Name: Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-488086H1M36S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; Additional melted butter (for coating); Cinnamon-sugar mixture (for coating)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These donuts are full of autumn charm and incredibly easy to make. They use reduced apple cider to intensify the apple flavor, and since they’re baked, there’s no need to deal with hot oil or frying. The result is a soft, moist donut with a tender crumb and a deliciously crisp, sweet coating. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, baking with kids, or just craving a seasonal treat, this recipe fits the bill.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apple cider (reduced to concentrate flavor)
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Unsalted butter (melted)
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Milk
Additional butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture for coating

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
In a saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until reduced to about ½ cup. Let it cool.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and reduced apple cider.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed.
Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
While still warm, brush each donut with melted butter and roll in a cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 donuts.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Cooling and coating time: 10 minutes
Total time: about 35–40 minutes

Variations

Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Apple spice donuts: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper spiced flavor.
Maple glaze: Drizzle donuts with a maple glaze instead of cinnamon sugar.
Mini donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats; adjust baking time to 7–9 minutes.
Add-ins: Fold in finely chopped apples or a handful of raisins for extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh the texture. These donuts can also be frozen (without the coating) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before adding the cinnamon-sugar topping.

FAQs

What kind of apple cider should I use?

Use fresh, non-alcoholic apple cider (not apple juice) for the best flavor.

Why do I need to reduce the cider?

Reducing the cider concentrates the flavor, making the donuts taste more richly of apples.

Can I fry this recipe instead of baking?

This batter is designed for baking and is too soft for frying. For fried donuts, a different dough is needed.

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin and create a donut hole using rolled foil or a piping bag. Baking time may need slight adjustment.

How do I keep the cinnamon-sugar coating from falling off?

Coat the donuts while they are still warm and brush them with melted butter to help the sugar adhere better.

Can I use store-bought apple juice instead?

Apple juice lacks the tartness and depth of cider, but in a pinch, it can be used—just reduce it and possibly add a splash of lemon juice.

Are these donuts dairy-free?

Not by default, but you can substitute dairy-free milk and vegan butter to make them dairy-free.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the donuts right after mixing for the best rise, but you can prepare the reduced cider ahead of time.

Do these donuts freeze well?

Yes, freeze them without the cinnamon-sugar coating. Thaw, warm slightly, and then coat before serving.

Can I use apple pie spice instead of individual spices?

Absolutely. Replace the cinnamon and nutmeg with 1–1½ teaspoons of apple pie spice for convenience.

Conclusion

Baked Apple Cider Donuts bring all the best flavors of fall into a soft, warm, sugar-coated treat that’s easy to make at home. With simple ingredients and no frying involved, they’re a fuss-free favorite that’s sure to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or as a quick snack with your morning coffee, these donuts deliver cozy comfort in every bite.