Baked Apple Cider Donuts

There’s something irresistible about stepping into a kitchen filled with warm spices and the subtle sweetness of apple cider gently bubbling away. As you sift together flour, baking powder, and a whisper of cinnamon and nutmeg, you can almost taste the cozy magic about to unfold. Experience the cozy flavors of fall with these delightful Baked Apple Cider Donuts, perfect for any occasion! These baked treats capture the essence of autumn with their rich apple cider backbone, layered with a blend of brown sugar and melted butter that creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Unlike traditional fried donuts, this recipe keeps things light by using the oven, ensuring each bite is fluffy, moist, and brimming with that signature spice blend that makes fall recipes so irresistible. Dusting each little ring in a cinnamon-sugar coating gives them a nostalgic finish reminiscent of Saturday farmers’ markets and pumpkin patches. Every bite is a little piece of heaven, offering a gentle sweetness balanced by a warm, spiced kick that dances on your taste buds. With each mouthful, notes of toasted brown sugar, buttery richness, and a bright hint of apple shine through, making these donuts an instant crowd favorite.

We’ve all been there: wanting something indulgent but craving a simpler, fuss-free approach that won’t keep you tied up in the kitchen all afternoon. That’s what makes this beginner-friendly, easy-baking recipe such a winner. With just 20 minutes of prep, a quick 12-minute bake, and a brief 5-minute rest, you’ll have a dozen pillowy-soft donuts ready to devour. Each ring clocks in around 150 calories, making them a balanced treat for dessert or a special snack beside your favorite pumpkin-spiced latte. The course type here is pure dessert bliss, but you might find yourself sneaking these out of the fridge at any time of day. Pull out your donut or muffin pan, gather simple pantry staples, and follow along as we transform humble ingredients into something that tastes like a crisp autumn day in every bite. This recipe’s simplicity doesn’t compromise on flavor; it showcases how a handful of ingredients can yield incredible results, even if you’re new to baking. And the best part? You’ll find yourself reaching for these treats long after the season wraps up.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN BAKED APPLE CIDER DONUTS

Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients, and these baked apple cider donuts are no different. Each component plays a unique role, from structure and lift to spice and sweetness, coming together in perfect harmony to deliver that unforgettable fall flavor.

• apple cider: Provides a bright, fruity base that’s simmered down to intensify its natural sweetness and aroma, forming the heart of these donuts.
• all-purpose flour: Creates structure and body, giving the donuts a tender crumb without weighing them down.
• baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent to help the donuts rise and achieve a light, airy texture.
• ground cinnamon: Infuses every bite with a classic warming spice, used both in the batter and the cinnamon-sugar coating for layered flavor.
• baking soda: Works alongside the brown sugar’s slight acidity and cider reduction to boost lift and ensure a soft, fluffy interior.
• salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall depth of the spices, keeping the flavor profile bright and well-rounded.
• ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy undertone that complements the cinnamon and deepens the autumnal spice mix.
• unsalted butter: Contributes rich, silky moisture to the batter, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• brown sugar: Brings caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the donuts tender, while also adding moisture.
• egg: Provides structure, moisture, and richness, ensuring an even, cohesive batter.
• vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its sweet, floral notes, enhancing the apple and spice elements.
• milk: Hydrates the dry ingredients and contributes to a soft, tender crumb.
• granulated sugar: Forms the crisp, sugary exterior when combined with cinnamon, giving the final donuts that iconic sweet crunch.
• butter: Melted and brushed onto the hot donuts to help the sugar coating adhere and add an extra layer of richness.

HOW TO MAKE BAKED APPLE CIDER DONUTS

Transforming these simple ingredients into warm, spiced donuts is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to ensure each ring comes out perfectly golden, tender, and bursting with apple-cider charm.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter to ensure the donuts release easily after baking.

2. In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until reduced to about 1/3 cup. This process, which takes approximately 10–15 minutes, concentrates the aromatic apple flavor. Set the reduced cider aside to cool slightly.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and spices. Set the dry mixture aside.

4. In another bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the room-temperature egg and mix until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract, cooled apple cider, and milk to form a silky batter.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula or whisk. Mix just until combined—do not overmix or the donuts may become tough.

6. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan or muffin tin, filling each cavity about three-quarters full for perfect donut shape.

7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts are light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. While the donuts are baking, prepare the topping by mixing the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until well blended.

9. Once the donuts are done, allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully removing them.

10. Brush each still-warm donut with melted butter, coating the surface evenly.

11. Dip the donuts into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, turning to coat them completely in the sweet, spiced topping.

12. Serve warm and enjoy!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BAKED APPLE CIDER DONUTS

These baked apple cider donuts are not only delicious on their own but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Whether you’re hosting a breezy brunch, looking for the perfect afternoon treat, or wanting to elevate your next fall party, these donuts step up to the occasion with style. Their tender crumb and warm spice blend pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, adding a touch of seasonal charm wherever they land on the table. From drizzling sauces to assembling sweet charcuterie boards, there’s no limit to the ways you can showcase these rings of flavor. Here are a few favorite ideas that will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and delight every guest, friend, or family member who stops by.

