thinking about where women develop our shared insecurities.
How many of you were made fun of as children? Just wondering. Because I was mercilessly teased. For whatever reason, I never got the cool memo, the one that signals the popular girls to let you alone. So of course, I spent a majority of my childhood thinking that I was ugly, that I was somehow wrong, and that I was missing whatever elusive piece it took to be part of the in crowd.
![Apple Cider Donuts](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/appledonut2-e1441909439917.jpg)
That probably explains why as an adult, I’ve always been very careful about all the external stuff, like fashion and appearance. It’s a self-defense mechanism to prevent people from making fun of me. That might sound silly, but the younger version of me still exists somewhere, and she’s afraid of being teased or left out.
![Apple Cider Donuts](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/appledonut5-e1441909520159.jpg)
We all have a backstory, and I’m insatiably curious about everyone’s stories. So if you ever want to share, put it in the comments! Did you have an experience that shaped the way you view yourself as an adult? If it’s private, ignore me. If not, then just stop to consider that as long as women continue to operate under the mistaken assumption that other women who seem fine on the outside are perfectly content with themselves all the time, nobody is benefiting from that kind of charade.
I’m all for sisterhood, and we can bond over childhood trauma or over donuts. Or both. Because both legitimately deserve to be discussed.
![Apple Cider Donuts](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/appledonut4-e1441909496150.jpg)
Donuts are evolving along with every other treat under the sun, and I’m glad. As delectable as a fried donut can be, it doesn’t exactly help your heart stay healthy. And it’s not even a sacrifice to  go the baked route when a donut is this good!
These have a lovely apple cider kick, not to mention a perfect maple cinnamon coating. The glaze is made from sugar that gets pureed in the blender to be somewhere between granulated and powdered sugar. The result is a topping that is a hybrid of a traditional donut glaze and an equally delectable cinnamon-sugar topping. Who says you can’t have it all?
![Apple Cider Donuts](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/appledonut1-e1441909403496.jpg)
We never stop being who we were as kids, and that’s a mixed blessing. Even painful experiences can become empowering after the fact. And along the way, we can gather good friends and good donuts to help us on our journey.
Ingredients
Donuts
2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup apple cider
1/4 cup milk (I used two percent)
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon canola oil
Glaze
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup pureed sugar (see recipe below)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup maple syrup
2-4 tablespoons milk (I used two percent)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Coat a donut pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Mix in the apple cider, milk, eggs, vanilla and oil until smooth.
- Fill the donut pan carefully using either a spoon or a piping bag. I prefer to use a spoon, but it's whichever method you can use that will make the least mess. You only want to fill each cavity about three quarters of the way.
- Bake the donuts for 12-14 minutes until they are firm and spring back when touched lightly. Cool completely.
- When you're ready to make the glaze, pulse the sugar in a blender until it becomes finer in texture, somewhere between granulated sugar and powdered sugar. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar with the butter,cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup. Add the milk until the glaze becomes spreadable.
- Dip each donut into the glaze, twisting off the excess with a flick of the wrist. Place each donut carefully onto a plate and let the glaze set.
- Store loosely covered.
3.1
http://justaboutbaked.com/apple-cider-donuts/
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Apple cider donuts? Wow! I always opt for baked versions. Loved that these are baked. Looks mouth-watering.![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen recently posted…Black Eyed Bean Zucchini Peach Curry
Baked is by far the best way, Anu!
I just made apple cider donuts last week and can’t wait to share! They’re so good! I love your version, Mir! The glaze sounds fantastic!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Chocolate-Swirled Pumpkin Bars
I can’t wait to see yours, Gayle!
Cinnamon maple glaze? Oh I would put that on so many things!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
I have still never made my own donuts, but if I did I think these would be a good place to start. I love cider (mainly the alcoholic version).
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Thai Yellow Curry by Angie@Angie’s Recipes
I would, too. Dangerous glaze! And yes, the alcoholic cider is by FAR the best.
Loved these donuts! And love your commentary even more. If there is one thing that has shaped me as an adult, it has been September 11th, which is of course today. I am writing this from my office across the street from the new Freedom Tower, and remembering back to being in NYC in 2001. That day changed me forever in terms of what is important, what my priorities are, what I am grateful for and how resilient and incredible people are – many of them total strangers who reached out to all of us that day. Thanks for the chance to say that “out loud.” #neverforget![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Kate @ Framed Cooks recently posted…Mango Lobster Salad
Your office is very poignantly situated. We’re all thinking about that day right now, and how it changed our lives forever. I’m glad you can focus on the positive aspects of everyone who came through on that day in support of one another. That was truly incredible.
