As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves turn golden, there’s nothing quite like the nostalgic aroma of freshly baked apple cider donuts wafting through your kitchen. I remember the first time I bit into one at a local farmers’ market—the perfect balance of warm spices and sweet apple goodness danced on my palate, instantly transporting me to my favorite fall memories. The great news? You don’t have to wait for a market trip to enjoy this seasonal delight!
This baked apple cider donut recipe is not only quick and easy to whip up, but it delivers that same soft, dense texture that rivals those decadent fried versions without all the hassle. In just an hour, you can treat yourself, your family, or guests to a batch of warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated delights. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cozy cup of coffee or hot apple cider, these donuts are bound to bring a smile to your face and fill your home with all the comforting flavors of fall.
Why are Apple Cider Donuts a must-try?
Warm, fragrant spices: The enchanting aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger fills your home, evoking the cozy essence of fall.
Quick and easy: You can whip up these delights in just one hour, making them a perfect go-to treat for any occasion.
Baked, not fried: Enjoy the beloved taste of classic donuts without the guilt of deep-frying—healthier is always better!
Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy morning with friends, these donuts are sure to impress.
Customization-friendly: Feel free to add mix-ins or experiment with flavors, crafting a unique version for everyone to savor!
Dive into your kitchen today and create warm memories with this delightful recipe!
Apple Cider Donuts Ingredients
For the Donuts
- Cooking Spray – Essential for greasing the donut pan, use non-stick spray for easy release.
- Apple Cider (1 cup) – Provides flavor and moisture; reduce it for a concentrated taste.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups/240 g) – The main structure of the donuts; no direct substitutions for best results.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Leavening agent to help the donuts rise; make sure it’s fresh!
- Kosher Salt (1 tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors beautifully.
- Ground Nutmeg (½ tsp) – Adds warmth; can swap with ground allspice if you prefer.
- Ground Ginger (¼ tsp) – Contributes a hint of spice; optional for milder donuts.
- Ground Cinnamon (3 ½ tsp, divided) – Core flavor; iconically used in this apple cider donuts recipe.
- Vegetable Oil (¾ cup) – Provides moisture; can be replaced with melted coconut oil for a lighter version.
- Dark Brown Sugar (½ cup/105 g) – Introduces moisture and rich caramel flavor, or use light brown sugar as a substitute.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup/200 g, divided) – Sweetens the batter and is used for coating.
- Large Egg (1) – Binds the ingredients for structure; a flax egg works as a substitute too.
- Unsalted Butter, melted (6 tbsp) – Infuses flavor and richness; may replace it with additional oil.
For Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetens the delightful finish of your donuts.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Adds an extra layer of spice to the coating, enhancing flavor.
These apple cider donuts combine ease and comfort, making them a delightful addition to your fall baking repertoire. Enjoy every moment of preparing and indulging in these seasonal treats!
How to Make Apple Cider Donuts
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Preheat Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s warm and ready for your donuts.
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Prepare Donut Pans: Generously grease your donut pans with cooking spray. This step is crucial for achieving easy release for your freshly baked donuts.
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Reduce Apple Cider: In a small pot, bring the apple cider to a boil and let it simmer until it reduces to ½ cup. Allow it to cool before using, as this concentrates the flavor.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, nutmeg, ginger, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This creates a fragrant spice blend that enhances the donuts.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, dark brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and mix well to combine everything thoroughly.
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Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the cooled apple cider into your wet mixture, then add the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which helps maintain that lovely donut texture.
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Fill Donut Pans: Transfer your batter to a piping bag or use a spoon to fill each donut shape in the pans about ¾ full. This will allow space for the donuts to rise beautifully.
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Bake: Place the filled pans in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the tops feel dry to the touch. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before gently unmolding onto a cooling rack.
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Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: In a bowl, mix the remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. While the donuts are still warm, brush them with melted butter and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to create a sweet, crunchy exterior.
Optional: Serve the donuts warm for the best flavor experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These apple cider donuts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance—just make sure to store the mixed batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and spoon the chilled batter into the donut pans. For an even quicker option, bake the donuts and let them cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat them briefly in the oven to restore their delightful warmth and softness, ensuring they taste just as delicious as when they were fresh!
Expert Tips for Apple Cider Donuts
• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to maintain a soft, fluffy texture—overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh spices and baking powder for maximum flavor and rise, ensuring your apple cider donuts are irresistible.
