If you’re craving a cozy treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall, this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is exactly what you need. These donuts are soft, tender, and infused with the warm spices and apple cider reduction that bring irresistible autumn vibes to your kitchen. Instead of frying, they’re baked to perfection, making them a little lighter but still incredibly flavorful. Each bite offers that nostalgic comfort of homemade donuts with a delightful cinnamon-spice sugar coating that will make you want to share with friends and family, or just savor them yourself with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial part in developing the smooth dough, the warm spice notes, and the tender crumb that makes these donuts unforgettable.
- Apple cider (1 and 1/2 cups, 360ml): Reduces down to concentrate that fresh apple flavor with a natural sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups, 250g): The sturdy base that gives donuts their shape and soft texture.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the donuts rise perfectly, creating a light and airy crumb.
- Baking powder (3/4 teaspoon): Adds a little extra lift for that perfect bounce.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm and aromatic spice that pairs wonderfully with apples.
- Apple pie spice (1 teaspoon): Enhances the donut’s fall-inspired flavor with a blend of spices like nutmeg and cloves.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 Tablespoons plus 6 Tablespoons for coating): Adds richness and moisture to the batter and helps the coating stick.
- Large egg (1, at room temperature): Binds ingredients while contributing to the dough’s tender texture.
- Light or dark brown sugar (1/2 cup, 100g): Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, 100g): Sweetens the batter evenly.
- Milk (1/2 cup, 120ml, at room temperature): Provides moisture necessary for a soft dough.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lifts the flavors with a lovely aromatic note.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup, 200g) for coating: Combined with spices to create the sugary crust.
- Ground cinnamon and apple pie spice (3/4 teaspoon each for coating): Gives the donuts their classic spiced sugar finish.
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Start by simmering the apple cider over low heat until it reduces down to about 1/2 cup. This process concentrates the rich apple flavor and natural sweetness that will infuse the donuts. Don’t worry about any spices or solids that may form on top, they add character and can be left alone. Let the reduced cider cool for 10 minutes before using.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and generously spray your donut pan with non-stick spray. Having the oven ready in advance streamlines the baking process and ensures even cooking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. This will evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the dry mix, setting the stage for that perfect blend of fluffy texture and warm flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the cooled reduced apple cider last, and whisk everything together until the batter is smooth with a slightly thick consistency. This careful mixing yields a donut batter that bakes up tender and moist.
Step 5: Fill Donut Pan
To fill the donut cavities neatly, spoon the batter into a large zipper-top bag and cut off one corner to create a piping bag. Pipe the batter into each donut mold filling about halfway. This method keeps your hands clean and ensures even donuts that bake uniformly.
Step 6: Bake Donuts
Bake the donuts for 10 to 11 minutes until their edges and tops lightly brown. You can check doneness by gently pressing the top of a donut—it should spring back if they’re done. Let them cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Don’t forget to re-grease your pan before baking the remaining batter so the next batch releases just as easily.
Step 7: Prepare the Topping and Coat Donuts
Mix together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and apple pie spice in a medium bowl. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip each side into melted butter and then generously coat with the cinnamon-spice sugar mixture. This final step delivers the signature sweet, spicy crunch that makes these baked donuts utterly addictive.
How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
While the cinnamon-spice sugar coating is a star on its own, you can elevate the presentation with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra charm. Fresh apple slices on the side add an inviting touch that brightens the plate.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair wonderfully with warm beverages like chai tea, coffee, or hot apple cider to complement their spiced apple flavor. Serving alongside a bowl of spiced yogurt or creamy vanilla ice cream creates a memorable treat for any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Place your donuts stacked on a rustic wooden board or tiered stand for a cozy fall gathering. You can also thread them on a skewer as “donut kebabs” for a playful twist that’s perfect for brunch or dessert tables. Wrapping individual donuts in parchment and tying with twine makes a charming gift idea too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your baked donuts fresh, store them tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. This preserves the soft texture and flavor without drying out. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but allow them to come back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
These donuts freeze beautifully! After cooling and coating, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated donuts gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps refresh their tender crumb and reactivates the buttery cinnamon-spice coating. Microwaving is a faster option but can make them softer and less crisp.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought apple cider for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly for the reduction step and gives great flavor. Just choose a good-quality, fresh cider without added preservatives for the best results.
Do I have to bake the donuts or can I fry them?
This recipe is designed specifically for baking, which makes these donuts lighter and easier to prepare. Frying would require a different batter and method, but baking still gives you that classic donut flavor in a healthier form.
What if I don’t have an apple pie spice blend?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of cloves. Use about 1 teaspoon total to substitute the apple pie spice in the recipe.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, by replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can enjoy gluten-free baked apple cider donuts. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious!
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?
Spraying the donut pan thoroughly with non-stick spray is key. You can also lightly dust the pan with flour or use a silicone donut mold for easier release. Allowing the donuts to cool slightly before removing helps them keep their shape intact.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend diving into this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe enough. It captures all the warmth, spice, and comfort you crave during apple season, and the baking method keeps things simple and less messy while delivering fantastic flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, these donuts will quickly become a beloved classic everyone asks for again and again. So roll up your sleeves, grab some apple cider, and treat yourself to this wonderful fall-inspired delight!
Print
Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delicious fall-inspired treat made by reducing apple cider to intensify its flavor, then mixing it into a spiced donut batter. Baked to perfection and coated in a cinnamon-spice sugar mixture, these donuts are moist, flavorful, and perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) apple cider
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer it over low heat, stirring occasionally. Continue until it reduces to about 1/2 cup (120ml), which takes approximately 20 minutes. Leave any spices or solids that form on the surface. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Donut Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a donut pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and set it aside while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt until well combined and evenly mixed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thoroughly mixed.
- Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients, add the cooled reduced apple cider, and whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and slightly thick in consistency.
- Fill Donut Pan: For easier filling, transfer the batter into a large zipper-top bag and cut off one corner. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity in the pan, filling about halfway to allow room for rising.
- Bake Donuts: Bake the donuts for 10–11 minutes or until the edges and tops are lightly browned. Check for doneness by gently poking the top of a donut; it should bounce back. Let the donuts cool for 2 minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack. Re-grease the pan and repeat with the remaining batter.
- Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and apple pie spice to create the cinnamon-spice sugar coating.
- Coat Donuts: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip both sides of each donut into the melted butter and then generously coat them in the cinnamon-spice sugar mixture.
- Serve and Store: Serve the donuts immediately for the best flavor and texture. Leftovers can be stored tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Reducing the apple cider intensifies the natural apple flavor and sweetness in the donuts.
- Make sure all wet ingredients, especially the egg and milk, are at room temperature to ensure smooth batter mixing.
- Filling the donut cavities only halfway prevents overflows during baking.
- Use a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner cut off to fill the donut pan neatly and evenly.
- Coat the donuts while they are still slightly warm to help the butter and sugar adhere better.
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored as noted for later consumption.