Girl, I think you are Skinny AND SUPER pretty! PLUS you can bake, take killer photos and write like a champion! Where are all those mean girls now? Probably miserable. I have ALWAYS had issues with my body… but most people do. I have ovarian problems, so my hormones are constantly out of wack and I am always switching RX’s.. some of them cause me to get very skinny and some of them cause me to gain weight. So I am constantly judging myself and struggling just to maintain my normal. You aren’t alone in your issues! Anyways, I have been making baked apple cider donuts the past few weeks for Boy and he kept telling me to post them and I kept saying NOT UNTIL OCTOBER. Now I can never post them because yours BLOW mine out of the dang water! But of course they do! You are YOU – fabulous! I can’t wait to make yours!! Pinned! Cheers, lovely lady – to being wonderful and a fantastic weekend! <3![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Grilled Cauliflower Steaks & Scallions with Romesco Sauce
Cheyanne, I’m just gonna keep you on retainer to up my confidence levels every time I’m having a bad day. Can you do that?
Sorry to hear about your health challenges, but they do make us who we are. Stay strong, friend! You are pretty awesome yourself. I’m so glad we met! Hope we meet for real someday…
I’ve been wanting to make apple cider donuts. It looks like I will be grabbing some cider at the market this weekend so I can make these.![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Jen | Baked by an Introvert recently posted…Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Cider is the best, Jen! I hope the donuts work out for you!
You’ve nailed one of my all-time favorite fall treats! Thanks for sharing…and speaking of sharing…thankfully, I came to love my curly top, however, as a young girl, who was made fun of on more than one occasion for the very large fro I sported, it was a difficult time. I tried everything to straighten my frizz until I just decided that my curls were meant to be. I’m so glad I put that iron away. Ouch. 🙂![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
annie@ciaochowbambina recently posted…Cheesy Polenta with Wild Mushrooms & Thyme
I’ve got a curly top myself, so I hear you, Annie. Boy, was it tough to deal with the frizz and the teasing. The iron just breaks the heck outta hair, though. Really rough. I’m glad you like the donuts!
Love these donuts and will definitely try them! I was thinking of apple cider today.We all have issues, I know, love everything you wrote!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Mira recently posted…One-Pan Chicken And Rice
Yeah, we do. We’re human. It’s great stuff, Mira!
oh boyyy! apple cider donuts! I can smell them right now 😉 seriously I really can! these look delicious!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Michele @ Two Raspberries recently posted…Loaded Vegan Sub Sandwich
If you can smell them, I’m impressed. 🙂 They did smell good. Thanks, Michele!
Mir, apple cider donuts are like my fave for the fall .. MY FAVE! and I think you know my story. . I hate that there are kids in this world that find pleasure in teasing other kids. It’s insecurity in themselves but also how they are raised . . when I see kids that I don’t want my kids to be around because they are not the greatest influence, I tell my kids to kind of keep their distance. Maybe it’s me being overprotective and crazy but I don’t want them being around the wrong kids or getting teased or anything like that. But the other thing I am trying to work on is their confidence. . so that when things happen (b/c let’s face it, teasing happens unfortunately) , I want my girls to feel as secure as possible in themselves and know who they are. But who am I kidding? I was a teenager. I know how hard it is! Pass me a plate of these donuts. 🙂 But seriously, I think things like this do shape us into better, stronger people (I’m with you, sister!) and those kids who were doing all the teasing, they most certainly will get something in return for how they’ve treated people. I just hope for them that they eventually see how they’ve behaved and change. Happy weekend my friend! Let’s continue to teach our kids to be kind!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Football Sandwiches + A Giveaway!!
I always wonder if those girls who tortured us when we were younger realize how much they were hurting us, and how much they might have some karma coming their way. My mom always held me and told me that those girls were really unhappy deep down, and maybe she was right. But they sure seemed okay at the time! You’re totally right about teaching our kids the right way, though. I keep an eye out for my girls especially, and if they have a healthy social life, I make sure it’s not founded on hurting other people. Sending hugs to you and anyone else who had to grow past the bullying!
love these donuts Mir, they look fantastic, I always prefer the baked one! We all have had issues, that’s how life is! I used to be a fat kid, …other kids used to call me fat on face… you know I remember once I cried a lot because I couldn’t find a jeans for my size! Well a 34 waist jeans wasn’t that common for kids I guess back then in India…I am sure now India has some plump kids to fit in that size. I now wear a 25-26 size jeans but that fear never leaves me! I always feel like that I will wake up one day and will be fat again. Oh well..![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Zucchini Chana Dal
That’s so hard, Manali. I think we’re all the person inside that we used to be on the outside, to a certain extent. But like I said, it makes us so much stronger!
I love spiced apple cider, or wassail, or whatever you want to call it. Nothing seems more like fall to me, so these look wonderful. And I love that they’re baked. Less of a chance that I’ll burn myself! 🙂![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Amanda recently posted…Bananas Foster Cream Pie
Calling it “wassail” is so much cooler. I actually know how to wassail singing-wise, thanks to a few years in a madrigal a capella group! And nope, no burning here!