Baked Apple Cider Donuts are the ultimate fall treat, perfectly capturing the essence of this cozy season. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, each bite transports you to a crisp apple orchard ready for harvest. Unlike their fried counterparts, these baked gems offer a lighter, yet equally satisfying experience, making them an excellent choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Apple Cider Donuts

I’ve been making these apple cider donuts for years now, and they never fail to impress friends and family. The delightful aroma that wafts through the kitchen as they bake is enough to lure anyone in, inviting them to indulge in the deliciousness. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply craving a comforting breakfast, these donuts are sure to bring smiles to the table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making them time and time again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe takes just about 15 minutes of active time, plus a little patience while the cider reduces.
Irresistible Flavor: With a perfect balance of spices and the sweetness of apple cider, each donut is a burst of fall in your mouth.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their golden hue and dusting of cinnamon sugar make these donuts not just tasty but picture-perfect for your feed.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert—these donuts fit in any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Interested in making them gluten-free? Swap out the cake flour for a gluten-free blend, and enjoy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 1/2 cups apple cider: This is the star ingredient that brings that authentic apple flavor. Look for fresh, pure cider to get the best results.
2 cups cake flour: Light and fluffy cake flour ensures that your donuts turn out tender. If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a substitute by mixing all-purpose flour with cornstarch.
2 tsp baking powder: Essential for helping the donuts rise and achieve that airy texture.
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Gives the donuts their warm, comforting flavor.
1 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1/4 tsp nutmeg: This spice adds depth and a bit of warmth, bringing a cozy fall vibe.
1/2 cup milk: To add moisture and richness to the batter.
1/2 cup brown sugar: For deeper sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
1/4 cup sugar: Just a touch more sweetness to complement the brown sugar.
1 egg: Acts as a binder and helps add structure to the donuts.
2 tbsp butter, melted: Adds richness and enhances flavor.
2 tsp vanilla: A dash of vanilla lifts the flavors and adds a pleasant aroma.
1 cup sugar: For rolling the donuts after baking—this is what makes them irresistibly sweet!
2 tsp cinnamon: Another dusting brings that cozy spice flavor to the finish.
1/2 cup butter, melted: To coat the donuts before tossing in the cinnamon sugar.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of apple cider to a boil over high heat. Let it boil for one minute, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Keep simmering until it reduces to about 1/2 cup, which should take around 15 minutes. The cider will thicken slightly and darken in color, so make sure to measure out 1/2 cup once it’s done.
Cool the Cider: Allow the reduced cider to cool completely before proceeding. This step is essential, as hot cider can affect the dough consistency and baking time.
Preheat the Oven: While waiting for the cider to cool, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your donut pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of cake flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the reduced apple cider, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla until smooth.
Combine Mixtures: Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense donuts, so be gentle!
Fill the Donut Molds: Use a piping bag or a spoon to evenly distribute the batter into your donut molds, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: While the donuts are baking, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix 1 cup of sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon for the topping.
Coat the Donuts: Once the donuts are done and slightly cooled, dip both sides into the melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Serve & Enjoy: These baked apple cider donuts are best enjoyed warm, but they are delicious at room temperature as well. Pair them with a cup of coffee or hot cider for the ultimate cozy experience!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Baked Apple Cider Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week—just be sure to use a well-sealed container to maintain their softness. For longer storage, you can freeze the donuts for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Note that freezing may slightly change their texture; a quick reheat helps refresh their original comfort.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to accurately measure your ingredients for the best texture; use a kitchen scale for precision.
Allow your egg and milk to come to room temperature before combining, making it easier to mix and resulting in a smoother batter.
Let all your ingredients hang out together for a bit before baking; this can contribute to a more robust flavor.
If the donuts start to crown a bit, just remove them from the pan promptly to cool on a wire rack. This keeps them from getting soggy.
Consider adding a glaze or drizzling caramel on top for a special touch.
For a fun twist, try incorporating finely diced apples into the mix for added texture!

It’s super satisfying to see the smiles on everyone’s faces when they take the first bite. The harmony of flavors and the perfect texture make these Baked Apple Cider Donuts stand out. Plus, with each recipe iteration, you can adjust spices and toppings to your preference, crafting a donut that fits your unique taste perfectly. Happy baking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the donuts a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. If you want them warm, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

What can I use instead of apple cider?

If you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can substitute with apple juice for a similar flavor. However, keep in mind that fresh cider will yield a deeper, richer taste.

How do I know when the donuts are done baking?

The donuts are done when the edges turn a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They should feel springy to the touch!

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes, these baked apple cider donuts freeze beautifully! Just be sure to let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven when ready to enjoy!

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Baked Apple Cider Donuts

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 14 servings 1x
Category: DONUTES & SCONES
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are bursting with flavor, featuring a perfect blend of apple cider and spices. Simple to make, they are a delightful treat for brunch or dessert, sure to impress anyone who loves homemade goodies.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups apple cider
2 cups cake flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp butter, melted
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, melted

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Instructions

Boil the apple cider in a small saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to simmer after boiling for a minute.
Simmer until reduced to about 1/2 cup, approximately 15 minutes. Measure out to ensure proper reduction.
Allow the reduced cider to cool completely.
Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a donut pan with non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg by whisking.
In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup reduced cider, milk, brown sugar, sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla, whisking until mixed well.
Add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined.
Evenly distribute the batter among the donut molds.
Bake in the oven for 8 minutes.
Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a shallow bowl.
In another shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon.
Dip each donut into the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

Notes

Make sure the cider is fully reduced for the best flavor.
Let the donuts cool slightly before dipping in butter and sugar for easier handling.
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to three days.