Apple Cider Donuts: The Ultimate Baked Recipe for Fall

Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with the ultimate baked apple cider donuts recipe. Forget the deep fryer—these donuts are incredibly moist, cakey, and packed with warm spice. We’ll walk you through creating the perfect fall treat right in your own kitchen.

This recipe is designed for simplicity and flavor, yielding perfectly tender donuts every time. Coated in a classic cinnamon-sugar topping, they capture the essence of a crisp autumn day. Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of apple and spice.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Recipe

• Incredibly Easy: This is a straightforward, no-fuss recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The batter comes together in minutes without the need for a mixer.
• Baked, Not Fried: Enjoy a lighter, cake-like texture that isn’t greasy. Baking is simpler, cleaner, and a bit healthier than traditional frying.
• Packed with Fall Flavor: We use concentrated apple cider and a blend of warm spices to ensure every bite is bursting with authentic autumn taste.
• Perfectly Moist & Tender: The combination of buttermilk and reduced apple cider creates a wonderfully soft crumb that stays moist for days.

Key Ingredients for Success

Crafting the best apple cider donuts starts with a few essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving that signature flavor and texture.

For the Donuts

• Apple Cider: This is the star of the show. We’ll reduce it on the stovetop to create a concentrated, robust apple flavor that shines through.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our donuts. Be sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Spices: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives these donuts their classic, cozy aroma and taste.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with the apple and spices.
• Buttermilk: Reacts with the leavening agents to create a light, tender crumb. Its slight tanginess also balances the sweetness.

For the Topping

• Melted Butter: This helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the donuts, creating that irresistible crunchy coating.
• Granulated Sugar & Cinnamon: The classic duo. This simple combination provides a sweet, spiced crunch that perfectly complements the soft donut.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create bakery-quality donuts at home. We’ve broken down the process to make it as clear and easy as possible.

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by pouring 1 ½ cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Let it simmer until the cider has reduced to ½ cup, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial for concentrating the apple flavor. Once reduced, set it aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 6-cavity donut pan thoroughly with non-stick spray or melted butter. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Whisking ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour in the cooled, reduced apple cider and whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold them together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense donuts.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. This is the easiest and cleanest way to fill the donut pan. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about ¾ of the way full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Step 6: Add the Topping

While the donuts are still warm, prepare the topping. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Place the melted butter in another shallow bowl. Dip one side of each warm donut into the melted butter, then immediately press it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. Place the finished donuts back on the wire rack.

Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Donuts

• Don’t Skip the Cider Reduction: This is the most important step for achieving a deep, authentic apple flavor. Regular cider won’t be strong enough.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make your donuts dry. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the most accurate measurement.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough donut. For more tips on achieving the perfect texture, check out our guide on clean ingredient baking techniques.
• Pipe the Batter: Using a piping bag makes filling the donut pan incredibly easy and mess-free. It ensures an even shape for all your donuts.
• Coat While Warm: The topping will stick much better to the donuts while they are still warm from the oven.

Storing Your Homemade Donuts

These apple cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cinnamon-sugar coating may become slightly moist over time, but they will still be delicious.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved these donuts, you’ll surely enjoy exploring more comforting dishes. For a sweet and savory fall side, try our brown sugar roasted butternut squash. And for another cozy treat, our healthy pumpkin oat muffins are a must-try.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts

FL Recipes

Apple Cider Donuts: The Ultimate Baked Recipe for Fall

Discover the best baked apple cider donuts! This easy recipe delivers incredibly moist, cakey donuts packed with warm spices and coated in classic cinnamon sugar. The perfect, no-fuss treat to celebrate the flavors of fall.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 12 donuts

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 285

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Donuts

• 1.5 cups Apple Cider Reduced to ½ cup
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1.5 tsp Baking Powder
• 0.5 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp Ground Allspice
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter Melted
• 1 Large Egg Room temperature
• 0.5 cup Light Brown Sugar Packed
• 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar
• 0.5 cup Buttermilk Room temperature
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter Melted
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon

Equipment

• 1 Donut Pan Standard 6 or 12-cavity pan.
• 2 Mixing Bowls
• 1 Piping Bag Optional, but recommended for easy filling.

Method

 

1. Reduce Cider: Pour 1 ½ cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the cider is reduced to ½ cup. Set aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a donut pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all spices.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir in the cooled, reduced apple cider.
4. Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fill and Bake: Transfer batter to a piping bag and fill each donut cavity about ¾ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
6. Coat the Donuts: While donuts are warm, prepare the topping. Mix sugar and cinnamon in one shallow bowl and place melted butter in another. Dip each donut first in the butter, then in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalProtein: 3gFat: 14gFiber: 1g

Notes

Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter only until combined for the most tender, cakey donuts.
Coat While Warm: The cinnamon-sugar topping sticks best when the donuts are still warm.
Storage: Donuts are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Keyword apple cider donuts,baked donuts,fall recipes

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We can’t wait for you to try this simple and delicious recipe for baked apple cider donuts! It’s the perfect way to welcome the fall season. If you make them, please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest—we love seeing your creations!