Bursting with the flavors of fall and apples, these baked apple cider donuts are not just easy to make, they are so scrumptious you’ll keep coming back for more! A stack of apple cider donuts on a wooden plate.

Why this recipe is so great:

  • Easy to make – All you have to do is boil down the apple cider to intensify its flavor before adding it to the wet ingredients. Mix the wet and dry ingredients by hand, combine the two, and bake. The total hands-on time is only about 15 minutes.
  • Baked, not fried – Because these donuts are baked and not fried, they are so much healthier, yet taste just as good as the fried version. The sugar coating gives them the same crunch and texture.
  • Tastes like heaven – Imagine biting into a fluffy and tender donut that is perfectly spiced with the warm and comforting flavor of apple cider. Each bite finishes with the crunchy taste of cinnamon sugar that coats your palate and makes your taste buds dance.
  • Can be made in advance – The donuts themselves can be made up to 1 day in advance and then all you have to do is coat them in cinnamon sugar before serving.

Apple cider donuts on a cooling rack.

How to make apple cider donuts:

(the ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card further below)

Process pictures of how to make apple cider donut batter

  1. In a small saucepan, reduce the apple cider until thick and 1/5th the volume.
  2. In a large bowl, toss together the flour, apple pie spice, leavening agents, and salt.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider reduction, sugars, melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
  5. Fill each cavity of a greased donut pan about 3/4 full. Bake at 350F for 10 minutes.
  6. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, lightly dip in melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar.

Filling a donut pan and then dipping in butter and coating in cinnamon sugar.

FAQ:

Do apple cider donuts taste like apple cider?

They do, but they are sweeter with more spice and with an extra sugary cinnamon coating.

Are apple cider donuts better baked or fried?

Well, that’s a matter of personal preference. I choose baked because to me, they are just as good but healthier. But if you are a fan of deep-fried goodies you might prefer that true crispy texture you can only get from deep frying.

How long do apple cider donuts last?

Apple cider donuts can last 2-3 days if properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

What can you do with leftover cider?

You can freeze it for the next time you want to bake with it. You can also add it to your smoothies, soups, oatmeal, gravy, and cocktails. You can basically use it like water in your everyday cooking to add more flavor and sweetness.

A stack of apple cider donuts with a bite taken out of the top one.

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Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Lily Ernst
  • Prep Time: 30 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 14-16 donuts
  • Category: breakfast, dessert
  • Method: bake
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Bursting with the flavors of fall and apples, these baked apple cider donuts are not just easy to make, they are so scrumptious you’ll keep coming back for more!

Ingredients

Donuts

  • 1 & 1/2 cups (375 ml) apple cider
  •  1 & 3/4 cups (245 g) all-purpose flour
  •  1 tsp baking powder
  •  1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  •  1 tsp apple pie spice (or ground cinnamon)
  •  1/2 tsp salt
  •  1 large egg
  •  1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
  •  1/3 cup (65g) lightly packed brown sugar
  •  3 tbsp (40 g) unsalted butter, melted
  •  1/2 cup (125 ml) buttermilk (or any kind of milk)
  •  1 tsp vanilla extract

Coating

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan and on med-high heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Turn down the heat and let simmer until it reduces to about 1/3 cup (80ml), about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease 3 donut pans with non-stick cooking spray. If you only have 1 or 2 pans, just bake in batches.
  3. In a large bowl, toss together the flour, apple pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider reduction, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla.
  5. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
  6. Transfer the batter into a piping bag or use two tablespoons to fill each cavity of the prepared donuts pans almost full.
  7. Bake at 350F for about 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes and transfer the donuts to a cooling rack.
  8. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip both sides of each donut in the melted butter and generously coat in the sugar mixture. 

Notes

The donuts are best enjoyed the day of. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Recipe adapted from: Pretty. Simple. Sweet