Hey y’all! If you’re craving cozy flavors and the comfort of fall, these Baked Apple Cider Donuts are the ultimate treat. They’re soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices and tangy apple cider in every bite. Best of all, you get all the deliciousness of donuts without any frying mess, making them perfect for family breakfasts, brunches, or snacking by the fire. Ready to fill your home with that irresistible cinnamon-sugar aroma? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
- Super easy and baked, not fried – less mess and guilt!
- Moist and fluffy texture thanks to the apple cider and buttermilk.
- Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for true autumn flavor.
- Great for breakfast, lunchboxes, or fall gatherings.
- Kid-friendly and fun to make together!
Baked Apple Cider Donuts Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
1. Prep and Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and reduce to 1/2 cup (about 10 minutes). Cool completely before using—this intensifies the delicious apple flavor.
2. Prepare the Donut Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan well (see this pan suggestion). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, reduced apple cider, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine and Fill
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay! Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
4. Bake the Donuts
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the thickest part comes out clean. Let baked apple cider donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
5. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In a bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Brush each warm donut with melted butter, then dip and twist in the cinnamon sugar to coat all sides generously.
Notes for Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Don’t skip reducing the apple cider—this concentrates the flavor and is key to fabulous donuts.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
- Be sure to grease your donut pan well to prevent sticking.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use your preferred all-purpose gluten-free flour blend.
- Spiced Sugar: Add a pinch of cloves and allspice to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
- Baked Apple Cider Muffins: No donut pan? Use a muffin tin and adjust bake time to 16-18 minutes.
Required Equipment for Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Donut pan (non-stick recommended)
- Medium and large mixing bowls
- Whisk and silicone spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Saucepan (for cider reduction)
- Piping bag or a zip-top bag with the tip cut off (optional but makes filling the pan easier)
How to Store Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Store completely cooled baked apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm slightly for best flavor and texture.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a mug of hot apple cider or your favorite coffee or tea.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a fall-inspired dessert.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for decadent sweetness.
Pro Tips for Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Let the reduced apple cider cool before adding to the batter for best rise.
- For the lightest texture, gently spoon and level your flour—don’t pack it in.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until ingredients are just combined (learn more about the muffin method here).
Baked Apple Cider Donuts FAQ
Can I make baked apple cider donuts ahead?
Absolutely! You can bake them up to a day ahead and store airtight. Add the cinnamon sugar topping just before serving for best texture.
Do I need a donut pan?
While a donut pan makes classic shapes, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin as “donut muffins”—just extend the baking time by a couple of minutes.
Can I freeze baked apple cider donuts?
Yes. Freeze them (without topping) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw, warm slightly, then add the cinnamon sugar topping for a fresh finish.
There you have it—fluffy, flavorful, and oh-so-easy Baked Apple Cider Donuts that taste like autumn in every bite! Happy baking!
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
-
1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
-
2In a small saucepan, simmer apple cider over medium heat until reduced to about 1/4 cup, then set aside to cool.
-
3In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
-
4In another bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, milk, vanilla, and reduced apple cider until smooth.
-
5Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fill the donut pan with the batter.
-
6Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the donuts cool slightly, then toss in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
