Baked Apple Cider Donuts: A Cozy Fall Favorite
Nothing says autumn like the scent of Baked Apple Cider Donuts wafting through your kitchen. These soft, cake-like donuts are infused with reduced apple cider and warm spices, then rolled in cinnamon sugar for that perfect fall bite. No frying needed just classic orchard flavor baked right at home. Whether you’re celebrating apple season, planning easy fall treats, or craving cozy weekend baking, this recipe brings the taste of the cider mill straight to your table.
Table of Contents
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 12 mins | 27 mins | 12 donuts | ~210 | Easy |
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (reduce to ½ cup)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + ½ tsp vinegar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Reduce the Cider : Pour apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until it reduces to about ½ cup, concentrating the flavor. Let cool completely before adding to the batter.
- 2. Make the Batter : In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, sugars, egg, buttermilk, vanilla, and reduced cider until smooth. Gently mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined don’t overmix.
- 3. Fill the Donut Pan : Lightly grease a donut pan. Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the cavities, filling each about ¾ full.
- 4. Bake the Donuts : Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until golden and springy to the touch. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- 5. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar : Brush each donut lightly with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that irresistible fall sparkle.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 210 | 11% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 10% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
| Sodium | 140mg | 6% |
Healthier or Dietary Alternatives
To make these Apple Cider Donuts Baked a little lighter, swap part of the flour for whole wheat pastry flour and reduce the sugar slightly. For a dairy-free option, replace butter with coconut oil and buttermilk with almond milk plus vinegar.
You can also bake them as mini muffins if you don’t have a donut pan just adjust baking time to 9–10 minutes. The flavor and cozy spice still shine through perfectly for fall baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with hot apple cider or coffee.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert twist.
See also : Easy Creamy Potato Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Soup
People Also Ask (FAQ)
Why are my baked apple cider donuts dense?“
Overmixing the batter can make them dense. Stir until just combined for a soft, tender crumb.
Can I make apple cider donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! Pour the batter into a mini muffin tin to make “donut holes.” They bake up just as delicious.
How do I store baked apple cider donuts?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. Warm briefly before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Conclusion
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts deliver all the nostalgic flavors of fall spiced cider, warm cinnamon, and a sugary finish without the mess of frying. Perfect for fall baking, weekend brunches, or crisp autumn mornings, they’re a cozy treat everyone will love. Bake a batch and share the joy of the season. 100% MOM-APPROVED.
