Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect cozy fall treat, these Baked Apple Cider Donuts will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine soft, cakey donuts infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, kissed by a rich apple cider reduction, then finished with a buttery spiced sugar coating that adds a delightful crunch. They capture the essence of autumn in every bite and are incredibly easy to whip up, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack anytime you crave something warm and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays an important role in making your Baked Apple Cider Donuts burst with flavor and have that perfect tender texture. From the tangy reduced apple cider to the cozy spices, every item contributes to the donut’s unforgettable taste and golden color.
- Apple cider (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient that infuses the donuts with a bright and tangy sweetness when reduced.
- Cake flour (2 cups): Gives the donuts a light and delicate crumb.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the donuts rise perfectly fluffy.
- Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds that signature warm spice essential to fall flavors.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and spiced notes.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle hint of earthiness to complement the cinnamon.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Deep, caramel-like sweetness for richness and color.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the sweetness and helps with structure.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and tenderness to the batter.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and adds aromatic depth.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup for coating): Coats the donuts for a sweet crunch.
- Cinnamon (3 teaspoons for coating): Intensifies the classic spice finish on the donuts.
- Nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon for coating): Adds a subtle spicy warmth to the sugar coating.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, melted for coating): Helps the sugar mixture adhere perfectly to the donuts.
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Start by pouring your apple cider into a small saucepan and turning the heat to high. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and let it simmer away until it thickens and reduces down to about half a cup. This process concentrates all the bright apple notes into a syrupy reduction that’s going to make your donuts sing with flavor. Let it cool completely before using it in the batter.
Step 2: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease your donut pan well with non-stick cooking spray. This little step ensures your donuts will pop out perfectly after baking.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. This mixture creates the spiced foundation for your donuts and ensures even distribution of those warm flavors.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
Grab another bowl and mix the cooled reduced apple cider with milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This blend is where all the luscious moisture and sweetness from the apple cider reduction really shine.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until everything is combined to keep your donuts light and tender.
Step 6: Pipe the Batter
Transfer your batter into a large zip-top bag, then snip off a small corner to create a piping bag. Pipe the batter evenly into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway. This ensures a consistent shape and the perfect bake every time.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The donuts should spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted should come out clean. Transfer them onto a cooling rack as soon as they’re done so they can cool before you add the finishing touch.
Step 8: Coat With Butter and Spiced Sugar
Mix the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl for the topping. Brush the donuts with melted butter on both sides, then roll them around in the spiced sugar mixture until fully coated. This adds a delightful sweet crunch and a full burst of spice with each bite.
How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Garnishes
Your Baked Apple Cider Donuts are fantastic just as they are, but you can elevate them with simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for extra texture and nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these donuts alongside a hot cup of spiced chai tea, cinnamon coffee, or even a rich hot chocolate. For a more substantial brunch, pair them with a fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt topped with honey and cinnamon to complement the apple and spice notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the donuts stacked with apple slices and cinnamon sticks in a rustic wooden board for a self-serve fall brunch centerpiece. Or pop one onto a wooden skewer with fresh berries for an easy party treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Baked Apple Cider Donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, they may start to dry out slightly, but you can always revive them with a quick warm-up.
Freezing
If you want to make these donuts in advance, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for when those fall cravings hit unexpectedly.
Reheating
To reheat, simply unwrap and warm the donuts in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them on a plate for 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry, then refresh the spiced sugar coating if needed by brushing with a little melted butter and rolling in the mixture again.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but your donuts might have a slightly denser texture since cake flour results in a more tender crumb. For best results, you can also use a mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch to mimic cake flour.
What can I use if I don’t have apple cider?
Fresh apple juice is a good substitute for apple cider, but be sure it’s not sweetened or spiced. You want the natural apple flavor. Avoid apple cider vinegar, as it will add an unwanted tang and acidity.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cake flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend that’s designed for baking. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but the delicious apple and spice flavors will still shine through.
How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center of one donut; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready. They should also spring back lightly when you press them—a sign they are perfectly baked through and tender.
Can I skip the cinnamon sugar coating?
You can, but the cinnamon sugar is what adds that irresistible crunch and extra layer of flavor that makes these Baked Apple Cider Donuts so special. If you want something different, try dusting with powdered sugar or a simple glaze instead.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe these Baked Apple Cider Donuts will become one of your all-time favorite treats to make and share. They’re so inviting, full of warm spice, and perfect for cozy moments or celebrations. Once you try them, it’s hard to imagine autumn without their comforting, irresistible flavor. Grab your ingredients and get baking—you’re going to love every single bite.
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Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful autumn treat, featuring the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and reduced apple cider. Lightly baked instead of fried, they offer a tender crumb and a perfectly spiced cinnamon-sugar coating that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthier way.
Ingredients
Apple Cider Reduction
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan over high heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Boil for about 1 minute, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until reduced to 1/2 cup, approximately 15-20 minutes. The cider will thicken and darken; allow it to cool completely before use.
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the cooled reduced apple cider, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make the Batter: Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a large zip-top bag and snip off about 1/2 inch from a bottom corner. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about halfway.
- Bake: Bake donuts for 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Coat Donuts: Brush the donuts on both sides with melted butter. Immediately roll each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve: Enjoy the donuts warm or at room temperature for a perfect seasonal snack.
Notes
- Make sure the reduced apple cider is completely cool before adding it to the batter to prevent curdling.
- Do not overfill the donut pan to ensure even baking and avoid overflow.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and milk with almond or oat milk.
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- You can reheat donuts briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: baked apple cider donuts, autumn donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, healthy donuts, apple cider recipes
