Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe – Soft, Spiced & Delicious
If fall had a flavor, it would be apple cider donuts. This baked apple cider donuts recipe delivers all the cozy autumn vibes without the hassle of frying. These donuts are soft, cakey, full of warm spices, and coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping. Perfect with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider, they’re a must-make treat for the season.
Unlike traditional fried donuts, these baked beauties are lighter yet still indulgent, making them great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The secret lies in reducing the apple cider for a concentrated flavor that infuses every bite.
Ingredients (Makes 12 Donuts)
For the Donuts:
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
- ½ cup brown sugar (100 g, packed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil)
- ½ cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Reduce the cider – In a small saucepan, simmer apple cider over medium heat until reduced to ½ cup (about 15–20 minutes). Cool completely.
- Prepare pans & oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients – In another bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla, and cooled reduced cider.
- Combine – Slowly fold dry mixture into wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill pans – Spoon or pipe batter into donut cavities, filling about ¾ full.
- Bake – Bake for 10–12 minutes, until donuts spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool slightly – Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Coat with topping – Brush each donut with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve & enjoy – Best enjoyed warm with coffee or apple cider.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Serving Size: 12 donuts
Tips & Variations
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a deeper spice profile.
- Glazed donuts: Instead of cinnamon sugar, dip in apple cider glaze (powdered sugar + apple cider).
- Mini version: Use a mini donut pan and bake for 7–8 minutes.
- No donut pan? Use a muffin tin – they’ll be “donut muffins” but just as tasty!
Nutrition Info (Per Donut – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and coconut oil instead of butter and milk.
- Low-Sugar: Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.
- Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour, coconut flour, and erythritol (texture will be denser).
Serving Suggestions
These baked apple cider donuts are the perfect fall treat. Serve them warm at breakfast, brunch gatherings, or as a sweet snack after dinner. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a steaming mug of apple cider.
Whether you’re making them for family, a fall festival, or just because you crave something cozy, these donuts will quickly become a seasonal favorite.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make baked apple cider donuts ahead of time?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Q2: Can I freeze these donuts?
Absolutely. Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q3: Why reduce the apple cider?
Reducing intensifies the flavor, giving the donuts a rich apple essence.
Q4: Do I need a donut pan?
It’s recommended, but you can use a muffin tin as a substitute.
Q5: Can I make them healthier?
Yes—use whole wheat flour, reduce sugar, or swap butter for coconut oil.
