Description

Moist, cakey muffins infused with reduced apple cider and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a crunchy brown sugar crust. A baked alternative to traditional fried donuts that is easy to make and perfect for autumn.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ cup packed brown sugar (for coating)
½ teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)
1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until reduced to ½ cup (about 10-15 minutes). Let cool completely.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate large bowl, whisk the cooled reduced cider, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold together until just moistened. Do not overmix.
Divide batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While muffins bake, mix brown sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
As soon as muffins are removed from the oven, brush tops lightly with 1 tablespoon melted butter and immediately sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

Reduce the cider fully to concentrate flavor and prevent dense muffins. Do not overmix the batter to ensure tender texture. Brush butter on muffins immediately after baking so the sugar sticks. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 muffin
Calories: 180
Sugar: 20
Sodium: 150
Fat: 5
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 32
Fiber: 1
Protein: 2

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