If you’re looking for a recipe that captures the warmth of fall in every bite, baked apple cider donuts are exactly what you need. These golden, fluffy donuts are baked (not fried), soaked in real apple cider flavor, and finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating that melts in your mouth. But they’re not just for autumn — this easy, oven-friendly treat can be your go-to whenever you want something sweet, spiced, and undeniably comforting.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Baked, Not Fried – No hot oil, no mess — just quick oven-baked perfection.
- Full of Real Apple Flavor – Apple cider is reduced for a deeper, concentrated taste.
- Simple Ingredients – No fancy flours or rare spices here.
- Ready in Under 40 Minutes – Fast prep, quick bake, and even quicker to disappear.
- Perfect for Any Fall Occasion – Breakfast, brunch, parties, or just because.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone will ask for the recipe, guaranteed.
- Unbelievably Delicious – Soft, cakey interior with a crispy sugar-spice coating.
What makes these baked apple cider donuts stand out? It’s the reduced cider technique that infuses every bite with rich, apple-forward flavor — no artificial stuff, just cozy autumn magic.
Ingredients Needed
Let’s break it down into simple groups to keep it easy to prep and shop:
For the Donuts:
- 1½ cups (360ml) apple cider – Reduced down for concentrated apple flavor.
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – Measured properly using spoon-and-level method.
- 1 tsp baking soda – Helps the donuts rise.
- ¾ tsp baking powder – Adds lightness and structure.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – For that warm, comforting note.
- 1 tsp apple pie spice – A blend of fall spices; substitute with your own mix if needed.
- ¼ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 2 Tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness.
- 1 large egg, room temperature – Helps bind and create a tender texture.
- ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar – For deep, molasses-like sweetness.
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar – Adds a cleaner sweetness.
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature – Adds moisture.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – Enhances flavor depth.
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – For coating.
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon – Spiced coating layer.
- ¾ tsp apple pie spice – More autumn goodness.
- 6 Tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted – For dunking the donuts.
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
1. Reduce the Apple Cider
In a small saucepan over low heat, simmer the apple cider while stirring occasionally. Keep it going until the liquid reduces to about ½ cup (120ml). This usually takes 15–20 minutes, depending on your stove. Don’t worry about filtering out any solids — those flecks are flavor gold. Let it cool for 10 minutes before adding to the batter.
Why this matters: Reducing the cider concentrates its sweetness and tartness, making each donut burst with apple flavor.
2. Prep Your Equipment
While the cider is cooling, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray and set it aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Apple pie spice
- Salt
Set this bowl aside — it’ll be your base.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk:
- Melted butter
- Egg
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Reduced apple cider
Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. The batter should be thick but pourable.
5. Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into a large zip-top bag, snip one corner, and pipe the batter into each donut cavity — fill each about halfway full. This makes for an easy, mess-free fill and helps get evenly-sized donuts.
6. Bake the Donuts
Bake for 10–11 minutes, or until the tops are golden and spring back when lightly pressed. If they hold the indent, bake for another minute or two. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Re-spray your pan and repeat with any remaining batter.
7. Coat the Donuts
While the donuts are still slightly warm, prep the topping:
In a medium bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Dip each donut in melted butter, then generously roll in the spiced sugar coating until fully covered.
Mini tip: Don’t skip the butter dunk — it’s what makes the coating stick and gives that bakery-style finish.
Check out our Apple Fritter Cake to keep your kitchen smelling like fall.
Serving and Storage Tips
Best Ways to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Serve Warm: These donuts are best enjoyed slightly warm. The sugar coating is crisp, the inside is tender, and the flavors are at their peak.
- Pair with Drinks: Serve with hot apple cider, a cinnamon latte, or even cold milk for a classic combo.
- Add a Drizzle: Want extra indulgence? Try a light drizzle of maple glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
- Plating Ideas: Stack them on a cake stand or rustic wooden board for cozy fall brunch vibes.
Don’t miss our Apple Tarte Tatin.
How to Store and Reheat
- Room Temperature: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Line the container with paper towels to help absorb moisture and keep the sugar coating intact.
- Refrigerator: Not recommended — refrigeration can make them soggy.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze uncoated donuts in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and recoat with melted butter and cinnamon sugar before serving.
- To Reheat: Pop them in the microwave for 10-12 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–6 minutes.
Helpful Notes
Ingredient Tips and Swaps
- Apple Cider Substitute: In a pinch, use apple juice — but reduce it further for stronger flavor.
- Dairy-Free? Swap milk and butter for plant-based options like oat milk and vegan butter.
- No Donut Pan? Use a muffin tin instead. You won’t get the classic shape, but the taste is still amazing.
Make Ahead Advice
- The cider reduction can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- You can also prepare the dry and wet mixtures separately ahead of time and combine right before baking.
Extra Flavor Boosters
- Add a tablespoon of finely grated apple into the batter for a fresh bite.
- Stir a little orange zest or clove into the sugar topping for a citrus-spiced twist.
- Dip cooled donuts in maple glaze instead of butter for a sweet variation.
Discover great ideas like our Cozy Fall Breakfast Recipes You Need to Try.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan, reduce the apple cider over low heat until only ½ cup remains. This takes 15–20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced cider until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until combined. Batter should be thick but pourable. Spoon into a zip-top bag, snip a corner, and pipe into greased donut pan cavities—about halfway full.
- Bake for 10–11 minutes, or until tops spring back when pressed. Cool in pan 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter.
- While donuts are still warm, mix coating ingredients in a bowl. Dip each donut in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Notes
Conclusion
These baked apple cider donuts are everything you love about fall — warm, spiced, tender, and absolutely addictive. Whether you’re baking for brunch, a gathering, or just treating yourself to a cozy moment, this recipe delivers every time.
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s the concentrated cider reduction that gives real apple depth and the buttery sugar coating that adds that irresistible crunch. Plus, no frying means less mess and more flavor.
Have you tried this recipe? Leave a comment and a star rating — I’d love to hear what you think!Share your donuts on Pinterest or Facebook, and tag us so we can see your creations.
What flavor twist did you try? Cinnamon glaze? Caramel drizzle? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, but it won’t have the same deep apple flavor. If using juice, make sure to reduce it longer on the stove to concentrate the taste as much as possible.
How do I make these baked apple cider donuts gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Check that your baking powder and spices are gluten-free too. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I freeze baked apple cider donuts?
Absolutely. Freeze uncoated donuts in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and coat in butter and sugar right before serving.
Why did my donuts come out dry?
Overbaking is usually the culprit. Keep an eye on them at the 10-minute mark. If the tops spring back when touched, they’re done. Also, make sure your apple cider was reduced properly to keep the batter moist.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Microwave for 10 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid overheating or the sugar coating may melt.