Baked Apple Cider Mini Doughnuts with Whipped Cream and Pecans
By: Sheri Wetherell
Published: December 17, 2016

You got it! These scrumptious mini doughnuts are baked - not fried - so keep that deep fryer (and calories!) stored away! To make these yummy doughnuts you'll need the proper pan like this mini doughnut pan; it's less than $15 and will make 30 doughnuts, so why not double the batch?! Reduced apple cider, plus diced bits of fresh apple make these doughnuts simply apple-licious, and the kefir (a healthy yogurt-like milk beverage) makes them creamy and oh so decadent. They're easy to make and bake up in just minutes, making them the perfect breakfast or brunch treat.
Baked Apple Cider Mini Doughnuts with Whipped Cream and Pecans
 Courtesy of Lifeway Kefir
	Makes about 16 mini doughnuts
	Ingredients:
	2 cups apple cider (for the cider reduction)
	1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
	1/2 tsp baking powder
	1/2 tsp baking soda
	1/2 tsp salt
	2 tsp cinnamon
	1/2 tsp nutmeg
	1 cup Lifeway Plain Non Fat Kefir (or use Whole Milk Kefir for creamier doughnuts)
	1/4 cup cider reduction (recipe below)
	1/2 cup sugar
	1 large apple, peeled and diced
	1/4 cup pecans, chopped
	Whipped cream and additional pecans for topping
	 
Directions:
	For the Cider Reduction:
	Heat the 2 cups of cider in a medium sauce pan to a boil (be careful not to let it boil over). Reduce heat and let the cider simmer, reducing to ¼ cup. Set aside to cool until thick.
	Preheat oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit. Spray a mini doughnut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
	In medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In large bowl, mix together kefir, cider reduction, applesauce and sugar. Add in flour mixture and until combined. DON’T OVER MIX! Fold in apples and pecans.
	Spoon batter into mini doughnut pan wells, filling each no more than halfway full (you will have extra batter for extra batches). Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from oven and cool for ten minutes before popping out of the pan. Cool completely, then top each with whipped cream and pecans, or enjoy warm without topping.
Variations:
	For extra creamy doughnuts, use Lifeway Organic Whole Milk kefir. Substituting pear for apple would also be delightful! In place of white sugar, try coconut palm sugar or a stevia for baking blend, if you enjoy the taste.