Print

Kid-Approved Apple Cider Donut Muffins (Easy Budget Recipe)

apple cider donut muffins - featured image
Print Recipe

These budget-friendly muffins capture the cozy spiced flavor of apple cider donuts without the need for a deep fryer. Made with simple ingredients, they’re quick to prepare and perfect for busy mornings, school lunches, or fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (177ml) apple cider
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease well.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Break up any brown sugar lumps.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together melted butter (warm, not hot), eggs, apple cider, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and slightly frothy.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined (10-12 strokes). A few lumps are fine; do not overmix.
  5. Divide batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Batter will be thick and shaggy.
  6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tops should be golden and spring back when touched.
  7. While muffins bake, prepare topping: mix ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in another small bowl.
  8. Let muffins cool in pan for exactly 2 minutes. Remove one muffin at a time, brush generously with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place on cooling rack. Repeat with all muffins.
  9. Let coated muffins cool on rack for at least 10 minutes before serving. The topping will set into a crunchy shell.

Notes

For best results, use fresh apple cider (not apple juice). Room temperature eggs prevent butter from seizing. Do not overmix batter. For extra crunch, double the cinnamon-sugar topping. Muffins freeze well for up to 3 months; coat after thawing for crunchiest texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donut muffins, easy muffin recipe, fall muffins, kid-friendly muffins, budget-friendly muffins, cinnamon sugar muffins

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/kid-approved-apple-cider-donut-muffins-easy-budget-recipe/