If you have a soft spot for warm, comforting treats that meld the crispness of autumn apples with a gentle sweet spice, this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, cakey donuts imbued with the rich flavor of reduced apple cider and a perfect cinnamon-spiced sugar coating that creates a delightful contrast of textures. This recipe brings those classic fall flavors right to your kitchen in an easy baked version that feels indulgent without the hassle of frying. It’s the perfect edible hug on a cool day, and I’m excited to share every step to help you create these cozy delights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays a vital role, from infusing the donuts with warm apple cider flavor to giving them that tender crumb and irresistible cinnamon sugar coating.
- Apple cider: Reduced to concentrate its sweet-tart aroma, it forms the heart of the donut’s flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure, ensuring your donuts are soft yet sturdy.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Both work together for the perfect rise and light texture.
- Ground cinnamon & apple pie spice: Spice blends that deliver cozy warmth and aromatic depth.
- Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor complexity.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to add richness and moisture throughout the donut.
- Egg: Binds the batter and adds tenderness.
- Brown sugar: For that subtle molasses undertone and chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness that blends into both batter and topping.
- Milk: At room temperature to keep the batter smooth and help with tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrant note and rounds out the flavors.
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Reduce the apple cider
Start by gently simmering the apple cider over low heat until it reduces to about half a cup. This step is crucial because it intensifies the cider’s natural sweetness and flavor, which will shine through in every bite of your donuts. Don’t rush this—stir occasionally and let the cider thicken to a syrupy consistency for that depth of taste you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Prepare the donut pan and oven
While the cider cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly spray your donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure the donuts come out cleanly after baking. A well-prepared pan sets you up for perfectly shaped donuts without any sticking hassles.
Step 3: Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. This blend not only lays the foundation for your batter but ensures that the spices are evenly distributed, creating bursts of flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, egg, both sugars, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, pour this lovely wet mixture into your dry ingredients, adding the cooled reduced apple cider last. Gently whisk everything together just until combined into a smooth, slightly thick batter. Overmixing isn’t your friend here – keep it tender!
Step 5: Fill the donut pan
For neat and easy filling, transfer the batter to a large zip-top bag, snip off a corner, and pipe the batter into each donut cavity. Fill them halfway to allow room to rise during baking without spilling over. This technique helps create uniform donuts that bake evenly every time.
Step 6: Bake the donuts
Bake for 10 to 11 minutes until the donuts have a light golden color around the edges and gently spring back when poked. Remove from the oven, cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. Remember to grease the pan between batches if needed, so every batch pulls out perfectly.
Step 7: Prepare the topping
While the donuts cool, mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon and apple pie spice in a medium bowl. This sweet spice blend will be the signature coating that turns these donuts into an irresistible treat.
Step 8: Coat the donuts
Dip each cooled donut first in melted butter, then generously coat it with the cinnamon-spice sugar mixture on both sides. This final touch adds a delightful crunchy-sweet layer that perfectly complements the soft interior.
How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of warm caramel sauce elevates these donuts beautifully for a special touch. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans add texture and accentuate the autumn flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these donuts with a hot cup of spicy chai tea, rich coffee, or even a warm apple cider drink to create a comforting and cozy snack or breakfast. They also go wonderfully alongside a creamy yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a charming country-style look. For parties, stack them in a tiered dessert display or place alongside small bowls of caramel sauce and whipped cream for dipping fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, where they will keep their tender crumb. Refrigerating them extends freshness up to 5 days but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Freezing
These donuts freeze beautifully for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy warm apple cider goodness anytime you crave it.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or refrigerated donuts, warm them gently in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and that perfect cinnamon sugar crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apple juice instead of apple cider?
Fresh apple juice can work but it’s usually less robust in flavor. For best results, stick to apple cider since its tartness and spice notes complement the donut flavors perfectly.
Do I need a special donut pan to make this recipe?
Yes, a donut pan is ideal to achieve the classic donut shape and even baking. It’s an inexpensive tool that’s worth having if you want consistency and those lovely donut holes.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax egg or chia egg instead of the chicken egg. Also, swap milk for your favorite dairy-free alternative. These swaps should maintain the flavor and texture well.
How many donuts does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 12 donuts, perfect for a cozy gathering or sharing with family. If you need more, simply double the recipe and bake in batches.
What if I don’t have apple pie spice on hand?
No worries! You can easily make your own by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of cloves. This will give you the warm, spiced flavor essential to the recipe.
Final Thoughts
I sincerely hope you give this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe a whirl because it’s one of those treats that turns an ordinary day into a cozy celebration. There’s something magic about the combination of tender cake, warm spices, and that cinnamon sugar kiss that brings comfort with every bite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma—and enjoy making donuts that feel like a warm hug from the inside out.
Print
Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: Approx. 1 hour
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Description
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts deliver a delightful fall-flavored treat with warm spices and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Made by reducing apple cider for a concentrated flavor, these cake-style donuts are baked for a lighter alternative to fried donuts, then coated in melted butter and a cinnamon-spice sugar blend. Perfect for cozy mornings or as a festive dessert.
Ingredients
Apple Cider Reduction
- 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) apple cider
Dry Ingredients for Donuts
- 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
Wet Ingredients for Donuts
- 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: In a small saucepan over low heat, simmer the apple cider, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to about 1/2 cup (120ml), which takes approximately 20 minutes. Some solids or spices may form on top; do not remove them. Set the reduced cider aside to cool for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Donut Pan and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a donut pan generously with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside for later use.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt until fully combined and aerated.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into the bowl with 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: Spoon the batter into the donut cavities. For ease and precision, place the batter into a large zipper-top bag, cut off one corner, and pipe the batter into each donut mold, filling each about halfway.
- Bake Donuts: Bake the donuts for 10 to 11 minutes or until the edges and tops are lightly browned. Test doneness by gently poking the top of a donut—it should bounce back when done. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Re-grease the pan and bake any remaining batter following the same process.
- Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and apple pie spice creating the cinnamon-spice sugar mixture for coating.
- Coat Donuts: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip both sides of each donut into the melted butter, then generously coat them in the cinnamon-spice sugar mixture until fully covered.
- Serve and Store: These donuts are best enjoyed immediately while fresh. Leftovers can be stored tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh apple cider to maximize the apple flavor in the reduction.
- Don’t overfill the donut pan cavities to ensure even baking and proper donut shape.
- Ensure ingredients like egg and milk are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- The apple pie spice can be substituted with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice if unavailable.
- These donuts can be reheated briefly in the oven or microwave to refresh before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (apple cider reduction) + 11 minutes (baking per batch)
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
