It’s that time of year again – that time when apples get turned into cider and then that cider makes it way is into a whole host of baked goods. Β Mmmmm! Β Around here (that’d be Vermont) we are a little obsessed with our apples – last weekend was the huge apple pie festival in my town and they are happening all across the state. Β But what everyone really talks about and craves and competes about around here are apple cider donuts. Β When done right, they are like nectar from the gods. Β When done wrong, they’re a sad non-apple-y tasting disappointment.
Apple is a hard flavor to get right in baked goods. Β It is a generally mild taste that can be easily overwhelmed. Β Using apple cider increases the taste potency since the making of cider includes using the whole fruit, therefore incorporating a lot more flavor, but even still it can get lost in the baking process.
The best way, and easiest way to get a bolder stronger flavor is to boil the cider into a concentrated reduction. Β And in true New Englander form of ‘calling things as they are & not wasting words’, we call this reduction Boiled Cider.
Β
Making your own boiled cider is super simple. Boil whatever amount of cider you have until it is reduced by half. Β This takes some time – depending on how much you are making, but you don’t have to stand there watching or babysitting it, just check on it every 10-15 minutes until it is boiled down to your desired consistency. Β You can even reduce it by more than half if you want a thicker reduction. Β Alternatively, Β and I only mention it because I am a big fan of this company, and because they are based out of my home state, King Arthur Flour sells small jars of boiled cider, almost like it’s an extract. Β I’ve never used it (it’s a tad bit expensive! ) but if you are feeling super lazy you might want to give it a try.
Apple Cider Muffins (inspired by a recipe in Yankee magazine)
- 2 cups sweet apple cider
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 6 tablespoons warm water
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- Β 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- In a medium pan, bring the cider to a simmer and let it reduce down to one cup (30-45minutes) and then let cool.
-
Preheat oven to 375F. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan lightly with oil or use cup liners.
-
In a small bowl, whisk the flaxseed and warm water together for 30 seconds and then set aside.
-
With a mixer, cream the vegan butter and sugar together until light and creamy, 2-3 minutes.
-
Add the flaxseed mixture and vanilla and mix until all combined.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, nutmeg, baking powder, Β baking soda, Β and salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the apple cider and mixing well after each addition.
- Fill the prepared muffin tins 3/4 full with batter and bake for 16-18 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and muffins spring back when tops are lightly touched.
- Let cool completely, Β then prepare the topping. Β Melt the vegan butter and set aside. Β Mix the cinnamon and sugar and set aside.
- Using a pastry brush, brush the entire muffin with the butter and then roll in the cinnamon/sugar until completely coated.
- Enjoy & try not to eat them all in one sitting!!
Β
Β
These look wonderful! So happy to come across your blog π
Thanks! I just checked out your blog too – apple cider donuts are now on my to do list!
http://thefriendlyfig.com/2014/10/01/vegan-apple-cider-donuts/
Awesome!
http://imgur.com/SBRAjyx
Rotfl!! π
They look fantastic π I got to make me some of those!! π
Thanks! And enjoy! π
Thank you π I will π
Mmmm- loving the cinnamon sugar finish!
Thanks! It was a bit messy but so absolutely necessary!
Just made these and they came out great! thanks for the recipe!
Oh wonderful! So glad to hear π
I’ve found my way to you via Vegan Meringue – Hits and Misses. I LOVE your blogs.
So, could I aquafabise these? I’m guessing 6 tablespoons? Equivalent of 2 eggs?
Thanks π
Thanks Carole!! I think you probably could and 6 tablespoons is what I would do. I think I need to revisit all my recipes and try aquafabilizing then all lol. So much fun to experiment! Let me know how it goes if you try it – I would love to hear.
Thanks so much for your speedy reply. I will get back to you with my results π
Yummy! I recently made a healthier version of apple cider donuts–definitely going to have to try out this muffin version! :]!
I’m visiting Vermont for the first time in a couple weeks + super excited! It looks so gorgeous up there!
Pingback: Apple Cider Muffins - Sweet As! - Delicious & Easy Recipes