Description
Baked apple cider donuts are moist, flavorful treats filled with the essence of fall. With spiced apple cider, cinnamon, and apple pie spice, these baked donuts are a healthier, lighter alternative to fried versions—perfect for cozy mornings, gatherings, or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 and 1/2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice (for topping)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
Instructions
- Pour 1 and 1/2 cups apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over low heat until reduced to about 1/2 cup, around 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Add cooled apple cider and mix well.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures, stirring until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity halfway. Bake for 10–11 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let donuts rest in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Mix topping ingredients: granulated sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice in a small bowl.
- Dip each donut in melted butter, then coat in the sugar-spice mixture until fully covered.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Reduce apple cider fully to concentrate flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure fluffy texture.
- Use fresh baking soda and powder for proper rise.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for later.
- Serve warm with apple butter or maple syrup for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: baked apple cider donuts, fall donuts, apple cider recipe, cinnamon donuts, apple spice donuts, easy donut recipe, oven baked donuts