Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe | Easy & Delicious Fall Treat

If you’re a fan of fall flavors, you’ve probably imagined biting into a warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated donut, with the comforting scent of apple cider in the air. The good news? You can make that dream a reality with this easy baked apple cider donuts recipe. Forget the fryer—this recipe makes fluffy, moist, and perfectly spiced donuts that are healthier (yet still indulgent) thanks to baking instead of deep-frying.

In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple step-by-step process to create these irresistible treats, perfect for fall mornings, cozy gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat any time of the year. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s bake up some magic!

Ingredients:

1 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by placing the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it reduces to about 1/3 of a cup. This helps concentrate the apple flavor. Once reduced, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray or melted butter. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. In another bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be thick but smooth.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 of the way full. You can use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the tip cut off for a cleaner process. Use a spatula to smooth the batter if needed.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should have a golden brown color on top. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

While the donuts are cooling, melt the butter in a small bowl. In a separate shallow dish, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, brush them with melted butter and dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure to coat each donut evenly for that perfect fall flavor.

Recipe Notes:

For an extra flavor kick, try adding 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger to the batter. It pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon and nutmeg!
If you prefer a lighter version of these donuts, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a slightly denser texture.
The apple cider reduction step is key to making these donuts extra flavorful—don’t skip it!

Time and Serving:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes about 12 donuts.

Storage:

These donuts are best eaten fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving):

Calories: 180 kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Sodium: 200mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect:

Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to avoid dense donuts. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature milk and eggs will blend better, ensuring a smoother batter.
Top with Apple Cider Glaze: If you want to take these donuts to the next level, drizzle them with an apple cider glaze made from powdered sugar, apple cider, and a touch of vanilla extract.
Make It Your Own: Try adding a handful of chopped apples into the batter for a fresh fruit twist!

How to Serve:

These donuts are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to impress, serve them with a hot cup of apple cider, a pumpkin spice latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun brunch spread, pair them with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Kitchen Tools Needed:

Donut pan (or mini donut pan for smaller treats)
Medium and large mixing bowls
Whisk and spatula
Small saucepan for reducing the apple cider
Cooling rack for cooling the donuts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Yes, you can use regular apple cider, but reducing it intensifies the flavor, giving your donuts a richer apple taste. If you skip the reduction step, you might want to use a little more cider to make up for the lost concentration.

Absolutely! You can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the ingredients for the right ratio of flour to binder.

Yes, these donuts freeze well! Simply place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.

To make your donuts fluffier, be careful not to overmix the batter. The more you stir, the denser the texture. Also, ensure your leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) are fresh for optimal rise.

Yes! For an extra sweet touch, you can add a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla extract. Drizzle it over the donuts after they’ve cooled for a beautiful finish.