Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Baked Apple Cider Donuts are the ultimate cozy treat for fall mornings. Bursting with warm spices and real apple cider flavor, these donuts are moist, fluffy, and baked, not fried, making them a lighter, oven-friendly option. Rolled in cinnamon sugar for the perfect finish, they’re a comforting bite of autumn in every donut.

Ingredients List

Wet Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider
– ½ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– ½ cup whole milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– ½ tsp nutmeg
– ¼ tsp ground cloves
– ¼ tsp salt

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: In a small saucepan, simmer apple cider over medium heat until reduced to ½ cup. Let cool.
Step 2: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, and reduced cider.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix all dry ingredients.
Step 5: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Step 6: Spoon or pipe batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Step 7: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until donuts spring back when lightly touched.
Step 8: Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 9: While slightly warm, brush donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Servings

Makes about 12 donuts

Nutritional Information (approx. per donut)

Calories: 210
Carbs: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4 days.
Reheat briefly in the microwave for fresh taste.
Do not freeze after coating—freeze uncoated donuts and sugar them after thawing.

Pairings/Suggestions

Best served with hot apple cider, chai latte, or black coffee.
Perfect for brunch spreads, bake sales, or cozy fall mornings.

Seasonal Relevance

Ideal for fall, especially during apple-picking season and cozy autumn weekends.
A hit at Halloween parties, Thanksgiving brunches, or seasonal potlucks.

Conclusion

Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a warm, spiced delight that captures the essence of fall. With reduced cider and a cinnamon sugar coating, they offer a nostalgic flavor without the mess of frying—perfect for easy weekend baking.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, just make sure it’s not spiced or sweetened for best results.

Q2: What if I don’t have a donut pan?
Use a muffin tin—just adjust baking time slightly and shape a foil ring in the center if you want the donut hole look.

Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour.