When the first golden leaves fall and the crisp air sets in, my kitchen smells like cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm baked apples. One bite of these Baked Apple Cider Donuts, and you’ll know exactly what I mean. It’s the kind of recipe that started as a weekend experiment and quickly became a fall tradition in our home.
My husband, the ultimate taste-tester, took one bite, smiled, and said, “They taste like fall.” That was enough for me. Now every autumn, it’s not officially the season until we’ve had these soft, cake-like donuts that taste like a cozy hug.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about these Baked Apple Cider Donuts. First, they’re baked, not fried, so you get all the flavor without the grease. They’re tender, fluffy, and infused with concentrated apple cider, making every bite slightly tart and deeply sweet. The cinnamon sugar coating gives them that nostalgic donut shop feel, but homemade with love.
These donuts are:
- Easy to make, no frying required
- Packed with real apple cider flavor
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
- A hit with kids and adults alike
Plus, they make your kitchen smell like an autumn bakery. And if you’re planning fall gatherings or a Thanksgiving brunch, these will disappear fast. Looking for more fall treats? You’ll love these apple cider cheesecake cookies.
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Baked Apple Cider Donuts
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a cozy fall favorite. With real apple cider, cinnamon, and no frying, they’re perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Ingredients
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
1 cup apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
¼ cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
For coating:
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
1. Simmer 1 cup apple cider until reduced to ½ cup, then cool.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk reduced cider, eggs, brown sugar, buttermilk, butter, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
5. Pipe or spoon batter into greased donut pans.
6. Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
7. Brush warm donuts with melted butter, then coat in cinnamon sugar.
Notes
Don’t skip reducing the cider, it’s key to flavor.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
You can freeze donuts before coating them and coat after reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Ingredients
To make these homemade apple cider donuts, you’ll need:
| Dry Ingredients | Wet Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 1¾ cups all-purpose flour | 1 cup apple cider (reduced) |
| 1 tsp baking powder | 2 large eggs |
| ½ tsp baking soda | ½ cup brown sugar |
| 1½ tsp ground cinnamon | ½ cup buttermilk |
| ¼ tsp nutmeg | ¼ cup melted butter |
| ½ tsp salt | 1 tsp vanilla extract |
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Looking for another cozy fall flavor? These apple-pumpkin streusel muffins pair beautifully with your next cup of coffee.
How to Make It
- Reduce the cider: Start by simmering 1 cup of apple cider in a small saucepan until it reduces to ½ cup. This intensifies the flavor. Let it cool before using.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine eggs, brown sugar, buttermilk, vanilla, melted butter, and the cooled reduced cider.
- Combine wet and dry: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry just until combined. Don’t overmix.
- Fill donut pans: Spoon or pipe the batter into greased donut pans, filling each mold about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until the tops spring back when touched.
- Cinnamon sugar finish: While warm, brush with melted butter and dip each donut in cinnamon sugar.
Once cooled, serve them fresh or store them in an airtight container. Want something even more indulgent? Try these caramel apple cheesecake bars next.
Tips and Variations
- Use quality apple cider: Fresh, unfiltered cider delivers the richest taste. Avoid using apple juice, it just won’t give the same results.
- No donut pan? No problem! Use a muffin pan. They won’t have the traditional donut shape, but they’ll still taste amazing.
- Make them gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a celiac-friendly version.
- Add a topping twist: Drizzle with maple glaze or even apple cider glaze for an extra layer of fall flavor.
- Storage tips: Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them (without the coating) and reheat before dipping in cinnamon sugar.
For another fall-favorite variation, these apple-cinnamon bread loaves are excellent for gifting or meal prep. And if you’re as fall-obsessed as I am, don’t miss this collection of the best apple recipes on Dailycious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake them a day ahead. Just wait to dip in cinnamon sugar until right before serving so they stay crisp.
Can I freeze baked apple cider donuts?
Absolutely. Freeze them plain, then thaw and coat with butter and cinnamon sugar when ready to eat.
Do I need to reduce the cider?
Yes, reducing concentrates the flavor. Skipping this step can make the donuts taste bland.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Mix ½ cup milk with 1½ tsp vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Looking for another apple dessert that freezes well? These apple brownies are a freezer-friendly winner.
Finel Thoughts
There’s something magical about the first batch of apple cider donuts in the fall. It’s more than just a recipe, it’s a ritual. Whether you’re baking these for a cozy morning, a school bake sale, or just to fill your kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and cider, these donuts are guaranteed to bring smiles.
I’ve tested them, devoured them, and shared them; and every time, someone asks for the recipe. So now it’s yours. Try it, tweak it, and make it a tradition in your home too.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
