Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm spices and fresh apple cider filling your kitchen, and that is exactly what you get with this wonderful Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe. These donuts are moist, tender, and perfectly spiced, capturing the essence of autumn in every bite. What makes this recipe special is the reduction of apple cider that infuses the dough with a deep, natural sweetness and a subtle tang, all while being baked instead of fried, making it a lighter yet utterly indulgent treat. Whether you’re cozying up on a crisp morning or craving a comforting dessert, these donuts deliver flavors and textures that feel like a warm hug from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and fluffiness. From the tangy apple cider to the fragrant cinnamon and apple pie spice, everything works harmoniously to make these donuts sing.

• Apple cider (1 and 1/2 cups): Reduced down to intensify its rich, fruity flavor and add natural sweetness to the donuts.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that provides structure and lightness when measured precisely.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the donuts rise and stay tender.
• Baking powder (3/4 teaspoon): Adds an extra boost for fluffiness.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the donuts with classic warmth and spice.
• Apple pie spice (1 teaspoon): A blend of spices that enhances depth and that unmistakable apple dessert vibe.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances all the sweet flavors perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons melted + 6 tablespoons melted for coating): Adds richness to the batter and helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together and lends moisture.
• Light or dark brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings a deep caramel note to the donuts’ flavor.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 1 cup for coating): Sweetens the batter and coats the donuts for a crunchy, sugary finish.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the donuts moist and tender.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors with a sweet, aromatic touch.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by simmering the apple cider on low heat until it reduces from 1 and 1/2 cups down to about 1/2 cup. This step is crucial as it concentrates the natural sweetness and intensifies the flavor, making each donut burst with that authentic apple cider taste. Don’t worry if a bit of spice or solids form on top—that’s flavor gold! Let it cool before using.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), and generously spray your donut pan with non-stick spray. This ensures your donuts come out effortlessly after baking.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices for that perfectly spiced bite.

Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and glossy—the texture should be luscious and inviting to mix into the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Combine and Form the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, then add the cooled reduced apple cider. Whisk gently just until everything is incorporated and the batter thickens slightly. Overmixing can make the donuts tough, so aim for a smooth but tender batter.

Step 6: Fill and Bake the Donuts

For easy filling, spoon the batter into a large resealable bag and cut off a small corner. Pipe the batter evenly into your donut pan cavities, filling about halfway to leave room for rising. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 11 minutes, or until lightly golden and springy to the touch.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon-Spice Sugar Coating

While the donuts bake, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice in a medium bowl. This fragrant sugar coat brings a delightful crunchy and spicy crust to the finished donuts.

Step 8: Coat the Donuts

Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip each one first in melted butter, then roll generously in the cinnamon-spice sugar mixture. This double coating step creates the best texture contrast and flavor burst in every bite!

Step 9: Enjoy Immediately

These donuts are at their absolute best fresh from the oven with the warm cinnamon-sugar coating. Serve right away to experience the perfect combination of tender inside and crisp outside.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar or even a light dusting of powdered sugar to add visual appeal and a hint more sweetness. You could also drizzle a simple vanilla glaze for extra indulgence, but these donuts shine all on their own!

Side Dishes

A steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte pairs beautifully with these donuts. For a brunch spread, consider adding fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to keep the plate colorful and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the donuts on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper and garnish with a few cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices. It makes for a stunning fall-themed presentation that’s perfect for entertaining guests or sharing with family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the donuts soft and prevents the sugar coating from becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making meal prep or snack time a breeze.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen or leftover donuts, reheat gently in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes their delicate texture and revives the cinnamon sugar coating beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple juice instead of apple cider for this recipe?

Fresh apple juice lacks the bold and slightly fermented flavor profile of apple cider, so while you can substitute it, the donuts might not have quite the same depth of flavor. If you do substitute, reduce it just as you would cider to concentrate the taste.

Is it necessary to reduce the apple cider before adding it to the batter?

Yes! Reducing the cider intensifies the flavor and takes out excess liquid, ensuring the batter has the right consistency without being too wet, which helps the donuts bake up perfectly.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that’s a 1:1 replacement. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure, and check the texture to adjust moisture if needed.

Why bake instead of frying the donuts?

Baking makes these donuts lighter and less greasy without sacrificing any of the flavor. It’s an easier, less messy method that keeps the texture tender and the taste just as amazing.

What’s the best way to get the cinnamon sugar coating to stick perfectly?

Dipping the donuts in melted butter before coating is the secret! The butter acts like a glue for the cinnamon sugar, creating that irresistible crunchy, flavorful crust on both sides.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly blends the cozy spices of fall with a light, baked texture, this Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe is your new best friend. Easy to make and impossible to resist, it’s a recipe worth trying again and again. Trust me, once you bring these donuts into your kitchen, they’ll become a treasured favorite that friends and family will beg you to make time after time.

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