These donuts deliver all the comforting flavors of fall without the need for deep frying. The apple cider adds natural sweetness and depth, while the spices create that classic bakery-style taste. They’re easy to make, healthier than traditional donuts, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.) apple cider all-purpose flour brown sugar granulated sugar baking powder baking soda cinnamon nutmeg salt eggs milk butter (melted) vanilla extract
For coating: granulated sugar cinnamon melted butter
Directions
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly grease a donut pan.
In a saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until reduced by about half. Let it cool.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, mix the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when touched.
Allow the donuts to cool slightly, then remove them from the pan.
Brush each donut lightly with melted butter, then toss in a cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
Servings and timing
Servings: 10 to 12 donuts Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 to 12 minutes Total time: about 30 minutes
Variations
Add a simple glaze instead of cinnamon sugar for a sweeter finish.
Use whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, more wholesome texture.
Add finely chopped apples for extra texture.
Mix in a pinch of cloves or allspice for deeper spice flavor.
Make mini donuts for bite-sized treats.
Storage/Reheating
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer storage.
Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven to refresh their texture.
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought apple juice instead of cider?
Apple cider is recommended for its richer flavor, but juice can work in a pinch.
Do I need a donut pan?
Yes, a donut pan helps achieve the classic shape, but you can use a muffin tin as an alternative.
Why reduce the apple cider?
Reducing concentrates the flavor, giving the donuts a stronger apple taste.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
How do I keep the donuts soft?
Store them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.
Can I skip the coating?
Yes, but the cinnamon sugar adds a classic flavor and texture.
Are these donuts fried?
No, they are baked, making them lighter.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake immediately after mixing for best results.
What spices work well besides cinnamon?
Nutmeg, cloves, and allspice complement the flavor nicely.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, it’s simple and great for baking together.
Conclusion
Baked apple cider donuts are a warm, comforting treat that’s easy to make and full of seasonal flavor. With their soft texture and spiced coating, they’re perfect for enjoying any time you want a cozy homemade dessert.
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are soft, warmly spiced treats packed with rich apple cider flavor and coated in cinnamon sugar. This easy baked apple cider donuts recipe delivers all the cozy fall taste without frying, making it a lighter and delicious homemade dessert.
Ingredients
For the donuts:
1 cup apple cider
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the coating:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly grease a donut pan.
In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until reduced by about half. Let it cool completely.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cooled apple cider until well combined.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when touched.
Let the donuts cool slightly before removing them from the pan.
Brush each donut with melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Reducing the apple cider intensifies the apple flavor—don’t skip this step.Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the donuts soft and tender.Use a piping bag or zip-top bag for easy filling of the donut pan.For a lighter version, skip the coating or use less sugar.You can substitute plant-based milk and butter for a dairy-free version.
