Nothing says fall quite like a batch of freshly baked Baked Apple Cider Donuts. These homemade donuts are soft, tender, and filled with the comforting flavors of reduced apple cider, cinnamon, and aromatic baking spices. Since they’re baked instead of fried, they’re simple to prepare and require less cleanup while still offering a satisfying texture. Each donut is finished with melted butter and a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, creating a sweet outer layer that perfectly complements the moist interior. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these donuts are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are packed with rich apple flavor thanks to one important step, reducing the apple cider before mixing the batter. This concentrates the natural sweetness and gives every donut a delicious taste that stands out without making the recipe complicated.
They’re also incredibly easy to make. The batter comes together with everyday pantry ingredients, bakes in just a few minutes, and doesn’t require any deep frying. The buttery cinnamon sugar coating adds the perfect finishing touch, making these donuts irresistible while they’re still warm.
At Richy Bites, Alessia enjoys creating recipes that feel comforting without being difficult. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a homemade treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends throughout the fall season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Apple cider | 1½ cups (360 ml) |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (250 g) |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | ¾ teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Apple pie spice | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 2 tablespoons (28 g) |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup (100 g) |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup (100 g) |
| Milk or buttermilk | ½ cup (120 ml) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup (200 g) |
| Ground cinnamon | ¾ teaspoon |
| Apple pie spice | ¾ teaspoon |
| Melted butter | 6 tablespoons (85 g) |
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
The rich flavor of Baked Apple Cider Donuts begins by simmering apple cider until it reduces to a concentrated liquid. This extra step intensifies the apple flavor without adding excess moisture to the batter. Once combined with the remaining ingredients, the batter becomes smooth and ready for baking.
After the donuts bake until lightly golden, they’re brushed or dipped in melted butter before being coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture. This final coating gives each donut a delicate crunch while keeping the inside soft and moist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over low heat until only about ½ cup remains. Let it cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a donut pan well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir the cooled reduced apple cider into the wet ingredients.
- Gradually combine the wet and dry mixtures, stirring only until no dry flour remains.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with one corner trimmed.
- Fill each donut cavity about halfway.
- Bake for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool the donuts in the pan for two minutes before placing them on a wire rack.
- Stir together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice for the topping.
- Dip each warm donut into melted butter.
- Roll the donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve warm or allow them to cool before storing.
Helpful Tips
Reduce the apple cider slowly so its flavor becomes richer.
Measure the flour carefully to avoid dry donuts.
Mix the batter only until combined to keep the texture light.
Using a piping bag makes filling the donut pan cleaner and faster.
Coat the donuts while they’re still warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks well.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Sweet apple with warm spices |
| Texture | Moist, soft, cake-like |
| Cuisine | American |
| Category | Breakfast, Dessert |
| Prep Time | 45 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Yield | 12 to 14 donuts |
Notes and Variations
Swap regular milk with buttermilk for an even more tender crumb.
Plain yogurt or sour cream creates a richer texture.
If apple pie spice isn’t available, make your own using cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
Bake the batter in a muffin pan if you don’t have a donut pan.
Mini donuts require only about 8 to 9 minutes of baking.
A drizzle of vanilla glaze adds another layer of sweetness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are in Baked Apple Cider Donuts?
These donuts include reduced apple cider, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, salt, butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. After baking, they’re coated with melted butter and a cinnamon sugar mixture.
Why are Baked Apple Cider Donuts so soft?
Their tender texture comes from the balanced combination of butter, milk, egg, and reduced apple cider. Mixing the batter gently also helps prevent the donuts from becoming dense.
Can you freeze Baked Apple Cider Donuts?
Yes. Once the donuts have cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe container or storage bag for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do you store Baked Apple Cider Donuts?
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to five days and warm them slightly before serving.
Storage Instructions
After the donuts have cooled, place them in a tightly sealed container to help maintain their freshness. They can stay at room temperature for two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. For long-term storage, freeze them for as long as two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and warm briefly in the microwave or oven before enjoying.
Print
Baked Apple Cider Donuts | Soft Homemade Fall Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 to 14 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Apple Cider Donuts are soft, moist, and filled with concentrated apple flavor, cinnamon, and warm apple pie spice. They are baked instead of fried, then dipped in melted butter and coated generously with spiced cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
For the donuts:
1 1/2 cups apple cider
2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, at room temperature
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk or buttermilk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the cinnamon sugar topping:
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan.
2. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cider reduces to about 1/2 cup.
3. Begin checking the amount after 10 minutes and continue simmering as needed.
4. Remove the reduced cider from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
6. Grease a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
7. Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt together in a large bowl.
8. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Add the cooled reduced apple cider to the wet ingredients.
10. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
11. Whisk gently until the batter is smooth and combined.
12. Transfer the batter to a large zip-top bag or piping bag.
13. Cut off one corner and pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each cavity about halfway.
14. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the tops and edges are lightly browned.
15. Check for doneness by lightly pressing the top of a donut. It should spring back.
16. Cool the donuts in the pan for 2 minutes.
17. Transfer the donuts to a wire rack.
18. Grease the pan again and bake the remaining batter if necessary.
19. Combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice in a medium bowl.
20. Dip both sides of each warm donut into the melted butter.
21. Coat each donut generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
22. Serve the donuts warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Reduce the apple cider slowly to intensify the apple flavor without adding excess moisture.
Do not overmix the batter because this can make the donuts dense.
Buttermilk creates a particularly soft crumb, although dairy or nondairy milk also works.
For a denser texture, replace the milk with 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream.
If apple pie spice is unavailable, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
Without a donut pan, bake the batter in a greased or lined 12-cup muffin pan.
Fill muffin cups about three-quarters full and bake at 350°F for 18 to 20 minutes.
For mini donuts or mini donut holes, fill the cavities three-quarters full and bake for 8 to 9 minutes.
Store covered donuts at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days.
Freeze coated or uncoated donuts for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen donuts overnight in the refrigerator.
Warm thawed donuts briefly in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary by ingredient brand and serving size.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg
Conclusion
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a wonderful way to bring the comforting flavors of fall into your kitchen. Their soft texture, concentrated apple flavor, and buttery cinnamon sugar coating create a homemade treat that’s both simple and satisfying. Since they’re baked instead of fried, they’re easy to prepare while still delivering bakery-quality results. Whether you’re making them for a cozy breakfast, a festive brunch, or a seasonal dessert, these donuts are sure to become a favorite recipe you’ll return to year after year.