When the crisp fall air sets in, nothing hits the spot quite like warm, spiced baked apple cider donuts. This classic treat brings together the cozy flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a soft, cake-like donut. Unlike fried donuts, these are baked, making them a little lighter without losing that irresistible flavor. If you’ve been craving a fall bakery treat, this baked apple cider donuts recipe is easy to make right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked apple cider donuts are:
- Perfect for fall gatherings like pumpkin patch trips, hayrides, or cozy mornings at home.
- Easy to make in a donut pan with simple pantry ingredients.
- Full of flavor thanks to apple cider reduction and warming spices.
- Healthier than fried donuts but still soft and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this baked apple cider donuts recipe:
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced to intensify flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour apple cider into a saucepan and simmer until reduced to about ½ cup. This step concentrates the flavor for the donuts. Let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, oil, vanilla, and cooled reduced cider until smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Fill
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. Spoon or pipe the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the donuts cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush each donut with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Variations to Try
- Glazed Donuts: Dip in a simple apple cider glaze made with powdered sugar and cider.
- Maple Glaze: Use maple syrup in the glaze for a deeper fall flavor.
- Mini Donuts: Bake in a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats.
- Spiced Sugar Coating: Add a pinch of clove or allspice to the coating for extra warmth.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip reducing the cider — it’s the secret to rich flavor.
- Use fresh apple cider (not apple juice) for the best taste.
- Pipe batter into the pan using a zip-top bag for neater donuts.
- Coat while warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks better.
Serving and Storing
Enjoy your baked apple cider donuts warm with a mug of hot cider, coffee, or tea. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This baked apple cider donuts recipe captures the best flavors of fall in a soft, spiced donut coated with cinnamon sugar. Whether you serve them at brunch, pack them for a fall picnic, or enjoy them fresh from the oven, they’re guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.
What makes these donuts so special is their versatility — you can keep them simple with a cinnamon sugar coating, dress them up with a maple glaze, or even turn them into a fun family baking project. They’re quick to prepare, mess-free compared to frying, and they fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of autumn spices.
Pair them with hot apple cider, a pumpkin spice latte, or a cozy cup of tea for the perfect seasonal treat. And the best part? Since they’re baked instead of fried, you can enjoy them without the heaviness of traditional donuts.
If you’re looking for a festive recipe to celebrate fall weekends, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy afternoon at home, these baked apple cider donuts are a must-try. One bite, and you’ll see why they’ve become a beloved classic in so many homes.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Equipment
- Donut Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Apple cider
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- ½ tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp Ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 Large egg
- ½ cup Brown sugar
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
- ½ cup Unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup Vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- ½ cup Granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 4 tbsp Melted butter (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- Pour apple cider into a saucepan and simmer until reduced to about ½ cup. Let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg, sugars, applesauce, oil, vanilla, and cooled cider until smooth.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet mixture. Do not overmix. Spoon or pipe batter into donut pan, filling ¾ full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool slightly before removing from pan.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon for coating. Brush each donut with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.