• Coffee Companion: Serve one or two warm donuts alongside a cup of hot coffee—the bold bitterness of the brew offsets the sweetness and accentuates the apple spice notes.
• Caramel Drizzle: Warm a small batch of caramel sauce until pourable, then drizzle it over the donuts for an indulgent finish that highlights the brown sugar undertones.
• Apple Platter: Arrange sliced apples and a selection of cheeses on a charcuterie board, placing donuts as the sweet centerpiece; the combination of textures and flavors is a crowd-pleaser.
• Spiced Whipped Cream: Top each donut with a dollop of homemade whipped cream whisked with a pinch of cinnamon and a splash of vanilla, adding creamy richness to every bite.

HOW TO STORE BAKED APPLE CIDER DONUTS

While these donuts are at their absolute best when enjoyed fresh out of the oven, sometimes life calls for a little prep ahead. Storing your Baked Apple Cider Donuts correctly will help preserve their tantalizing flavor, tender texture, and that signature cinnamon-sugar coating. Whether you plan to enjoy leftovers throughout the day or save extras for the next morning’s coffee break, these tips will ensure that each donut stays as delicious as possible. Follow these storage methods to maintain freshness, moisture, and spice intensity until you’re ready for another bite.

• Room Temperature in an Airtight Container: Allow the donuts to cool completely before placing them in a tightly sealed container at room temperature. This method preserves the soft crumb and prevents the cinnamon-sugar coating from becoming damp. Enjoy within 24–36 hours.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage up to 2 days, line an airtight container with parchment paper and arrange the donuts in a single layer. Seal and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature or warm briefly in a low oven before serving to restore tenderness.
• Freezing: To keep donuts fresh for up to 1 month, place cooled, coated donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
• Refreshing Before Serving: If your donuts have lost a bit of their initial charm, pop them into a warm oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes to revive that just-baked texture. A quick fresh butter brush and dust of cinnamon sugar will breathe life back into them.

CONCLUSION

As you’ve seen throughout this article, Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful celebration of fall flavors made accessible for home bakers of any skill level. We started with simple pantry staples and fresh apple cider, reduced into a concentrated syrup, then combined with warm spices, tender flour, and a touch of vanilla to create a light, pillowy donut that’s free from deep frying yet bursting with sweetness. You’ve learned about each key ingredient’s role, followed a step-by-step guide to mix, bake, and coat your donuts in cinnamon-sugar perfection, and discovered tips for serving and storing your creations. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to share at a weekend brunch, a cozy snack to pair with your favorite hot drink, or a festive addition to a holiday spread, these donuts fit the bill. Remember that this beginner-friendly recipe takes just 20 minutes of prep, a brief 12-minute bake, and a 5-minute rest, delivering about twelve perfectly spiced donuts. With each ring containing around 150 calories, it’s an easy dessert that balances indulgence and simplicity. We also shared creative serving ideas—drizzling caramel, pairing with coffee, arranging on a fall-themed board—and smart storage methods so your leftovers stay fresh. Feel free to print this article and save it for future reference—everything you need is right here. For any burning questions, you can check the FAQ section below, which addresses common troubleshooting scenarios and baking tips.

I’d love to hear how your Baked Apple Cider Donuts turned out! Did they rise to golden perfection? How did your family or friends react when they tasted that warm, spiced sweetness? If you experimented by swapping whole milk for buttermilk or adding a splash of bourbon to the glaze, share your results! Have any questions about adjusting quantities, troubleshooting dense centers, or making them dairy-free? Drop a comment below with your feedback, questions, or tips. Your experiences help fellow bakers in our community learn and grow. And if there’s anything I can do to support you—be it clarifying a step in the mixing process, recommending substitutions, or suggesting other fall-inspired treats—please let me know. I truly believe that baking is all about sharing, learning, and delighting in small victories—like that moment you pull a dozen donut rings from the oven, their cinnamon-sugar coating still crackling with warmth. Every question or comment you leave not only helps you perfect this recipe but also inspires new ideas for seasonal treats down the road. So go ahead, bookmark this page, print it out for your recipe binder, and let’s keep the conversation going. After all, the best memories are made around the kitchen counter, with fresh donuts in hand and laughter in the air.

Print Recipe

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Author: Anna Dubois Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 12 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 37 mins

Calories: 150

Description

These baked donuts capture the essence of autumn with their rich apple cider and warm spices, making each bite a little piece of heaven. Perfectly fluffy and now a seasonal favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 cup apple cider

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon baking soda

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• ¹⁄₄ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¹⁄₂ cup milk

• For topping:

• ¹⁄₄ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter.
2. In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until reduced to about 1/3 cup. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.
4. In another bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the egg and mix well. Stir in the vanilla extract, cooled apple cider, and milk.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan or muffin tin, filling about three-quarters full.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the donuts are baking, prepare the topping by mixing the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
9. Once the donuts are done, allow them to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.
10. Brush each donut with melted butter and then dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
11. Serve warm and enjoy!

Note

• Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor, giving the donuts a delightful apple taste.
• Room temperature eggs help to ensure even and consistent mixing.
• If you don't have a donut pan, a muffin tin will work, although your donuts will resemble muffins.
• For a more indulgent flavor, use whole milk or even buttermilk instead of regular milk.
• These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keywords: baked donuts, apple cider, fall recipes, dessert, cinnamon, easy baking