1-First Step: Reduce the apple cider Pour 1.5 cups apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until it reduces to 1/3 cup. This concentrates the flavor, mimicking apple cider donuts without frying. Set aside to cool slightly. Pro tip: Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

2-Second Step: Preheat oven and prepare pan Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 6-cavity donut pan with non-stick spray or butter. For best release, dust lightly with flour. This ensures your healthy baked apple donuts pop out perfectly shaped.

3-Third Step: Mix dry ingredients In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 1.5 tsp baking powder, 0.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 0.5 tsp nutmeg. These spices give the distinctive apple fritter-like taste in baked form.

4-Fourth Step: Combine wet ingredients In another bowl, beat 1 egg with 1/3 cup brown sugar until smooth. Add 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 tsp vanilla, reduced apple cider, and 1/2 cup grated apple. Stir well. Room-temperature items prevent lumps.

5-Fifth Step: Form batter Pour wet into dry. Mix gently until just combined, about 20 strokes. Batter should be thick like muffin mix. Avoid overmixing for tender results.

6-Sixth Step: Fill donut pan Spoon batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag, snip corner. Pipe evenly into pan, filling 3/4 full. Tap pan to settle batter and remove air bubbles. Don’t overfill to prevent spilling.

7-Seventh Step: Bake donuts Bake 12-15 minutes until edges are golden and centers spring back. A toothpick should come out clean. Rotate pan halfway for even baking. Cool in pan 3 minutes, then transfer to rack.

8-Final Step: Coat and serve Brush warm donuts lightly with melted butter. Mix 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon. Roll donuts in mixture. Serve fresh. Enjoy as breakfast or snack.