Cake Iron Doughnut Holes

Delicious mini doughnuts that are made with real apple cider. Baked in a cake iron but with an available doughnut pan option. Fall is the perfect time for a warm pick me upper and this easy recipe will do the trick! This sugar cover treat is so sweet and really brings the autumn spirit! I baked my doughnut holes with a babycakes cake pop iron but I also explain how bake theses little holes in the oven. This recipe is super simple and only takes about an hour. Great for an after school treat but really it can be used for anything! 

1 1/2 cup apple cider

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

3/4 tps baking powder

3/4 ground cinnamon

1/4 salt

2 tbsp melted butter

1 egg

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup of milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

—For the Topping-

1 cup granulated sugar

3/4 ground cinnamon

6 tbsp melted butter

To Reduce the amount of apple cider and to lighten it, simmer the apple cider in a small sauce pan. Cook on low heat until there is about 1/2 a cup left. Depending on the apple cider some spice may accumulate at the top of the pan. This will add to the flavor.

• While apple cider is simmering preheat the oven to 350ºF or if using a cake iron begin the heating process.

• In a large bowl mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon.

• In a smaller bowl whisk butter, egg, brown and granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla.

• Pour into the dry ingredients and add the reduced apple cider after it has cooled for a bit. About 5-10 minutes.

For Oven Baking

• Pour batter into greased doughnut pan and bake for 10 minutes. It should be a golden brown when it is done. To test if the doughnut has been cooked to perfection press down on it lightly with a fork. If it bounces back it is perfect. If it sinks it should be cooked longer. It it stays firm it has been overcooked. If this is the case, depending on how over cooked it is, it should still taste great it just won’t be as soft.

  For baking with a Doughnut or Cake Iron

  • lightly grease your iron and turn it off while you spoon batter into cups. Do not over fill or the will flatten and have rings around them. Once full close iron and bake for around 5 minute or as specified on the iron. Repeat with the remaining batter.

  Making the Topping

  • In a small shallow bowl mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Once the donut holes have cooled slightly dunk them in the warm melted butter and rub them around in the sugar mixture. They should develope a nice sugary coat. Serve warm and cover leftovers to be eaten within two days.