• Warm Coating: Brush the warm donuts with melted butter before tossing in cinnamon sugar—this helps the coating adhere perfectly.
• Cool Before Coating: Let donuts cool for a few minutes on a rack before coating; this prevents the sugar from melting and losing its crunch.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add in chocolate chips or nuts for an exciting twist—customizing your apple cider donuts makes them uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Apple Cider Donuts?
There’s nothing quite like pairing warm, spiced apple cider donuts with fall favorites to create a cozy dining experience.
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Hot Coffee: The rich, bold flavors of coffee enhance the warmth of the donuts, making each bite even more satisfying.
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Warm Apple Cider: Embrace the season with a cup of spiced apple cider served alongside the donuts, creating a delightful autumn treat.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast to the warm donuts, creating an irresistible flavor combination.
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Pumpkin Soup: The savory, mildly spiced notes of pumpkin soup complement the sweetness of the donuts beautifully, making for a comforting meal.
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Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Serve a dollop of this light and airy topping for an extra indulgent treat that matches the donut’s flavor.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Elevate your donuts by drizzling warm maple syrup on top for that sweet, sticky goodness that makes every bite heavenly.
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Chai Tea: The rich spices in chai tea pair wonderfully with the cinnamon and nutmeg in the donuts, enhancing the cozy vibes at any gathering.
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Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses balances the sweetness of the donuts, creating a sophisticated snack option for adults.
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Chocolate Sauce: Offer a warm chocolate drizzle on the side for those who prefer a decadent twist on their sweet treat.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Cider Donuts
Room Temperature: Store leftover apple cider donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fresh taste and texture.
Fridge: If you prefer a cooler option, keep the donuts in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container, though they may lose some moisture. Reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm treat.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze apple cider donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To restore warmth and softness, reheat frozen donuts in the microwave for 30 seconds or pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Enjoy your delightful homemade treat anytime!
Apple Cider Donuts Variations
Explore the endless possibilities to make these apple cider donuts your own with delicious twists!
- Pumpkin Spice: Swap apple cider for pumpkin puree and add an extra teaspoon of pumpkin spice for a seasonal favorite.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in half a cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Nutty Goodness: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for an irresistible crunch and nutty flavor.
- Maple Drizzle: Replace the cinnamon sugar coating with a drizzle of maple glaze for a sweeter finish that’s oh-so-fall-like.
- Cranberry Burst: Incorporate dried cranberries into the batter for a lovely tartness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the donuts.
- Coconut Infusion: Substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor in your baked treats.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a fun and unexpected spicy twist that will wake up your taste buds.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make these delightful donuts suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
Let your creativity shine as you bake, and share your variations with loved ones for an even more memorable experience!
Apple Cider Donuts Recipe FAQs
What type of apple cider should I use for the donuts?
Absolutely! You can use store-bought apple cider or make your own at home for the best flavor. Just make sure to reduce it in a pot until you have about ½ cup to concentrate the taste, which is key to those warm, spiced notes.
How should I store my leftover apple cider donuts?
The more the merrier! Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To enjoy them warm again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Can I freeze my apple cider donuts?
Absolutely! To freeze, place your cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, reheat them straight from the freezer in the microwave for 30 seconds, or pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to savor that fresh-baked taste.
What if my batter is lumpy?
Very! A few lumps in the batter are totally normal and even preferable to ensure soft, tender donuts. Just remember not to overmix it; gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just unified—a little texture is a good thing!
Are these donuts safe for pets or people with allergies?
Yes! While the apple cider donuts are safe for humans, be cautious with dogs as ingredients like cinnamon can cause tummy issues in larger quantities. For allergens, check specifically for wheat and eggs; you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) if needed.
Can I customize the spices in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground ginger and nutmeg with additional cinnamon or experiment by adding a touch of cardamom for a unique twist. Feel free to explore and make them your own!
Irresistible Apple Cider Donuts You Can Bake at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the donut pans with cooking spray.
- Bring the apple cider to a boil, then simmer until reduced to ½ cup. Let it cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, nutmeg, ginger, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, dark brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and mix well.
- Gently fold the cooled apple cider into the wet mixture, then add the dry mixture, whisking until just combined.
- Fill each donut shape in the pans about ¾ full.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until the tops feel dry. Cool for 5 minutes before unmolding.
- Mix the remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating, brush warm donuts with melted butter, and roll in the mixture.