Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

If you’re anything like me, the moment fall rolls around, your kitchen starts craving all things cozy and spiced. That’s why I’m excited to share this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe with you—it’s everything you want in a treat, without the deep frying hassle. These donuts come out tender, flavorful, and just perfectly cinnamon-spiced, plus they’re baked, so you can feel a little better about indulging. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through every step so you’ll nail this fan-freaking-tastic recipe in no time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together beautifully to create the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. I usually pick fresh apple cider from a local orchard if I can—makes a noticeable difference!

• Apple cider: Reducing it down concentrates that rich apple flavor, so don’t skip this step!
• Cinnamon stick: Used during cider reduction for a subtle warming kick.
• All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour: I’ve made these with both, and they’re fantastic either way.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Baking powder & baking soda: The essential duo for fluffy donuts.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg: The classic fall spice trio that gives these donuts their soul.
• Light brown sugar & granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds moistness and depth; the granulated sugar is mostly for coating.
• Egg: Helps bind everything while adding richness.
• Vanilla extract: Brings it all together with a sweet aroma.
• Oil (coconut or vegetable): Coconut oil adds a subtle hint of coconut flavor, but vegetable oil works great too.
• Almond milk or regular milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
• Unsweetened apple sauce: Adds moisture and ties into the apple theme beautifully.
• Unsalted butter (or vegan butter): Melted for that sugary cinnamon coating—this is where the magic happens!

Variations

I love that this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is so versatile—over time, I’ve tried a few twists and found ways to make it work for different diets and occasions. Feel free to play around!

• Gluten-free Version: Using a quality gluten-free flour blend worked perfectly for me with no gritty texture, just as moist and delicious.
• Dairy-Free Swap: I replaced butter with vegan butter and almond milk with oat milk for a friend who’s lactose intolerant—same amazing taste.
• Apple Variations: Sometimes I add a tablespoon of finely chopped apples to the batter for extra texture and sweetness.
• Spice Changes: You can amp up the nutmeg and ginger if you want a bolder spice profile; I did this once and loved the warmth.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by pouring 1 1/4 cups of apple cider into a small saucepot with the cinnamon stick. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and keep it gently bubbling until it reduces to about 1/3 cup—this intensifies the apple flavor and adds a lovely natural sweetness. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, and remove the cinnamon stick once done.

Step 2: Mix your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, kosher salt, baking powder, baking soda, and those comforting spices—cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. I like to whisk them well so everything is evenly combined; this helps you avoid clumps and ensures each donut has that perfect spice balance.

Step 3: Combine Sugars, Egg, and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Then stir in the melted coconut oil, almond milk, applesauce, and your freshly reduced apple cider. This wet mixture is where the moisture and flavor are packed in—don’t skip the applesauce; it really helps keep the donuts tender.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry, folding gently until just combined. Don’t overmix here—you want your batter smooth but a bit lumpy, so your donuts stay light and tender.

Step 5: Fill Your Donut Pan and Bake

Lightly grease your donut pan, then spoon or pipe the batter evenly into each cavity. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts will spring back when pressed gently—if they don’t, bake for another minute or so.

Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts are still warm, brush each one with melted butter. Then toss them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon for that classic donut finish. I discovered this trick from a bakery visit, and it instantly transforms these baked treats into something special.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with the cinnamon sugar coating, but sometimes I like to add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a light drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special touch. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar works wonders too!

Side Dishes

These donuts are great alongside a steaming mug of chai tea or your favorite coffee. For a brunch spread, I like pairing them with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit to balance sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fall party or cozy gathering, try stacking these donuts on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by mini pumpkins and sprigs of cinnamon sticks—it makes a beautiful centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they’ve cooled, I keep my leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay surprisingly moist, but if you want to extend freshness, the fridge works too.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts successfully by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months, which is great when you want to prep ahead for fall mornings!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep that moist texture intact. Just like fresh out of the oven!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I absolutely love how this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe feels like an effortless slice of fall in every bite. Once I found how easy it was to reduce the cider and skip frying, it became my go-to for cozy mornings or casual get-togethers. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these just as much as my family and I do—because nothing beats warm donuts fresh from the oven, especially when they’re this easy and delicious. Happy baking, friend!

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