Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

If you’re anything like me, the smell of warm apple cider instantly brings you to cozy fall memories. That’s exactly why I absolutely love this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe—it captures all those comforting flavors in a perfectly soft, cakey donut that you can bake right in your oven. Unlike fried versions, these donuts are way easier to make and still burst with that classic apple spice goodness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to treat for chilly mornings or weekend brunches.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to make a perfectly spiced, fluffy donut with a strong apple cider kick. You’ll want to look for quality apple cider to get that full, fruity flavor, and using room temperature eggs and milk helps the batter mix smoothly.

• Apple cider: Pick fresh, natural apple cider with no added sugars for the best flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense donuts.
• Baking soda & baking powder: These work together to give your donuts the perfect rise and light crumb.
• Ground cinnamon & apple pie spice: These spices add those quintessential fall flavors—don’t skip or substitute lightly!
• Unsalted butter: Melted for the batter and coating, it adds richness without overpowering.
• Egg: Using a room temperature egg helps the batter blend in beautifully.
• Brown sugar and granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while granulated sugar adds sweetness and crispness to the coating.
• Milk: Room temperature milk helps keep the batter smooth and tender.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances all the other flavors so beautifully.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to play around—you’ll find each variation brings its own special twist!

• Gluten-Free Version: I once swapped all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend with great results; just watch the texture which can be a tad more crumbly.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for an extra cozy touch—I love this when making donuts for holiday brunch!
• Maple Glaze: Sometimes I drizzle a simple maple glaze instead of the cinnamon sugar coating—sweet and perfect for maple lovers.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and coconut oil instead of butter and milk to keep it vegan-friendly without compromising flavor.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce That Apple Cider

Start by gently simmering your apple cider over low heat. This is where the magic happens—the cider slowly evaporates, leaving you with a jammy, concentrated flavor. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn. I start checking after 10 minutes and it usually takes about 20 minutes to get down to a thick 1/2 cup. Don’t stress if some spices or solids float on top; they add character and can stay. Then, set it aside to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prep Your Donut Pan and Dry Ingredients

While your cider cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Give your donut pan a good spray with non-stick spray so the donuts release easily later. Then, whisk together all your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt—in a large bowl. This ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then pour this into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Add the reduced apple cider on top, and gently whisk until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter. Don’t overmix here—stop as soon as it’s combined to keep the texture tender.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Donuts

Filling each donut cavity can be a bit fiddly, so I’ve found the best trick is to spoon your batter into a large zip-top bag and cut off a small corner to use it like a piping bag. This gives you great control and a much cleaner process. Fill each donut cup about halfway. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the donuts spring back when you press on them gently with your finger. Cool in the pan for 2 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack. I re-grease the pan and bake the rest of the batter in a second round.

Step 5: Coat That Donut Goodness

While your donuts cool just a bit, mix up the cinnamon, apple pie spice, and sugar coating in a shallow bowl. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, dunk each side in melted butter, then press into the spiced sugar mixture. This step is what gives these baked donuts the delightful crisp coating we all crave. I always do this step quickly so the sugar sticks just right!

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with the cinnamon sugar coating, but sometimes I sprinkle just a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a lovely sweet-salty contrast. For extra sparkle on special days, dusting lightly with powdered sugar always looks festive. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of caramel sauce is divine!

Side Dishes

These donuts pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai latte. For brunch, I like serving them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness. They also make a cozy afternoon snack when paired with a warm apple cider or a mug of hot cocoa.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fall party, I once arranged the donuts on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and little bowls of dipping sauces like maple syrup and cream cheese frosting. It made the whole table look super inviting and folks loved taking their own flavor combinations. You can also thread them on cinnamon sticks for a playful “donut pops” presentation kids adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to keep leftover donuts covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft and moist thanks to the buttered cinnamon sugar coating. After that, I move them to the fridge, where they’ll last up to five days, but I do warn you—they’re best fresh!

Freezing

Freezing baked apple cider donuts works surprisingly well! I let them cool completely, then wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and toss them into a freezer bag. They keep great for up to 3 months. When you want a treat, just thaw at room temperature or heat gently in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat leftover donuts, I pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm briefly in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the soft texture and warms up the coating nicely without making them soggy, which can happen if reheated too aggressively.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s become my fall comfort food staple that I make whenever I want to bring a little warmth and sweetness to a chilly day. The ease of baking instead of frying paired with the deep apple spice flavor means you get all the cozy vibes without a fuss. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making (and eating) these just as much as I do, so grab your apple cider and donut pan and start baking your new favorite treat!

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