Apple Cider 'Donut' Mini Muffins

The temps are FINALLY starting to drop in Georgia! There is something about these cooler temperatures that make me want to bake all the things. Maybe it is the nostalgia of Fall baked goods or maybe it is just the fact that having the oven on won’t increase the temperature in my house by 5 extra degrees. Either way, I am here for it and so are the kids!

Do your kids love to help you bake? It is probably one of my little one’s favorite things to do. They just love being up in their tower or on the counter, helping dump everything in the mixer.

A few weekends ago, when it was still in the mid-high 90’s out we headed up to the apple orchard. We got so many apples and the good Apple Cider. You know what I am talking about. The good stuff freshly made from the apples on the orchard. While we were there, they had never ending apple themed baked goods. Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Pies, Apple Fritters, Apple Churros, and more! It all smelled so good and inspired to make some things at home for the kids to enjoy.

My plan was to make Apple Cider Donuts, but I don’t have a donut pan so I thought I would create a donut recipe and make it in mini muffin form. Almost like a donut hole! They were a big hit! Mini muffins are my favorite for the kids because they are the perfect size for them!

IMPORTANT NOTES:

* When getting your apple cider for the recipe - GET THE GOOD STUFF! We used the one we got from the Apple Orchard, but you can find good ones from local orchards at your grocery store or Trader Joe's

* For the Vegan Butter - we used Earth Balance Soy Free, but any will work and you can experiment with Coconut Oil too!

* To make "Buttermilk" mix 1 Cup of your choice dairy-free milk(I used Ripple Milk) and 1 TBSP of lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes or until it curdles. Only use 1/2 CUP of this mixture in your recipe.

TIP: These freeze well! Just put in a freezer safe container BEFORE dipping in butter and cinnamon sugar. When you are ready to have them again, just thaw to room temperature then dip in melted Vegan Butter and cinnamon sugar.

I hope you enjoy these as much as we did!

Laura

xoxxo