Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

I absolutely love how these baked apple cider donuts come out—light, fragrant, and just perfectly spiced. There’s something so cozy about the way the warm apple cider infuses the donuts with that subtle fruity tang that you just can’t get with regular baked goods. Whether you’re baking for a chilly fall morning or a sweet afternoon treat, this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is an absolute winner in my kitchen.

When I first tried homemade baked apple cider donuts, I was amazed at how simple the process was and how much fresher they tasted compared to store-bought versions. You’ll find that baking instead of frying not only makes these donuts healthier but also way easier cleanup-wise. Trust me, once you try this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to fall treat!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients work harmoniously to create that tender, flavorful bite I love in these baked apple cider donuts. Keep an eye out for fresh apple cider or a good-quality one—it really makes a difference here.

• Apple cider: Reduce it to concentrate flavor; fresh cider works best for natural sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: Spoon and level your flour for accurate measurement to keep donuts light and tender.
• Baking soda & baking powder: Together they help give the donuts a nice rise and soft crumb.
• Ground cinnamon & apple pie spice: These spices bring in classic autumn warmth and depth.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for the batter and for coating the donuts later to help the sugar topping stick.
• Egg: Brings structure and moisture — room temperature is best for even mixing.
• Light or dark brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and works beautifully with the apple flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Used both in batter and topping for sweetness and crisp coating.
• Milk: Room temperature keeps the batter smooth without lumps.
• Pure vanilla extract: Elevates every flavor in the recipe—don’t skip it!

Variations

I love giving this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe a little twist depending on the season or mood. Feel free to experiment with different spices or toppings to make it your own—there’s so much room for personalization!

• Gluten-Free: I once swapped in a gluten-free flour blend with great success—just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Dairy-Free: Replace milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter for those avoiding dairy.
• Extra Spice: Sometimes I add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves to deepen the flavor and really ramp up the warmth.
• Maple Glaze: Instead of cinnamon sugar coating, drizzle with a simple maple glaze for a sweet finish that’s equally irresistible.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider for Maximum Flavor

The first thing I do is simmer the apple cider over low heat in a small saucepan. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally—after about 20 minutes, it should reduce to around 1/2 cup. This reduction intensifies that delicious apple flavor and adds natural sweetness, which is the heart of why this recipe stands out. Don’t worry if you see some spices or solids floating on top; I usually just leave them be—they add to the overall character.

Step 2: Prep Your Donut Pan and Gather Ingredients

While the cider cools for 10 minutes, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly spray your donut pan with non-stick spray. This step is crucial for easy donut removal later. Meanwhile, whisk together all your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt—in a large bowl to evenly distribute flavors and leavening agents.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Mix the Batter

Next, in another bowl, whisk your melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is nice and smooth. Now, pour that wet mixture into your dry ingredients, then add the cooled, reduced apple cider. Whisk everything gently until smooth but be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly thick but flow easily. Overmixing can make the donuts tough, something I learned the hard way!

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake

I like to transfer the batter into a large zip-top bag and snip off one corner to pipe the batter evenly into each donut cavity. Filling them about halfway keeps baking uniform and prevents overflowing. Bake for 10-11 minutes until the edges and tops just turn a light golden brown. To check doneness, press lightly on the top; if it springs back, your donuts are ready. After baking, let them cool for a couple of minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack. Don’t forget to re-grease the pan before baking the next batch if your batter makes more!

Step 5: Coat Donuts With Cinnamon-Spiced Sugar

While the donuts are still warm but cool enough to handle, the best part begins—coating! Combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice in a bowl. Dip each donut first into melted butter, then roll it generously in your sugar-spice mixture. This sticky coating adds a delicious crunch and extra warmth that makes these donuts so addictive. I always find that doing both sides ensures maximum flavor coverage.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple because these donuts shine on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce gives them an extra-special touch for when guests arrive. Fresh chopped pecans can add delightful crunch, too, especially if you’re serving these at a brunch table.

Side Dishes

Pairing these donuts with a hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee creates a comforting experience, while fresh apple slices or a simple yogurt parfait can round out the meal if you want a bit more balance. My kids love eating the donuts alongside sliced apples dipped in cinnamon honey.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve arranged a donut board with assorted toppings like crushed nuts, extra cinnamon sugar blends, and small bowls of apple butter or maple syrup for dipping. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and makes for such a fun, interactive dessert station. Sometimes, I stack donuts on a pretty cake stand with seasonal decorations—everyone loves the cozy vibe it sets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft. I usually put mine in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap so they don’t dry out. They lose a bit of their fresh-baked charm after a couple of days but still taste great.

Freezing

Freezing baked apple cider donuts works well if you want to prep ahead. Once fully cooled, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe bag. They last up to a month frozen. When I first started making this recipe, I was worried the texture would suffer, but they thaw nicely with no major difference.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop frozen or room-temp donuts into a toaster oven at 325°F for about 5 minutes to warm them through without drying them out. You want them warm and tender, not crispy or hard. If you don’t have a toaster oven, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds works, but watch carefully to avoid overdoing it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe a try—it really brings a little warmth and joy to my kitchen every time I make it. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a comforting hug in donut form, perfect for sharing or savoring quietly with a cup of tea. If you’ve been on the hunt for an easy-to-make, irresistibly spiced treat, this recipe is definitely worth adding to your fall baking lineup.

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